Jefferson Health VP David Simon Named New Chairman Of DRPA

By David Madden

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - It took two months for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett to complete his withdrawal as chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority. But the change at the top took place yesterday, with little if any fanfare.

Corbett's replacement as chair is Jefferson Health Systems Executive vice president David Simon, who says he doesn't plan a whole lot of changes.

After all, Corbett's goal was to shake things up at the agency known more for what it was doing away from bridges and mass transit. Those days are gone.

"That's what this is all about is going back to the core mission of safe and efficient transportation between the two states."

Simon insists he can relate to both drivers who use the authority's four bridges and riders who hop on PATCO. He promises what he calls a "regional approach" to running an agency that has seen its share of parochial infighting over the years.

Simon has been on the board for a year and a half. Former Delaware County Councilman Andrew Reilly fills the vacancy caused by Corbett's departure.