Replace Metra Board

Note: The following letter was submitted to the Fencepost Daily Herald Editors on July 2, 2013. It appeared there on July 11.  The Editors changed my title from Replace Metra board to their title Metra board has explaining to do.
                                                                              

Dear Fencepost Editors:                                      

The Metra board, which includes former Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder, quietly approved a severance package that could approach $750,000 for outgoing CEO Alex Clifford. The millions of people that have been fired during the recent economic recession could only dream of such leverage going out the door.

 

State Rep. Jack Franks said, "They ought to be locked up - the board. Keep them away from our money." But I think each board member should be allowed to publicly explain why he or she voted for a lavish severance package just after the highest ever fare increase. And while we have the board's attention maybe they can explain why Metra still has an abysmal safety record around rail crossings, low on-time performance, numerous delays and equipment failures.

 

Then after a fair, democratic and transparent hearing we can fire and lock them up

Sincerely yours,
Keith A. Moens