News Local/State

Illinois Transportation Director, Top Quinn Aide Out

By The Associated Press
 

A deputy director of the Illinois Department of Transportation has resigned days after the agency's transportation secretary amid questions about hiring.

IDOT spokeswoman Paris Ervin confirmed that agency deputy director of finance and administration Mike Woods resigned effective Wednesday. 

The 32-year-old Woods is a former agency personnel chief.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn spokesman Grant Klinzman confirmed that a contract expired this week, and is not being renewed for Gary Hannig, the governor's legislative liaison.

He was a longtime member of the Illinois House and IDOT secretary from 2009 to 2011.

The resignations come on the heels of Quinn's replacement of IDOT secretary Ann Schneider Monday.

IDOT's hiring practices have come under recent scrutiny. Chicago anti-patronage campaigner Michael Shakman wants a federal judge to order an investigation into those activities.