Acree's nomination had stalled after some aldermen questioned his qualifications, and he struggled to answer questions about the agency's looming budget deficit.
CHICAGO -- Rev. Ira Acree, a politically connected West Side pastor, on Friday withdrew his name from consideration for appointment to the board of the Regional Transportation Authority , after some aldermen had argued he wasn't qualified for the post.'There are forces that have opposed my nomination from the moment the mayor submitted my name, and some of our so-called allies, they're more interested in fighting me than supporting the wonderful people of our city,' Acree said.
At the hearing on Acree's nomination, Vasquez said he was conflicted over the appointment, saying he was 'greatly inspired' by Acree's background as a faith leader and West Side activist, but that he believes the RTA board needs its members to have expertise on public transit, given the CTA's struggles to improve service since the pandemic.
Chicago Metra Chicago Transit Authority Chicago City Council Brandon Johnson Regional Transportation Authority
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