State government could control transit agency oversight

SPRINGFIELD — A state House committee Tuesday unanimously supported legislation that would give the Illinois executive inspector general authority to oversee the Regional Transit Authority, Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Executive Inspector General Ricardo Meza said his office would be responsible for monitoring the conduct of roughly 15,000 more employees in addition to the 160,000 employees already under his jurisdiction.

“We believe our office is capable of performing these additional duties and responsibilities,” Meza said. “Anytime you add additional responsibilities ... there is going to be additional cost and that is something we intend to look at as this moves forward.”

The Senate has already approved the measure, which now goes to the House for consideration.

Rep. Jack Franks, a Woodstock Democrat, said the public gains would outweigh the minimal financial cost.

“I think this is monumental legislation, something that has been desperately needed,” Franks said. “We're going to create a watchdog that has actual teeth.”

Rep. Suzie Bassi, a Palatine Republican, said she believes this is a response in part to the findings of unethical conduct by former Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano, who committed suicide in May.