Push for inspector general for Metra continues

The push to create an independent inspector general at Metra continues with a September meeting scheduled for lawmakers and transit agencies to discuss the issue.

Metra is in the midst of a transition following the suicide of its Executive Director Phil Pagano who was the focus of a financial misconduct probe. Officials later revealed that Pagano had received unauthorized payments of at least $475,000 in vacation pay among other irregular activities such as approving extra time off for other executives.

The Metra board hired an outside agency, Hillard Heintze of Chicago, to be its acting inspector general. But state senators including Democrat Susan Garrett of Lake Forest say that's not good enough.

Garrett proposed legislation that didn't make it past a legislative committee this spring to have the governor appoint an inspector general to be confirmed by the Senate.

The idea hadn't been exactly embraced by Metra but momentum gathered for the concept at a July hearing on the transit agency's woes.

On Sept. 10, lawmakers, good government groups, Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority, which has financial oversight of the CTA, Metra and Pace, will gather in Chicago to talk about drafting legislation to create the office of an independent inspector general.

A recent survey of Garrett's constituents showed a majority favored the concept and a significant number liked having the IG being picked by a committee of law enforcement representatives or good-government agencies.

"I think it will be a fruitful meeting," Garrett said.