Former Metra board chairman could be on national railway board
Former Metra Chairman Marty Oberman will be taking his bow ties and bicycle to Washington if confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a spot on the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
The attorney and former independent Chicago alderman was nominated Thursday to serve on the powerful panel that regulates railroads and played a key role in the 2008 merger of the EJ&E Railroad and Canadian National Railroad.
"I'm humbled by it, and if confirmed, it will be a fascinating way to continue public service," Oberman said Friday.
Oberman was appointed to the Metra board in 2013 just as the agency was emerging from a patronage scandal and picked as chairman in 2014, leading to a quick immersion on railroad issues.
Oberman, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, would fill a Democratic spot on the bipartisan board. He heads to Capitol Hill next week to meet with senators. A hearing on his nomination is expected this summer.
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, a Western Springs Democrat, said Oberman's "many years of public service with a focus on reform will be critical as a member of an agency with broad oversight over our nation's railroads. I look forward to working with him to alleviate area rail congestion, improve commuter rail and Amtrak service."
The STB approved a controversial merger between Canadian National and the EJ&E in 2008 but also imposed tight controls over the process and required CN to report delays. The board also got involved in a dispute with the Illinois tollway and the Canadian Pacific Railroad over land, sending both sides to mediation in 2017.
Living in a railroad hub like Chicago provides a unique perspective, Oberman said.
"The assignment is to come up with decisions that are balanced and make sure we have a healthy rail industry. I think I can tackle it ... I've spent a lifetime as a lawyer arguing cases of all different kinds," he said. "I had an intense immersion in the railroad industry from my three years as chairman. I've got a lot to learn and look forward to the challenges."
Oberman, who is known for biking to work, has a bachelor's degree from Yale University and law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He currently serves on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning board.