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December 2002 IBEW Journal

Steady Work Picture
L.U. 684 (c,i,o,rts&st), MODESTO, CAThe work picture in Modesto looks steady for the coming winter, with some outside contractors providing work.

Collins continues going after industrial work as the co-gen winds down, while maintaining its strong commercial and residential sector. Bockmon and Woody have local work with the Modesto City Hall, Salida Library. Con J. Franke continues with the medical complex in Sonora, and Kaiser continues with its signatory work.

Congratulations to the class of 2002 apprenticeship class graduates. They are Charnjit Bhullar, Joe Burth, Chris Colon, Michael Copper, Gary Dale, Rodney Dean, Henry Dillard, Brian King, Eric Larson, Brian McLain, James Moreda, David Souza, Oliver Tarap and Tom Weldon.

The staff wishes all our members and their families a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Torrey Newton, P.S.

Rough Work Situation

L.U. 688 (em,i,t&u), MANSFIELD, OHAt this writing on the eve of the first anniversary of September 11, our labor market has not brightened over the course of a yearnot that we needed more bad news. Our work has been very slow and future work looks bleak. Thank God for our neighboring locals for helping us out!

Congratulations to our new apprentice graduates. They are Bros. Andy Biglin (residential wireman), Brian Crisp (journeyman wireman and top apprentice), Forest Graver (journeyman wireman), Mike Mrozik (journeyman wireman), Jarl Picou (teledata), Scott Sauer (journeyman wireman) and John Wallery (journeyman wireman).

Congratulations also to Bro. Forest Foust on his recent retirement. Bro. Foust was a Local 688 officer for over 17 years, and we thank him for all the many years of hard work and devotion. His wisdom and leadership will be greatly missed.

Heres hoping our work situation gets better!

Happy holidays to all.

John Kline. P.S.

Stadium Lighting Project
L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,
ptc,rtb,rts,se,spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, ILOn Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002, the lights at the Southern Illinois University McAndrew Stadium were turned on for the first time since 1983. With no funding available, the volunteer lighting project involved our local, Southern Illinois University and our supporting contractors. Because our members gave the extra in volunteering their time, Southern Illinois University can now enjoy night sport activities. We thank all the members and contractors who participated.

Executive Board member Martin D. Lee retired on Oct. 18, 2002. We thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him the best in his retirement.

At this writing, our work is still holding, with no journeyman wiremen on Book 1.

Hopefully, Illinois will soon have a newly elected Democratic governor. Working families have a voice with Rod Blagojevich, a 94 percent rating from the AFL-CIO.

Marsha Steele, P.S.

Labor Day Picnic
L.U. 756 (es&i), DAYTONA BEACH, FLHello, brothers and sisters. Work in the area is slow, with no big jobs in the near future. Sachs Electric has a duct bank job and may hire another crew. Woodson & Associates has been picking up a few smaller jobs on the Cape. Invensys has a change order contract on Launch Complex 41 and has put a few members to work already, with more calls coming.

Since George W. Bush took office, unemployment has gone from 4.2 percent to 5.7 percent, an increase of 36 percent. This equates to 111.7 million jobs down to 109.6 million, a loss of 2 millions jobs.

The Volusia Flagler CLC had about 1,100 at its Labor Day picnic. Most of the endorsed candidates attended, along with Alex Sink (Bill McBrides wife, who filled in for him). The food was good and the kids had a blast at the games. It was a huge success, and we are already looking forward to next year.

See you at the next union meeting.

John W. Barrington, P.S.

Class of 2002
L.U. 910 (i&rts), WATERTOWN, NYDue to an editing error, the newly elected officers were incorrectly listed in our last article. They are Pres. Elizabeth Cassada, Vice Pres. Richard Curtis, Rec. Sec. John ODriscoll, Treas. Dennis Affinati and Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. George Intschert. The Executive Board members are Wayne Ashline, William Burns and Wayne Cuthbert and the Examining Board members are Martin Horeth, Michael Littlefield, Michael Norstrud, Carlton Young and Jeffrey Yousey.

Local 910 members show their union labor support by marching in the Labor Day parade. We had a large turnout this year, with a big number of retirees riding on the float. After the parade, the local had a picnic for all to enjoy. Thanks to all who participated.

The apprentice class of 2002 received completion certificates at banquets held on August 9 for Watertown and on August 10 for Plattsburgh. Members completing five years of training are Patrick Fountain, Mike Jarrett, Jr., Julie Johnson, Steve Trow, Casey Carpenter, Brandon Earl, Jeff LaJoy, Angela OShea, Mark Perry and Todd Svarczkopf. Congratulations.

Happy holidays to all our brothers and sisters and their families!

Roger LaPlatney, P.S.