Andrew C. Axtell
Andrew C. Axtell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Australia |
| Died | March 10, 1994 (aged 82) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, corporate leader |
| Years active | 1950s–1970s |
| Known for | Mayor of Livingston, New Jersey; Essex County Republican Chairman; Commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
Andrew C. Axtell (December 11, 1911 – March 10, 1994) was a prominent Republican politician and corporate leader based in New Jersey.
Biography
During the 1950s, Axtell held the position of Mayor in Livingston, New Jersey. In 1962, he narrowly won the Essex County Republican Chairmanship, succeeding Robert W. Kean by a slim margin of 438 to 416 votes over former U.S. Attorney William F. Tompkins. Partnering with Kean's former Vice Chairwoman, Ruth Stevenson, Axtell led the county's GOP until his successor, George M. Wallhauser, Jr., took over. He was instrumental in backing William L. Stubbs as New Jersey’s first African American candidate from a major party for the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 1972, Governor William Cahill appointed Axtell to serve as a Commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During the gubernatorial race in 1973, Democratic contender Brendan Byrne criticized Axtell for his support of raising fares on the PATH transit line. A 1977 audit conducted by New York State Comptroller Arthur Levitt uncovered that the Port Authority had expended more than $100,000 on first-class international trips for Commissioners and senior officials, including Axtell and his spouse, Ruth C. Axtell (1909–2009). These excursions were coordinated by World Trade Center executive Guy F. Tozzoli. After completing his six-year term, Governor Byrne chose not to renew Axtell’s appointment.
Originally from Australia and raised in Ohio, Axtell served as President of Essex Welding Equipment Company. He wed Ruth Cunningham in 1937.