Joining the show this week is Kirk Dillard. Dillard is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the RTA. Bill and Kirk discuss transit issues such as fixing Union Station, the stand off between Metra and Amtrak, The Invest in Transit Plan, The importance of Metra and how the RTA will function with a new Governor, and a new mayor of Chicago.

In this week’s round table segment, Bill Cameron is joined by Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, Greg Hinz of Crain’s, Lynn Sweet and Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Heather Cherone, editor of The Daily Line. The discussion opens up with a recap of Bill’s interview with Kirk Dillard on Mass transit, Greg gives input on the graduated income tax, How will Mayor Lightfoot work with Michael Madigan and Governor Pritzker?

This week’s Community Spotlight is with Nick Gale, and covers the launch of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association ride-along program with state lawmakers.

It’s a pilot program intended to promote “mutual respect and trust between communities and law enforcement,” that is set to launch in July.

Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association says both groups need to have a stronger relationship and more frequent dialogue in order to have safe communities. He calls it “the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about how we can work together.”

Legislators from across the state will be invited to join county sheriffs and their officers on patrol, to gain an understanding of the local issues, and sheriffs will be invited to visit lawmakers in their districts in what amounts to an exchange program.

Those planning to participate include State Rep. Justin Slaughter of Chicago’s South Side and State Sen. John Mulroe of Chicago’s northwest side.

Kaitschuk says the program is similar to a program run by the Illinois Farm Bureau to get legislators from across the state to understand the needs and challenges of farmers.