Kane County RTA director steps down

Kane County’s representative on the Regional Transportation Authority is stepping down amid concerns he can’t legally serve both on the transit agency and a state commission.

Nabi Fakroddin sits on the RTA board and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

RTA Chairman John S. Gates Jr. wrote Gov. Pat Quinn Thursday saying that an internal review turned up the dual roles. “It is my belief that according to the law, it may not be permissible for (Fakroddin) to continue to serve on the RTA and Mr. Fakroddin agreed,” Gates wrote.

Quinn appoints members of the human rights commission.

Fakroddin is the second RTA director to leave in a week. The Rev. Tyrone Crider exited July 31 after revelations he was in legal trouble for misusing a state grant.

The issue surfaces after Metra’s former chairman came under fire for receiving both a Metra stipend and pay as an Orland Park trustee.

Members of the human rights commission are paid $20,000 a year, and RTA board directors receive a $25,000 stipend.

RTA officials did not confirm if Fakroddin was being compensated Tuesday.

The RTA has oversight of Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Gates also wrote to Quinn that the governor’s appointment of Frank M. Zuccarelli to the CTA board violated the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Act because he is also Thornton Township supervisor in the South suburbs.

“We urge you to withdraw your nomination of Mr. Zuccarelli to the CTA board,” Gates said.

Quinn’s office could not be reached for comment.