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October 2004 IBEW Journal Critical Election Message L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa) FORT LAUDERDALE, FLWe are truly facing the most important election of our lives. Four years ago we clearly beat Bush in the elections in Florida and the Supreme Court selected him president. Since then supervisors of elections all across the state made significant changes in voting hardware. Here in south Florida they purchased, at great expense, electronic voting machines that dont provide a paper record. They say these machines are foolproof. Our union represents skilled craftsmen, and I dont think many of us believe in foolproof machines. I think you would be a fool to believe it. May I suggest the surest way your vote will be counted is to vote by absentee ballot. Even this method isnt foolproof, but there is a paper trail. Call the hall with any questions you have about voting in this upcoming crucial election. We do have the ability to answer just about any question you may have, in-state or out-of-state. The important thing is to VOTE. Beverly J. Curphey, P.S. Think of Our Country
L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TNOur work picture is slowing down with layoffs at Bull Run Steam Plant. That job has lasted nearly three years, but it is quickly finishing. We hope the scrubbers will get started next year, but you can never tell with TVA. The NJATC National Training Institute was held July 31-Aug.7 in Knoxville. We had a good turnout at the trade show and talked to many Brothers and Sisters from across the country. To stay the best in the industry we must always continue our training to remain "state of the art." By October well be knee deep in the presidential elections. Please get educated on the issues that matter and make your vote count! Here in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge area, we have been blessed with work at TVA and SNS, but these projects were in the works before Bush got selected. The rest of the country has been starving for a long time, so please try to think of our country as a whole when you cast your vote. We are saddened to report the death of Bro. Robert Ford and retired members Gene Mitchell, Robert Huff, Gene Harrell and Charles Crowder. Will Muncy, P.S. Success Will Be Ours
L.U. 804 (i&o), KITCHENER, ON, CANADAAt a recent union meeting, Bus. Mgr. Brett McKenzie stated, "I am not trying to recreate the wheel; I am going to implement strategies and initiatives which have worked within our sister locals to help increase our market share and increase employment opportunities for our members." Organizing, political action and community involvement are key to every IBEW locals growth. Local 804 is implementing a three-pronged attack to secure the livelihood of current and future IBEW members. On the organizing front, the local has two full-time organizers and we operate with an "Open Door Policy" granting membership to all qualified applicants. Politically, the local hired a political strategist on a part-time basis for the next 12 months to help us increase our influence in counties where members reside. Politicians and boards of directors control the purse strings, and we must become politically active to inform them of the benefits the IBEW provides on the jobsite and within communities. Community involvement has begun. The local has resumed helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity. The exposure we receive for our voluntary contributions is priceless. Success will not happen overnight, but with hard work and perseverance we will succeed. Brett McKenzie, B.M./F.S. Photovoltaic Project L.U. 910 (i&rts), WATERTOWN, NYThe extensive renovations to our fund office are now complete. The result of months of work is a very attractive and functional space that is now in full compliance with all HIPAA privacy requirements. As of July 5, 2004, Local 910 has returned to a 30-day in person referral re-sign. The books can be signed in the Watertown or Plattsburgh offices. This summer has seen progress on our photovoltaic project at the union hall. Thanks to the following members who have volunteered: Sister Cindy Bancroft and Bros. Bob Houghton, Bruce Rosbrook, Jim Allen, Scott Farrell, Dick Curtis, Dan Reff, Mike Littlefield, Pete Ames, Brian Kaufman, Joe Briggs and Ron Sacci. The system should be on-line shortly and is a great way to show the local community that Local 910 is keeping up with the newest technology in our industry. Roger LaPlatney, P.S. JATC Class of 2004
L.U. 952 (i&o), VENTURA, CAThe brothers and sisters of Local 952 would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our locals JATC Class of 2004. With new technology and consistent market challenges, we understand that it is our IBEW training that keeps us competitive and secures our future in the electrical industry. We recognize the sacrifices to family and leisure that accompany five years of education and training. Local 952 is proud of the achievements of this new group of journeyman wiremen. Congratulations to the JATC graduates: Vernon Miller, Joe McHugh, John Campos, Chris Barry, Jason Destito, David Proctor, Jason Tannascoli, Alfonso Roman, Adam Alvarado, Corey Clayton, Mike Dykeman, Aaron Knudsen, Mike Chrome, C.W. Myers, Martin Jones, Sean Myhre, Phil Walton, Kevin Weaver, Doug Padilla and Mike Zamrock We also note the outstanding performance of Chris Barry as 2004s Apprentice of the Year. Outstanding achievers for the first- through fourth-year, respectively, are: Mike Hanson, Emerson Harding, William Case, and Eric Moore. May you all lead our industry toward a prosperous future for the IBEW. Andy Ernst, P.S. |
