advertisement

Enough votes to oust Metra chairman?

A turbulent situation at Metra could get even choppier with the possibility of a stalemate on Chairman Brad O'Halloran's future.

With two directors leaving, the votes needed to remove O'Halloran might not be there — even if a majority wants him out.

Directors Paul Darley of Elmhurst and Mike McCoy of Aurora stepped down Tuesday and June 19, respectively, as the agency faces flak over an up-to $718,000 separation agreement with former CEO Alex Clifford, who has accused O'Halloran of misconduct.

Nine out of 11 board directors remain, but eight votes are required to take action regarding the chairman. Meanwhile, Director Jack Schaffer of Cary told the Daily Herald on Tuesday he would put the matter to a vote Aug. 16.

Vice Chairman Jack Partelow of Naperville said Wednesday he would not vote for the status quo.

“The time is right for some corrective action regarding the chairman,” Partelow said.

Most Metra directors have kept a low profile since approving the June 21 separation agreement, and many did not return calls. At this point, although many are in favor of a change, the eight votes aren't there yet, officials said.

Clifford accused O'Halloran of condoning political patronage pressure over jobs from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in 2012, which the chairman has denied. In addition, revelations O'Halloran double-dipped by receiving stipends as a Metra director and Orland Park trustee have caused lawmakers to call for his ouster.

Who would be the next chairman — if O'Halloran goes — is partly determined by a formula Metra directors approved in 2012. A rotating chairmanship gives the job to a Cook County director for one term, then to a board member from DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties next. However, it is not clear how the rotation would work if a chairman's term ended abruptly.

The remaining collar county directors on Metra include Partelow, Norm Carlson of Lake Forest and Jack Schaffer of Cary, who has said he will not seek reappointment when his term expires next year.

To conduct meetings and vote on most Metra business, six directors are required, which could scuttle plans for a high-profile consultant to investigate Clifford's allegations. O'Halloran had sought to hire renowned former prosecutor Patrick Collins, but he withdrew.

That's a good thing, thinks Steve Schlickman, head of the University of Illinois at Chicago's Urban Transportation Center and former RTA CEO.

“You're not going to get what would be perceived as a credible evaluation — that would only come from an independent third party not at all connected to Metra,” Schlickman said.

Is it time to start over with new Metra board?

Internal strife on Metra board peaks with demand for information

Metra leaves out critical info from CEO's memo

Metra ex-CEO, chairman agree only that someone’s lying

Metra to call special session

State Rep. Harris says Metra chairman should resign

Latest spin on Metra fiasco — no Collins

Ex-federal prosecutor won’t conduct Metra probe

Resigning Metra board director details 'gotcha game'

Metra vacancy has Kane County chairman wondering who can fill it

Metra considering hiring Dan Webb for investigation

Should Metra's chair go? Appointing officials weigh in

DuPage representative resigns from board

Director: It’s time to vote on chairman

Cronin not rushing to fill Metra vacancy

Jack Partelow
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.