Edison OKs deal

The Commonwealth Edison board of directors today unanimouslyapproved a city franchise agreement containing a watered-downaffirmative-action provision.

After bitter debate Wednesday, the City Council had removedstrict requirements for minority set-aside contracts and adopted aweaker amendment telling Edison to "endeavor" to meet set-asidegoals.

"Adoption of this franchise marks a new beginning for ourcompany's long relationship with the city of Chicago," said EdisonChairman James J. O'Connor. "This agreement makes a number ofimprovements to its predecessor, which many now consider the bestelectricity franchise in the country."

Although Edison officials had indicated for the past two weeksthat they would accept no amendments to the 29-year franchisenegotiated earlier this year, the board approved Wednesday'samendment without dissent.

The move ends a two-year process that renewed for 29 years theutility's exclusive franchise to sell power in Chicago.

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to a program which maximizesopportunities for qualified minority- and women-owned firms,"O'Connor said.

But several aldermen argued that the watered-downaffirmative-action provision is an insult to the city's minoritycommunities.

Mayor Daley said today, "One thing you're not pleased with ispolitical rhetoric and racism that people continually interject intothe City Council. Anybody can get up and make inflammatorystatements. You heard them yesterday. . . . I'd rather beconstructive, trying to get things done, rather than separate anddivide."