New law gives tollway tougher watchdog
CHICAGO – The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority got a tougher watchdog Wednesday to combat its reputation as a “politically connected patronage haven.”
Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new law that creates an independent inspector general’s office. He has 60 days to name someone to the post that comes with a five-year appointment and subpoena power to investigate wrongdoing.
“The tollway is being transformed from a politically connected patronage haven for insiders to a well-run, well-respected agency that provides efficiencies and ethical standards that will benefit all taxpayers,” said state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Democrat from Lake Forest.
The tollway was subpoenaed last year by federal authorities asking about contractors with ties to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Lawmakers removed Blagojevich from office last year after he was charged with scheming to sell President Obama’s old Senate seat and for illegally pressuring donors for campaign contributions. Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty, and jurors began deliberating his fate Wednesday.
During the trial, one witness said Blagojevich wanted fundraising help from a road-builder, who was hoping Blagojevich would expand a tollway construction project.
In 2005, an Associated Press analysis of state records showed tollway consultants who had donated to Blagojevich had received no-bid contracts.
Garrett praised the tollway’s board chairwoman Paula Wolff for helping to clean up an agency that “once subscribed to backroom, not boardroom standards.”
The agency’s former internal watchdog resigned last August after Wolff and two other Quinn appointees came on board. Former FBI agent Jim Wagner has been the agency’s watchdog since January.
