Quinn backs toll hike

Gov. Pat Quinn came out strongly Wednesday in favor of a toll increase to pay for a major public works program.

While he noted the decision was up to the tollway's board of directors, nine members of the 11-person board are appointed by the governor, and seven of those officials have terms that have expired.

Quinn hand-picked four of the current board directors, including Chair Paula Wolff, whose term ends in 2013.

“Clearly there is public support to make sure we do this and do it right,” Quinn told reporters Wednesday.

“The tollway board will decide — and I have full confidence in their ability to hear what people have to say.”

But, he added, “I don't think anyone likes toll increases ... but sometimes it's necessary if there's going to be less congestion. We have the most congested highways in the United States. We need to do something about it.”

Quinn and the Illinois Department of Transportation secretary are ex-officio tollway directors. One director position is vacant. The remaining seven, whose terms are up, are paid stipends of $31,426 a year.

Wolff is entitled to a salary of $36,000 but does not take it.