In the News

Chicago Public Radio, May 26, 2010

Metra's Board of Directors will consider hiring a new financial watchdog later Wednesday.

That comes in the wake of a scandal that culminated with the suicide of Metra's former leader.

Metra Director Jim Labelle says the board is considering hiring an outside firm to serve as a temporary inspector general. The commuter rail agency does not currently have a full-time watchdog.

But calls for one have been mounting, following revelations that the former head of Metra, Phil Pagano, improperly cashed in $475,000 worth of vacation time.

Suburban State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Highwood, has introduced a bill to strengthen Metra's financial oversight, which she calls "loosey goosey."

GARRETT: And nobody was watching over it, and the question is, why weren't they? You know, did they feel that everything was running okay and they didn't need to participate and ask questions? You know, that's just not the right way to run an agency.

Garrett's bill would appoint a full-time Metra inspector general for a five-year term.

A special counsel's report following Pagano's death found a "troubling lack of oversight" at the commuter rail agency.