CHICAGO — As calls to oust the leader of the struggling Chicago Transit Authority grow louder, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed a politically connected pastor who has no professional transportation experience to the CTA’s oversight board last week.
The appointment — which was supported by nearly every alderperson — is part of a long history in which Chicago Transit Board appointments have been used to reward political insiders instead of seating transit experts.
Pastor Michael Eaddy of People’s Church of the Harvest Church of God in Christ on the West Side was confirmed at a City Council meeting Wednesday where he had the council’s full support with the exception of Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), who was absent.
Eaddy served on the Chicago Police Board for a decade until last fall, when the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability didn’t recommend retaining him. He also serves on the Illinois Medical District Commission, a post he was appointed to by Gov. JB Pritzker. He supported Johnson in the mayoral election.
Calls and emails to Eaddy’s church weren’t returned Friday. The Mayor’s Office didn’t respond to questions about how Eaddy was identified for the position and how his background helps the CTA.
Eaddy’s appointment came the same day Block Club Chicago published an investigation into bus driver Antia Lyons’ death. Later in the week, Pritzker called for “new leadership” at the CTA, and the Tribune and Crain’s editorial boards said it’s time for CTA President Dorval Carter to go. But Johnson said he’s sticking with the current CTA chief for now.
The CTA, the country’s third-largest transit system, is facing a fiscal cliff and has for years struggled with service, crime, cleanliness, reliability and a demoralized and understaffed workforce. The agency’s post-pandemic rebound has been criticized as slower than its peers in other major U.S. cities.
Block Club previously reported the CTA’s oversight board is filled with political insiders and has rarely included a transportation expert.
Out of more than 50 appointments to the CTA board over the past 40 years, only three were transportation experts, Block Club reported. The city and governor’s office won’t explain how they identify and interview prospective board members.
Board members receive annual pay of $25,000, with the board chair receiving $50,000.
Eaddy replaces Rev. Johnny Miller of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, whose term had expired. Miller was appointed to the CTA board by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2016.
Earlier this month, Eaddy appeared virtually before the Committee on Transportation and Public Way, where he credited the CTA for helping mold him into the person he is today. He said he has relied on the CTA since he was a child, and when he became a father.
“And these experiences have given me to be keenly attuned to the importance of accurate bus and train schedules, safety and security. … It would be most gratifying for me to participate in improving the transportation services and experiences of the residents of my hometown, Chicago,” Eaddy said.
Eaddy is a political chameleon who routinely uses his church to help get West Side voters to the polls for candidates he’s supported. He was near the front row at Emanuel’s 2015 inaugural ceremony and joined Emanuel at press events promoting affordable housing.
In 2019, Eaddy campaigned for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in her failed bid for mayor. He then became an avid supporter of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and alluded to voting for her in last year’s primary.
But when Lightfoot didn’t make the runoff, Eaddy joined faith leaders to endorse Johnson’s campaign. Johnson visited Eaddy’s church shortly after winning the election.
Last week, Pritzker bemoaned that the state doesn’t have a “controlling majority” of board appointments. Instead, that power rests with Johnson.
In a statement, activist group Commuters Take Action said Johnson’s latest CTA board appointment “is yet another indication that no one with the power to do so takes it seriously that there is no accountability for the CTA or its leadership, even as the system continues to fail.”
“As riders continue to grapple with 22% cuts to rail service and 7% cuts to bus service, this appointment will have far-reaching consequences: It will ensure the CTA board continues to lack the skills and experience needed to properly oversee Chicago transit for at least four more years,” the statement read.
This Story Was Produced By The Watch
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