[permalink] Chicago Jan 4, 2006. - U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Chicago Aldermen Billy Ocasio, Ed Smith, State Representatives Cynthia Soto, Marlow Colvin and Larry McKeon, along with other 20 organized labor leaders and community activists, joined forces today to urge the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to reconsider an offer by CITGO Petroleum Corporation to provide the city with discounted diesel fuel for its public buses.

Venezuelan government officials and representatives from CITGO, a subsidiary of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA, met with Chicago officials last October to offer diesel fuel at a 40% discount for the city public buses, on the condition that the savings are passed on to riders.

It is unknown if the refusal to accept the offer comes from CTA Commissioner Frank Kruesi or from Mayor Richard Daley directly, but almost all of those who participated in the press conference, including State representatives Cynthia Soto, Marlow Colvin and Larry McKeon, blamed Kruesi. Read More

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