Pataki's Petty Veto

Governor Pataki's reasons for vetoing a bill that would have given the Police Commissioner a seat on the Port Authority board are not compelling.

He noted that PA police officials "regularly consult" with the NYPD, as well as with state and Federal law-enforcement officials.

Mayor Bloomberg protested the veto, saying it would make it more difficult to coordinate security for the city's transportation infrastructure.

The NYPD is the prime local authority for dealing with terrorist threats. Giving Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and those who succeed him a direct role on the PA board, rather than requiring them to communicate through intermediaries, would have been a wise thing to do. That Mr. Pataki chose not to smacks more of protecting turf, or some other less-than-noble motive, than of a decision made on the merits.