In the News

News Sun, August 13, 2010

State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, said Thursday that continued pressure is needed to establish an independent inspector general to investigate allegations of fraud, waste and corruption at Metra.

"Metra has openly resisted the need for an outside watchdog, which is sorely needed," Garrett said. "Actions speak louder than words, and Metra's words in many cases, haven't matched up with their actions. We can only keep the pressure on them to do the right thing," she said.

A Sept. 10 meeting has been scheduled involving Metra and Regional Transportation Authority officials, legislators and nonpartisan public interest groups to discuss how to move forward in drafting mass transit independent inspector general legislation, Garrett said.

Jim Wagner, a former FBI agent and current independent Inspector General for the Illinois Toll Highway Authority, will also be in attendance to offer his perspective on the development of the Office of the Inspector General at the tollway.

Garrett said the meeting follows a July 28 Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing to address accountability and transparency at Metra that "revealed widespread agreement that an independent inspector general is needed at Metra."

"Metra officials and others acknowledged that lax oversight practices and the lack of an independent watchdog at Metra may have contributed to former Executive Director Phil Pagano's indiscretions," she said, adding that there is disagreement as to who would have the authority to appoint an independent watchdog.

Metra Board member Jim LaBelle of Zion said he attended the July 28 hearing and thought there was "a pretty good exchange of views and a lot of information" provided.

He acknowledged there are questions remaining as to who should appoint the inspector general, and said Metra wants the process to be conducted in a cost-effective and responsible way to provide the level of accountability sought by all parties.

Garrett said a survey of district consultants conducted by her office showed "overwhelming" support for having a committee comprised of both law enforcement members and non-partisan public interest group members appoint an inspector general for Metra.