CHICAGO (AP) — An Illinois state senator has been chosen to lead the Regional Transportation Authority.

Kirk Dillard is a Hinsdale Republican and attorney. He made an unsuccessful Republican primary bid for governor last spring.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that RTA directors elected Dillard to the post Wednesday.

The position takes effect Aug. 1 and pays $25,000 a year.

The RTA provides financial oversight for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace. It’s an organization that a task force empowered by Gov. Pat Quinn has said should be dissolved.

Dillard commutes to his Chicago law office using Metra. He says he has a unique perspective in understanding the region’s transportation issues.

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