(The following article by Monifa Thomas was posted on the Chicago Sun Times website on May 14.)
CHICAGO — Metra’s board of directors adopted new bylaws Friday that could be used to unseat longtime Chairman Jeffrey Ladd, the commuter rail agency’s chief for 22 years.
The bylaws, Metra’s first since the agency was formed in 1984, limit officers such as Ladd to four-year terms. The rules also call for an election of new officers within 90 days of Friday’s vote, but not before July 1.
The last time Ladd’s chairmanship went up for a vote was 1996.
Some, like board member James Dodge, say they doubt Ladd would get the five votes he needs to keep his seat if the seven-member board held an election this year. The problem, Dodge says, is Ladd’s confrontational management style.
“I haven’t seen the relationship development that is helpful to Metra at this juncture,” Dodge said. “We need to go into a new place and a new direction.”
But Ladd said he wouldn’t serve on Metra’s board unless he is chairman.
“You don’t go from that position to a back bench,” he said after Friday’s meeting. “I’ve got other things in my life.”