Politics & Government

The Metra Controversy in Two Simple Graphics

Illinois reform organization Reboot Illinois sums up the timeline and the major players in the scandal that threatens the Metra Board.

Illinois government has been buzzing these past couple of weeks with the allegations of cronyism in Metra hiring and contract assignments, leveled by the rail system's former CEO.

The latest news on Friday is that Patrick Collins, the former federal prosecutor who sent ex-Gov. George Ryan to prison, may conduct an independent investigation into ex-CEO Alex Clifford's allegations against House Speaker Michael Madigan, the Metra Board and Chairman Brad O'Halloran, and several others, the Chicago Tribune reports.

So how did we get here?

Regular Patch bloggers Reboot Illinois attempt to sum up the timeline and major players, starting with the May 2010 Metra suicide of former CEO Phil Pagano and going through Clifford's June 21 resignation, in the below graphics.

Check them out:

Who's Running This Crazy Metra Train? Part I


Who's Running This Crazy Metra Train? Part II


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