Democratic Sen. Judy Robson wants to keep regional transportation authorities on the agenda for the coming legislative session, after the Republican chairman of a special committee on RTAs said last month he planned to mothball the committee.

Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, wrote on Nov. 23 that he wouldn't be calling any more meetings of the committee because "with the pending change in party control of the Assembly, the committee no longer has the 'built-in' balance that I feel is necessary to cultivate an appropriate compromise on the policy questions the committee has been charged with addressing."

Democrats gained control of the Assembly in the Nov. 4 election, giving the party control of the Legislature and the governor's office.

Robson, who is vice-chairman of the committee, said she supported appointing a new chairman.

"This committee has made good progress toward developing legislation that will allow communities to chart their own destinies in terms of transit." said Robson, D-Beloit. "Such legislation would help communities join together to build transportation systems that make the most sense for them. Community leaders understand that efficient transit systems are a powerful economic development tool."

The committee has yet to answer some of the major questions assigned to it: Should the creation of RTAs be subject to a local referendum? How many municipalites can join? Can smaller municipalities be forced to join? How should they be funded and should the state limit how much can be dedicated to certain forms of transportation, such as rail?