Board Appointment

[trainman8119]

From the current issue of On the Bi-Level

Caryl L. Van Overmeiren has been named to the Metra Board, filling the seat that is appointed by the Chairman of the Kane County Board. She served on the Kane County Board, including a stint as Vice Chairman, and the Kane County Forest Preserve Commission for 14 years. In 2006, she decided not to seek re-election and retired from public office. She also had a successful career in nursing and nursing home administration for more than 20 years. From 1991 to 2004, she and her family operated a real estate business, Elburn Rental and Sales, in Elburn, Ill. A native of Waterloo, Ia., Ms. Van Overmeiren has lived in Kane County for over 50 years. She and her husband have two grown children and three grandchildren, who all reside in the area.

A very fine biography, and maybe a very fine politician and perhaps a wonderful woman. However, what is there here for Metra to be proud of. I don't see any notation as to what this woman knows about public transporation. It doesn't even note if this person ever rode a train in her life. But she is qualified to make decisions regarding Metra service issues. This right here is what is wrong with mass transit in this area. And, although I will preface this with the knowledge that these boards are all staffed as political appointments and that the law states that this is to be political, with the current state of affairs in the state, makes one wonder how she obtained the appointment with this resume.

[Busjack]

To look at legalisms, the part of the RTA Act that deals with Metra only says that the appointees must live in particular areas, and may not hold any other state job. 70 ILCS 3615/3B.02. Contrast this with the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, which requires that "Members of the [CTA] Board shall be residents of the metropolitan area and persons of recognized business ability. " 70 ILCS 3605/19. Likewise, the MTA Act provides that "Executive Director ... shall be a person of recognized ability and experience in the operation of transportation systems to hold office during the pleasure of the Board." 70 ILCS 3605/27. As previously discussed, none of these legalisms has been followed at the CTA, although the current Executive Director [President] appears more competent than his predecessor who had DOT experience.

In fact, the Metra website lists the directors, but says very little about them (and who appointed the various suburban Cook County members). Apparently Stroger appointed a reverend to the RTA board, but I can't make out who he appointed to the Metra one.

In any event, transit experience does not appear to be a real qualification, unfortunate though that be, but these are clearly political posts. There is no doubt with regard to Pace--the directors are mayors or former mayors, except for the Director of the Mayor's Office of Disabilities, to represent the Chicago paratransit riders.

Now, we get to the more interesting question, which is Sheila Nix on the CTA board. Despite lack of business qualifications, she was appointed by Blago for the express purpose of voting against a fare increase despite the senior free rides which she conceived, according to reports. However, the gov's appointments must be confirmed by the state senate. 70 ILCS 3605/20. There were mentions in the CTA agenda that Nix was a temporary member. I wonder if the Senate ever voted on confirmation, and now given the constitutional mess caused by the gov, will not confirm her.

But the press is consumed with too many other what ifs at the moment.