Metra puts a fifth lobbyist on the payroll
Two months after deciding to pay four state and federal lobbyists $624,000 over two years, Metra officials signed up another lobbying firm for $138,000 on Friday.
Raucci & Sullivan Strategies now has a two-year contract to pressure state lawmakers for funds. But it’s not clear how much money will be forthcoming. The state faces about $8.5 billion in unpaid bills and its last big capital plan was approved in 2009.
Metra Director Jim LaBelle of Zion cast the lone “no” vote. “I have a high regard for the people involved,” LaBelle said. “But we did approve four contracts in December — four is enough. I enjoy the fact we’re well under budget and I’d like to stay that way.”
Acting Metra Board Chairman Larry Huggins said the firm had institutional knowledge of Metra and a good record.
Executive Director Alex Clifford said he had been requested to put the issue back on the agenda by a board director. He did not identify the board director.
Back in December, staff and board directors seemed satisfied that four lobbying firms could do the job. The firms were evaluated by a committee of staff and board directors during a lengthy screening process. Committee members ranked Raucci and Sullivan fifth.
Asked why spending the extra money was necessary, “it’s a tough year, we need to make sure we do all we can to achieve the maximum level of funding,” Clifford said.
Board Director Jack Schaffer of Cary added, “we better have our ‘A’ game. I don’t want to be back here talking about another fare increase (because of insufficient funds).”
Metra hiked fares Feb. 1. Monthly passes and 10-ride tickets increased by 29 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
By contracting with Raucci and Sullivan, Metra will exceed its 2012 budget for lobbyists by $33,500. The agency will fund the overage through cost savings elsewhere.
Andrew Raucci is a veteran lobbyist and attorney specializing in ethics while David Sullivan is a former state senator. The firm has made nearly $70,000 in political contributions over the years, according to state records.