Mayor Rahm Emanuel Names Huggins Replacement to Metra Board

Mayor Rahm Emanuel chose Martin J. Oberman to replace Larry Huggins on Metra’s Board of Directors.

Huggins resigned Aug. 2 following allegations of political patronage, construction project interference and a $718,000severance payment to Alex Clifford, the commuter rail agency’s former CEO.

“Marty Oberman has been a leader for reform and accountability in government and a vigilant protector of taxpayer interests throughout his lifetime of service to Chicago and Illinois,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The Metra board needs a new chapter and a fresh start. Marty’s meaningful career and unique talents will best serve the transportation priorities of Chicago’s residents and I am proud to have him serve Chicago. He will be a fantastic addition to the board.”

Oberman, who spent over forty years in civic service, served the City of Chicago and residents of the 43rd Ward as an independent alderman from 1975 to 1987.

He began his public service career as the first General Counsel for the Illinois Racing Board and was named Chairman of the Mayoral Commission of Labor and Management.

Additionally, Oberman served as Chairman of the Committee on Public Records and Information. During his long career of public service, he also served as chairman of the Shoreline Protection commission during the Harold Washington administration and more recently, served on Mayor Emanuel’s Midway Airport Advisory Panel.

“I am excited to join Mayor Emanuel and take on this challenge to bring new accountability, oversight and transparency to Metra,” Oberman said. “This critical public transit system desperately needs to overcome years of scandal and focus on its role as a key transportation link for the city and the region.”

Oberman’s appointment is scheduled to be announced today at the Chicago City Council meeting. His appointment is effective immediately upon council approval. If approved, Oberman’s term will last until June 30, 2016.

The Metra Board of Directors serve as the leadership for one of the largest commuter rail systems in the nation, providing more than 300,000 passenger trips a day and controlling a budget of nearly $868 million. Oberman will forgo the $15,000 stipend that Metra offers its board membership.

Oberman’s legal practice comprises complex civil litigation and class action. He’s a former partner at Gould and Ratner, and previously worked at Leibman, Williams Bennett, Baird and Minow.

Oberman served as President of the Chicago Council of Lawyers. He has a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin, graduating Order of the Coif and served as Note Editor of the Law Review. He has a B.A. from Yale University.

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