RTA mum on harassment complaint

Regional Transportation Authority officials circled the wagons around Executive Director Joseph Costello after a report surfaced he had been subject to a sexual harassment complaint.

“The allegation was anonymous, and the RTA is not commenting further,” spokeswoman Diane Palmer said Thursday.

The RTA conducted an internal investigation but could not confirm the complaint that emerged this summer, according to a report in Crain’s, and the matter was referred to the Illinois Executive Inspector General’s Office, as is the usual procedure. An official with the inspector general’s office said the agency could not comment.

Costello had served as the RTA’s chief financial officer before being promoted to executive director in 2010. He did not return a call.

RTA Director Jan Carlson of Elburn said the issue had not been discussed in public session and therefore he was unable to speak directly to it. But he said he had confidence in Costello.

“At this point, I’m satisfied that everything is OK,” Carlson said.

The RTA has financial authority over the CTA, Metra and Pace.