Newark Airport Security Chief Gets Bonus Despite Continuing Concerns over Security
Source AP Alert - New Jersey via NewsEdge Corporation
NEWARK, N.J. -- The director of security at Newark Liberty International Airport got the highest federal bonus possible last year despite concerns about safety at the airport, according to a published report.
Marcus Arroyo received a $20,000 bonus even though there have been problems with security at the airport since the U.S. Transportation Security Administration took over two years ago, according to the report in The Sunday Star-Ledger of Newark. Arroyo's annual salary is $151,498.
Arroyo and 38 other executives got the top bonus, according to the report, which cited an agency official familiar with the benefits. Bonuses to 49 other executives with the administration ranged from $10,000 to $17,500.
The airport, which was one of three used by the Sept. 11 terrorists, has had staffing shortages, delays in implementing electronic screening of bags for explosives, and poor performances by screeners who missed 25 percent of explosives and weapons during testing in the summer.
Arroyo declined to comment on the bonus.
A spokesman for Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., said the airport's security concerns were due to a federal funding shortage and that the bonus was deserved.
"Sen. Lautenberg believes Mr. Arroyo has been doing a good job," Lautenberg spokesman Alex Formuzis said. "He doesn't see any reason why Mr. Arroyo -- who's worked very hard -- shouldn't get it."
