A Wednesday Daily News opinion piece by Campaign staffer Bill Yates describes the Port Authority's closed-door decision-making process. Yates' first-hand account detailed the difficulties citizens have obtaining basic information like the content of PA board meeting agendas, and noted that public comment at PA meetings is highly circumscribed. He said it is highly likely that negative feelings toward the agency are in large measure rooted in the remoteness of its decision-making process from public view and participation.

The piece noted that, in contrast to the Port Authority, the MTA's performance has improved in tandem with more openness, including formal public speaking periods prior to the business proceedings at board and committee meetings, and a Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee.

"The mantra in some business and policy making circles is that strategic infrastructure decisions will be key to the region's prospects in the next century. If this is true, then basic democracy at the Port Authority is imperative," wrote Yates.