After almost 40 years, veteran C-U MTD driver retiring  URBANA —
Forty years ago, Louie Fonseca was a sophomore at the University
of Illinois, trying to work his way through school.  "I didn't
have enough money or financial aid to get me through the
studying so I had to find work," said the native of Puerto Rico
who grew up in Chicago, graduating from Tuley High School (now
Roberto Clemente Academy) on the west side. "I started as a cook
at a restaurant called Mr. Steak at University and Goodwin. One
day I was reading the newspaper and I saw an ad for bus drivers.
I went in and applied and they hired me. I was so happy."  He
had been making $2.35 an hour as a cook.  "And that was really
good money. But then I found out the MTD would pay me $4 an hour
to start. That was great money. My boss at the restaurant called
me into his office and made me an offer of 25 cents an hour more
to stay there. I thanked him, but I said I couldn't turn down
$4. We parted ways, and I've been with the MTD since."  Fonseca,
now No