Governor Chris Christie today nominated state Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-40) of Cedar Grove to be a member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The governor put forward O’Toole to replace Pat Schuber, who is leaving the board.

A crisis manager, O’Toole heads his own politically connected law firm in Essex County.

He has strong relationships across the aisle, most significantly Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) and state Senator Brian P. Stack (D-33).

O’Toole name emerged in conjunction with the name of Caren Turner, Christie’s other pick for the Port and an ally of Senate Majority Loretta Weinberg (D-37).