Pace to scrutinize operations after Metra fiasco

Pace is taking precautions to ensure the right hand knows what the left is doing.

Pace Chairman Richard Kwasneski formed a three-person committee to scrutinize operations in the executive director's office and look for ways to tighten review procedures.

The action Wednesday come in the wake of a misconduct scandal at Metro involving former Executive Director Phil Pagano. The longtime leader, who committed suicide May 7, received at least $475,000 in unauthorized vacation advances and forged the Metra chairman's name on documents approving those payouts.

Metra board members said they had no idea Pagano, who got 11 weeks of vacation a year, was getting away with the advances. Kwasneski didn't mention Metra when explaining the oversight committee but noted that in light of recent events, the timing was right to look at whether the agency was doing all it could to maintain public trust.

Pace currently has an audit committee, hires an external auditor and is audited by the Regional Transportation Authority and Federal Transit Administration.

Kwasneski said he wanted the oversight group to see how controls over spending could be tightened.

"I expect them to come back with recommendations on how to enhance safeguards," Kwasneski said.

The committee will be headed up by Pace Director Frank Mitchell, former Lockport mayor. Other members are directors Vernon Squires, former Wilmette mayor, and Richard Pellegrino, former Indian Head Park mayor.