Schaeffer must go from Metra board

Schaeffer must go from Metra board

Government by cronyism has long been a problem in McHenry County. Newly installed Chairwoman Tina Hill has an opportunity to reject this corrupt practice and bring openness and transparency to McHenry County government.

McHenry County’s Metra representative Jack Schaeffer was clouted into the position because he was a former state senator and former Republican Party chairman. He has no expertise in mass transit issues. He was chosen for this board because of who he knows, not what he knows. He is receiving $20,000 per year in health benefits and $20,000 in salary while receiving his third state pension for 12 scheduled meetings a year.

Mr. Schaeffer’s friend Phil Pagano was the executive director of Metra who allegedly looted it for more than $400,000. Mr. Schaeffer was treasurer at Metra when the thefts occurred. The other officers at Metra complied when they were asked to resign by their respective county board chairmen as a result of their lack of oversight.

McHenry County refuses to ask their good old boy Jack Schaeffer to step down. Instead of demanding accountability with our tax dollars, the board has rewarded Mr. Schaeffer with an increase in pension benefits.

This madness must top. Again it appears that only State Representative Jack Franks will step up to fight for the taxpayers against government corruption. Franks is the only elected official demanding that Schaeffer be removed. Tina Hill should follow Representative Franks’ advice and protect McHenry County taxpayers by finally cleaning up this mess for good.

Ronald Eck Jr.

Woodstock