Democrat Fox confirmed as N.J. transportation commissioner
TRENTON - The New Jersey Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed Jamie Fox, a former lobbyist and Democratic operative, to head the state Department of Transportation.
Fox's confirmation came just four days after Gov. Christie announced his nomination. Christie's selection for president of the Board of Public Utilities, Republican Richard S. Mroz of Haddonfield, also was confirmed.
Fox, 59, of New York City, is a former transportation commissioner who has worked for many New Jersey Democrats, including as chief of staff to Gov. Jim McGreevey. He replaces James Simpson, who resigned in June.
His main challenge will be to replenish the state's depleted Transportation Trust Fund, which finances projects to improve roads, bridges, and rail.
"We've reached the end of the line," Fox said Monday during a confirmation hearing before the Judiciary Committee. "We have to find a way to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund."
Asked by Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R., Bergen) if he would move away from borrowing as the primary way to fund transportation and instead seek to finance projects on a pay-as-you-go basis, Fox said, "I think if we don't move in that direction, we've made a terrible mistake."
Yet the committee notably did not ask Fox where the administration would find the money to shore up the fund.
Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D., Hudson) has signaled support for increasing the state's 14.5 cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline, which has not been raised in more than 20 years. State Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D., Union) introduced a bill this year to do just that.
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Democrat Fox confirmed as N.J. transportation commissioner