DRPA watchdog quitting

CAMDEN – The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) inspector general has resigned, citing a "hostile" work environment that has prevented him from issuing a report on the authority's performance.

Thomas W. Raftery III submitted his resignation letter Monday to the authority chairman, Pennsylvania Lt. Governor James Cawley, and to several other board members.

Raftery, who was hired an an official independent watchdog for the agency operation two years ago, said he is resigning effective Oct. 17. His reasons included interference in Office of the Inspector General (OIG) matters by an several unnamed DRPA board members, criticism of OIG audits, internal investigations of his staff and lack of action on a formal complaint he filed about the dilemma four months ago.

He said DRPA "has fostered an environment that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for OIG to obtain the necessary information and/or documents from staff in order to perform effective audits." A "hostile work environment" has left him and his office ineffective and unable to issue reports, he continued.

"This is clearly not in the best interest of the toll payers and is inconsistent with… the stated goals of the board to restore openness and transparency…," he wrote.

DRPA officials could not be immediately reached for comment.