Lawmakers to probe tollway scandals
Lawmakers are set to probe a growing list of tollway scandals next month with an eye toward possibly merging the plagued agency with the state transportation department.
Most recently, the tollway has been hit by the financial failure of a private partner that operates oases spanning sections of the suburban system.
The politically connected firm that threw a California fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich defaulted on its loans this spring, leaving questions about the deal's financing and future. The tollway is owed more than $1.3 million.
"We feel strongly that taxpayers need to have a far clearer understanding of certain patterns of behavior that emerge from the tollway," said state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, an Evanston Democrat and longtime tollway critic who is organizing the hearings with state Sen. Susan Garrett.
Beyond the oases problems, Schoenberg said the Senate committee hearings will probe a laundry list of tollway scandals, including:
• Federal criminal charges against ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich that allege the tollway's "Green Lanes" project was proposed specifically to bilk a contractor for a massive campaign donation.
• A botched contracting switch that led to thousands of motorists unwittingly racking up massive scofflaw fines. The Daily Herald revealed the problem in an investigative series last year.
• A musical chairs rotation of top tollway officials in recent months.
"Unfortunately, the tollway oasis issue is not an isolated incident, but rather a prominent red flag that points us toward a thorough review," Schoenberg said.
Tollway spokeswoman Joelle McGinnis said Friday, "The tollway welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions."
The tollway is governed by a board appointed by the governor, but all of the members were selected by Blagojevich. Gov. Pat Quinn has yet to make any staff changes at the agency since taking the helm in January.
While the focus of the hearings initially will cover problems at the tollway, Schoenberg hopes to explore whether the agency could be merged with the Illinois Transportation Department to save money and increase oversight.
The idea has been floated for years and there are a number of legal hurdles to clear. But Schoenberg said he isn't interested in using toll money to build or repair state roads, only merging administration and perhaps maintenance.
Meanwhile, the probe was clearly prompted recently because lawmakers feel they are not getting clear answers or enough detail from tollway officials about the oases.
Garrett said she has filed a Freedom of Information request with the tollway to obtain more detailed records in regards to the deal.
"It is important that we receive answers to the questions on how the toll highway oases have been funded over the years," the Lake Forest Democrat said. "We need full disclosure and certainly more direct communication from the tollway on this critical issue."
Tollway officials say they are providing all the answers and documents requested. McGinnis also says the tollway oases will not be affected by the foreclosure and likely change of ownership.