John S. Gates Jr., the head of the RTA said Tuesday that he has ordered a review of whether a controversial 26-month severance agreement that could reap former Metra CEO Alex Clifford (photo right) up to $750,000 is “fiscally prudent.’’
Meanwhile, a key lawmaker said he wants to haul the entire Metra board in front of two legislative committees to explain why it gave Clifford such a lucrative golden parachute when he wasn’t entitled to any severance under his contract.
In response to the large severance package granted to outgoing METRA CEO Alex Clifford, Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks and Republican State Rep. David Harris have called on METRA to ensure that Illinois taxpayers and fare-paying commuters are not forced to cover the cost of Clifford’s golden parachute.
