NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka has expressed optimism about working with Kris Kolluri, who was recently appointed as the interim president and CEO of NJ TRANSIT. The appointment followed a vote by NJT's board of directors.
"NJBIA looks forward to working with Kris Kolluri following his appointment today," Siekerka stated. She highlighted Kolluri's past roles as a former commissioner for the State Department of Transportation and former board chair for NJ TRANSIT, noting his experience and dedication to the position.
Siekerka also addressed concerns regarding a new $1 billion tax on businesses intended to fund NJ TRANSIT. "While the business community strongly opposed a new $1 billion tax on business to help fund NJ TRANSIT this year, we want to ensure that this tax is utilized for its intended purpose and not redirected for budget shortfalls," she said. She emphasized the importance of maximizing investment and finding efficiencies in collaboration with the agency.
"We offer our partnership to Kris and NJ TRANSIT to ensure this outcome under this new direction," Siekerka concluded.
