Gov. Christie Wants Veto Power Over Authorities

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is using the firing of six of the seven commissioners at the state's largest sewerage authority to renew his call for veto power over the actions of such agencies.

Christie told a town hall audience in Middletown on Wednesday that he wants the final say over the actions of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority and similar agencies.

Christie says the Passaic Valley commissioners engaged in unethical conduct, including hiring family members for high-paying jobs.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney says giving the governor veto authority would hand him too much power.

Sweeney wants better hiring practices. Other lawmakers have called for stricter oversight of the sewerage authority.

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