File #: 13-1521    Version: 2 Name: Requests the Resignation of Suburban Cook County METRA Directors
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 8/27/2013 In control: Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
On agenda: 9/11/2013 Final action: 10/2/2013
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION REQUESTS RESIGNATION OF SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY METRA DIRECTORS WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Rail Board or METRA is tasked with running one of the largest metropolitan rail systems in the country; and WHEREAS, it is imperative that the METRA Board of Directors have the confidence of the public they serve to oversee the Chicago region's commuter rail service; and WHEREAS, there are a number of serious problems regarding the board's mishandling of important issues such as illicit influence and questionable contracts that undermines public confidence in the organization; and WHEREAS, a recent preliminary audit conducted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) into the Alex Clifford separation agreement states the "process was inadequate and not sufficiently documented" and the "settlement was not financially prudent"; and WHEREAS, METRA Board Directors failed to consider Employment Practices Liability insurance on any potential litigation or se...
Sponsors: GREGG GOSLIN, TIMOTHY O. SCHNEIDER, ELIZABETH "LIZ" DOODY GORMAN, PETER N. SILVESTRI
title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION



REQUESTS RESIGNATION OF SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY METRA DIRECTORS

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Rail Board or METRA is tasked with running one of the largest metropolitan rail systems in the country; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that the METRA Board of Directors have the confidence of the public they serve to oversee the Chicago region's commuter rail service; and

WHEREAS, there are a number of serious problems regarding the board's mishandling of important issues such as illicit influence and questionable contracts that undermines public confidence in the organization; and

WHEREAS, a recent preliminary audit conducted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) into the Alex Clifford separation agreement states the "process was inadequate and not sufficiently documented" and the "settlement was not financially prudent"; and

WHEREAS, METRA Board Directors failed to consider Employment Practices Liability insurance on any potential litigation or settlement, which would have provided coverage if a lawsuit was filed by Mr. Alex Clifford; and

WHEREAS, the continued lack of proper oversight by the METRA Board of Directors has cost the taxpayers and ridership significant dollars and resources; and

WHEREAS, in a letter dated July, 2011 the six (6) county chairmen from the Chicago region committed to replacing all present METRA Board Directors by June 30, 2012 " in order to restore faith within the leadership's body" as a result of the scandal involving the former METRA Chief Executive Officer; and


WHEREAS, the public has grown suspicious and skeptical as more allegations surface making it impossible for the remaining METRA Board Directors to continue in their positions with any public confidence; and

WHEREAS, at least six (6) METRA Board Directors are needed for quorum to ensure that day to day METRA operations continue unabated.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners doe...

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