Politics & Government

Ex-Port Authority Official Involved In 'Bridgegate' At Hearing, Refuses To Talk

David Wildstein, the former high-raking Port Authority official close to Gov. Chris Christie, refused to answer questions today before a state Assembly committee investigating his role in the closure of four lanes of the George Washington Bridge.

Wildstein, who tried unsuccessfully to quash a subpoena requiring him to appear before the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities committee Thursday, declined to answer each question from the committee, asserting his Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent.

Wildstein refused to answer each question posed by committee Chairman Assemblyman John Wisniewski.

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"Mr. Wildstein, I'm getting the feeling that I'm wasting my time here,'' Wisniewski said after about 15 minutes into the hearing.

Wildstein refused to answer questions before the committee from everything from his former position to whether items in the document were redacted.

Wildstein's reasoning centered possible legal action that may be taken against him, and his responses during the hearing could be used against him in a court.

Wisniewski asserted that under state law, Wildstein must answer the questions, but Wildstein's attorney stated he believes the federal law trumps the state law.

Winsiewski advised this may put Wildstein in contempt of the committee's subpoena.

Check with Patch as the story develops.

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