Illinois Tollway

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 Barack 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 after a nearly two-month trial.

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 onboard. Former FBI agent Jim Wagner has been the agency's watchdog since January, working as head of investigations.

Quinn didn't say whether he would slide Wagner into the new job. Any appointment Quinn makes must be confirmed by the state Senate.

"I think it's very, very important that in Illinois we have a tollway system that's efficient and modern, safe and most of all honest," Quinn said.

Tollway executive director Kristi Lafleur, who was appointed by Quinn in April, said steps have been taken to improve transparency and accountability at the tollway, including a construction tracker online that shows contract awards.

Lafleur said the new inspector general's office would "add integrity" and make sure all decisions are "above board and above reproach."

Illinois' tollways cover 286 miles that span 12 counties in northern Illinois.