Opinion

Metra board has some explaining to do

Posted July 10, 2013 4:12 pm

The Metra board, which includes former Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder, quietly approved a severance package that could approach $750,000 for outgoing CEO Alex Clifford. The millions of people who have been fired during the recent economic recession could only dream of such leverage going out the door.

State Rep. Jack Franks said, “They ought to be locked up, the board. Keep them away from our money.” But I think each board member should be allowed to publicly explain why he or she voted for a lavish severance package just after the highest ever fare increase. And while we have the board’s attention maybe they can explain why Metra still has an abysmal safety record around rail crossings, low on-time performance, numerous delays and equipment failures. Then after a fair, democratic and transparent hearing we can fire and lock them up.

Keith A. Moens

Arlington Heights

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