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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 does hereby request letters of resignation of the remaining three existing Cook County METRA Board Directors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the three existing Cook County METRA Board Directors will continue to serve at the pleasure of Cook County Suburban Caucus until suitable replacements are selected; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners strongly urges the remaining METRA Board of Directors to not take any substantive action regarding the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer or appointment of a Board Chairperson until all remaining METRA Board Directors have been replaced and a new full METRA Board has been seated.
*Referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee on 09/11/12.
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