Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward) says he will no longer take any campaign contributions from two alleged polluters that are embroiled in a battle with the U.S. EPA, which filed suit against smelter H. Kramer and Co. last Thursday. The EPA's suit accuses the Pilsen-based company of emitting too much lead pollution into the atmosphere. Solis has received more than $8,000 from the company since the year 2000 and a company executive, R.K. Weil, has given the alderman more than $7,800 since 2003. Solis says the contributions play no role in his decision-making as alderman.  

"To me, it makes no difference who gives me what," Solis said, who also voiced his support of the Clean Power Ordinance, which would restrict the amount of pollution the Fisk and Crawford coal-fired power plants are allowed to emit. Over the last eight years, Solis' camp has received some $50,000 in total from the plants' owners.

"It will never bother me in terms of introducing legislation that is protecting the health and safety of my constituents no matter who gave me money when," he continued.