Mayor Hornik Not Surprised by GWB Scandal

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik says that while he’s upset about the “Bridgegate” lane-closure scandal, it doesn’t surprise him.

Mayor Hornik, a Democrat who endorsed former state Sen. Barbara Buono during the recent gubernatorial election, said politics in New Jersey can be tough, but he had hoped that at a certain level, elected officials could learn to be above it.

“I came out early for Buono, so I wasn’t approached by Christie, and I wouldn’t have endorsed him,” said Hornik. “New Jersey politics is a full-contact sport, it’s very hard hitting. But, I hope that when you rise to the state level and beyond, it removes this type of thing.”

Messages released Wednesday show top officials close to Christie were involved with the George Washington Bridge lane closures. Some are suggesting that those closures were payback for Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich not endorsing Christie’s bid for re-election.

Emails obtained by The New York Times and The Record show Bridget Anne Kelly, a deputy chief of staff to the governor, told a Port Authority official close to Christie that it was “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” about two weeks before the lanes were closed.

“It’s a difficult day for people for Fort Lee and the people of New Jersey,” he said. “It’s very upsetting to see the facts unfold. You always hope that you elected good people to work and perform for the state.”

On Thursday, Christie began damage control. During a nearly two-hour press conference, Christie said Kelly was terminated after "she lied to me" about her role in closing the GWB lanes. Christie also said he was "embarrassed" by the revelations and that he did not know the true nature of the problem when he first addressed it a month ago. He dismissed a reporter's question as to whether he would resign, calling it "crazy."

Hornik agreed that Christie should be embarrassed, and that he owes more than an apology.

“I just finished watching his press conference and felt like he made himself out to be the victim. But it’s the Fort Lee residents who are the victims, the people of New Jersey are victims and he, correctly, should be embarrassed and apologize, but he’s not the victim here. He needs to make up for what transpired to the people of Fort Lee. While it was a good performance, his press conference, I do not feel bad for him.”

Hornik, who is in his second term, said that while he has been mentioned in media outlets as a potential candidate for higher office, he has no such plans and will continue to focus on being the mayor of Marlboro.

 “I’m concentrating on performing my job as mayor, I believe you have to concentrate on the job you have, and I’m working hard for the residents of Marlboro.”