Offers of discounted Venezuelan diesel fuel from CITGO to the Chicago Transit Authority have sparked speculation on similar offers being made to Madison Metro. The offer to the CTA would have given a 40-percent discount in return for reduced fares for lower income groups.
Ann Gullickson, transit service manager of Madison Metro, wrote in a memo to general manager Catherine Debo that if a similar offer were made to Madison, it could provide 'in excess of $1 million.' She noted the CTA refused the offer because of incompatibility of diesel fuel standards.
According to Gullickson, the CTA and Madison Metro both use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, which is not supplied by CITGO. ULSD will be required under EPA regulations by Sept. 2006.
Additionally, the political differences surrounding Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and President Bush make such proposals hard to pursue, according to UW-Madison Latin American history professor Steve Stern. He maintained, however, that CITGO's offer was a 'political gesture' of goodwill.
'[Chavez] is saying, 'Look, we're not against the American people,'' Stern said. ''We [Venezuelans] are as humanitarian and generous as the next person.''
On the United States' aversion to dealing with Venezuela, Stern claimed U.S. independence and pride are at the center of the debate.
'In U.S. culture, it's unsettling to think of ourselves as people who are in need of others,' Stern said.
George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said economic issues of such a policy would have to be considered over political ones.
'If it's something that makes sense financially and legally, then we'll take a look at it,' Twigg said.
Ald. Austin King, District 8, is a major proponent of such a deal.
'It would be the best opportunity I've seen to improve the bottom line of Madison Metro without cutting routes or raising fares,' King said.
King maintained there are many politicians who feel uneasy about dealing with Venezuela. However, he said, denying such a proposal on political reasons would be 'severely shortsighted.' He added that citizens of Chicago were upset with the denial of CITGO's offer, asking the CTA to reconsider.
Stern said Madison would be a good candidate for CITGO's discount, though opposition remained.
'It would be an intriguing thing to pursue,' Stern said, 'though it would be hard to accomplish politically.'
