PA Turnpike CEO Steps Down Amid Spiraling Debt, State Probe
Roger Nutt, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, abruptly resigned last week.
By Eric Boehm | PA Independent
HARRISBURG — Roger Nutt, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, abruptly resigned Tuesday.
Nutt was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett in 2011 to head the government agency that directs the 450-mile toll road system. He came out of retirement to accept the position and said in a brief statement he was resigning to return to retirement.
Nutt, 72, told fellow members of the commission he felt fatigued, stressed and was unable to perform at the level expected.
“I have decided that, for my long-term health, it is best I resign at this time,” Nutt said in a statement.
He is the father of Corbett’s longtime adviser and former campaign manager Brian Nutt. As the turnpike’s CEO, he made a salary of $196,000.
His resignation comes at a time when the turnpike is under fire from a number of sides.
Auditor General Jack Wagner has warned repeatedly in recent months the turnpike commission is in danger of drowning itself in debt. The commission has seen its level of debt climb 180 percent since 2007 as the result of a state law that used turnpike toll revenue to cover debt service on borrowing for other transportation projects.
The debt has forced tolls to increase for five consecutive years and prompted some lawmakers to call for resignations of turnpike officials.
The turnpike commission is under investigation by the state attorney general’s office, according to recently unsealed court documents.
Before joining the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Nutt worked in senior-level positions at various New Jersey transportation agencies for 28 years, including serving as executive director of the N.J. Turnpike Authority, the N.J. Highway Authority and the state’s Transit Corporation.
Click here to read Nutt’s resignation letter in full.
Contact Boehm at Eric@PAIndependent.com and follow @PAIndependent on Twitter.
Bruce Davis
4:43 am on Monday, October 15, 2012
The PA Turnpike Commission and its perpetuation has always been used to reward political supporters by both parties with jobs. It is no surprise there is a problem and costs are unabated in red ink.
Reaganite
9:33 am on Monday, October 15, 2012
These Quasi-state government agencies, like the PTC and PHEAA are just poorly run with no business sense at all. Nepotism, poor business practices all milking the state pension system. Oh yes they all get state pensions. These things need to be managed better. The politicians who have let these bloated bureaucracies go on need to be investigated.
kari
1:31 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I want to be the PTC's new ceo
Andy Novick
4:24 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Local radio show today at 12 noon....
Where were you during Hurricane Sandy?
How did it effect you? Are you still in the dark? Do you agree with NYC to cancell the Marathon? Call in to this radio show, live in Easton Pa...
(718) 508-9465
just use your cell phone....
but if you are at a computer:
http://tinyurl.com/wwwind