Pols pressure Daley to solve school debate May 31, 2001 BY JAMES FULLER SUN-TIMES SPRINGFIELD BUREAU SPRINGFIELD--Surrounded by a dozen Little Village residents, three state legislators called on Mayor Daley on Wednesday to personally resolve a controversy over a new high school that has sparked a hunger strike. State Sen. Miguel del Valle (D-Chicago) and Chicago Democratic Representatives William Delgado and Cynthia Soto said it's up to Daley to get the school built and end the hunger strike that several residents started on Mother's Day. "I think that it is important that the mayor of the city of Chicago immediately intervene in this matter and ask the board to fully commit to construction of this school at this site," del Valle said. The hunger strikers have said they will continue their protest as long as necessary to get a school built at 31st and Kostner. They accuse Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and newly resigned School Board President Gery Chico of breaking a promise to build the school years ago. "It's in writing," said Juan Andrade, president of the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute, who has joined the hunger strike. "A commitment was made to pursue construction at that site." Daley spokeswoman Jacquelyn Heard said the mayor could not commit to a specific site because local residents and officials haven't agreed on whether to build a high school or elementary school. "That's still a matter of question even among the people that want the high school," Heard said. Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago), who represents the area, said "there is unanimity amongst these mothers and some of their supporters. But then there's other groups that perhaps don't go to the extent of a hunger strike, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't listen to what their concerns are. An empty stomach is not a good political adviser." Back to top Back to News -- This is the CPS Science Teacher List. To unsubscribe, send a message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For more information: <http://home.sprintmail.com/~mikelach/subscribe.html>. To search the archives: <http://www.mail-archive.com/science%40lists.csi.cps.k12.il.us/>
