Toledo man is missing after deadly helicopter crash; Clyde native works for Halliburton Co.
By STEVE MURPHY, BLADE STAFF WRITER, Article published April 13, 2005
The family of a Toledo man working for a military contractor in Afghanistan is waiting anxiously for word on his fate after a helicopter crash last week.
Sy Jason Lucio, 27, was listed yesterday as missing by his employer, Halliburton Co., which said he was presumed to have been on board the CH-47 Chinook that crashed April 6. According to the Pentagon, 15 soldiers and three civilian contractors were killed in the crash, which occurred about 100 miles southwest of the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Sally Nelson of Clyde, Ohio, Mr. Lucio's mother, said she was holding on to slim hope yesterday that her son had not been aboard the doomed helicopter.
"I know that it's 99 percent sure, but there's always that 1 percent," she said yesterday. "Until they get that DNA, there's a chance."
Ms. Nelson said her son had been working in Afghanistan since January as an electrician, assisting U.S. military forces who are fighting Taliban and al-Qaeda militants. She said he put his life on the line for his country in the same way as the soldiers he assisted.
"They work beside the military. They're in as much danger. The only difference between my son and the military people that were in that helicopter was that he didn't have a gun," she said, her voice breaking. "He's just as much a hero as everybody else on there."
Ms. Nelson said she last spoke to her son by phone early on April 5, the day before the crash.
"He said they were moving him again, that was pretty much it, that he was going to be moving again," she said. "I asked him why, and he said he couldn't tell me over the phone.
"The last thing I said to him was, 'Be safe,'●'' she added, breaking into tears.
Ms. Nelson said her son, a member of Local 8 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, joined Halliburton because he had been unable to find work locally.
He traveled to the defense contractor's Texas headquarters in early January for about two weeks of training and then was flown from there to Afghanistan.
She said he had been intent on finding a job so he could support his 2 1/2-year-old son, Lars. Before taking the position with Halliburton, he had worked in Boston and other out-of-state locations.
"There's no work in Toledo for the electricians," she said.
"He'd gotten laid off, his name was on the books, and he needed something to take care of his son."
Ms. Nelson said her son was scheduled to be in Afghanistan for a year and had been looking forward to a visit home in June.
"That was his main goal, because of his son," she said.
"He was such a good daddy. I knew he'd be a good father, but he exceeded my expectations."
Mr. Lucio's father, Stanley Lucio, Jr., who lives in Toledo, said his son is a strong-willed person who takes his responsibilities seriously.
"He had strong beliefs, and he was willing to fight for them," Stanley Lucio said.
"He believed in the union. He believed in his son and taking care of him. He believed in God."
Mr. Lucio had an interest in politics and was elected in March, 2004 to the central committee of the Lucas County Democratic Party.
He grew up in Clyde and attended Clyde High School and the Vanguard Sentinel Career Center in Fremont. At 17, he moved to the Swanton area to live with his father and attended classes at Penta Career Center, earning a diploma from Swanton High School in 1996.
Mike Urbine, an electrical instructor at Penta who taught Mr. Lucio, said his former student was enthusiastic about his chosen career.
"He seemed to have a clear head on his shoulders, a highly energetic individual. He was a pleasure to work with," Mr. Urbine said.
"He was kind of adventurous. I can see him going to foreign lands and working for a big contractor. Sadly, these are high-risk jobs."
Cathy Putnam, secretary for IBEW Local 8, said Mr. Lucio wasn't alone in seeking work overseas.
"It's sad that Sy and a couple more members over there are working there because of the lack of job opportunities here," Ms. Putnam said.
"Had we had enough job opportunities here, they wouldn't have had to find work there."
Blade Staff Writer Erica Blake and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Steve Murphy at:
smurphy@theblade.com
or 419-724-6078.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
IBEW Local 623 (Butte MT-now merged into IBEW Local 233) Loses Long Time Member
A Man for all Seasons: Sixty Year IBEW Member, Former Local Union President, Sixty-Four Year Marriage, Successful Electrical Contractor Peter Hiam, 82
By the Montanta Standard Staff - 04/13/2005
Peter Hiam Jr. died early Monday morning in a local nursing home.
He was born in Ferryville, Wis., on May 20, 1922, to Peter C. and Christina Hiam. Peter was the youngest of three brothers and four sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey; sons and daughter-in-law, Gary and Maureen Hiam, Tacoma, Wash., and Robert Hiam, Honolulu; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Sonja and Tiffany. Peter had a very close relationship with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Doreen McDowell, niece Sunny Kay and nephew Rob.
Peter came to Butte in 1937 to live with his uncle and aunt, Otto and Louise Langstad, after his parents died in Wisconsin. Peter met his wife Audrey at age 17, which began a love affair of all time. Pete and Audrey were married in August 1941 and were by each other's side for 64 years. Even though Peter was ill and sick in the nursing home last week, they were still professing their undying love for each other.
After graduating from Butte High School, Peter began his career as a professional electrician, working for his uncle Otto, who owned Western Plumbing and Electric. This was only interrupted by a stint in the Navy during World War II. After Otto retired, Pete went to work for LeSage's Electric, where he served as general manager. In 1953, he started Hiam Electronics Radio and Television Service, where he spent nights and weekends making television repair calls. By 1971 that business evolved into Hiam Electronics, a major electrical contracting firm in Butte. He was a 60-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as president of IBEW Local 623, where he was involved many times with their negotiations. Peter also taught the apprentice program and was instrumental in training many of the electricians working in Butte today.
Peter was the all-time craftsman for his entire life. Many times he came to the aid of family and friends whenever they would call. He was responsible for building three different homes for the McDowells. After his tour of duty in the Navy, he and Audrey built a lovely home on West Gold Street that was the gathering place for family and friends and served as the headquarters for his business. The parties, reunions and many fun times at the home will always be remembered.
He was a very active member of Gold Hill Lutheran Church. Peter served in various governance positions, including treasurer and search committee as well as being very instrumental in the church building programs. After his retirement at age 65 in 1987, he continued his interests at the Star Lanes Bowling and Entertainment Center. He remained president and chief executive officer of Star Lanes until his death. Peter was also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Peter was a great husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle and grandfather. He was always an honest, caring person and was willing to help others. He was admired for his intelligence, wit and sense of humor. He was an avid sports fan and loyal Green Bay Packers fan. He had all the Packer's emblems that a die-hard fan would have, such as the cheese hat and flag that hung outside the house on game day.
"Peter, you gave so much, you will be terribly missed by your family and all those friends who so deeply respected and loved you." Cremation has taken place in Butte. Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in Gold Hill Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Borge officiating.
Memorials: Gold Hill Lutheran Church or charity of the donor's choice.
NOTE: I believe that IBEW Local 623 was later merged with IBEW Local 233 which now includes the inside work in Butte. MW
By the Montanta Standard Staff - 04/13/2005
Peter Hiam Jr. died early Monday morning in a local nursing home.
He was born in Ferryville, Wis., on May 20, 1922, to Peter C. and Christina Hiam. Peter was the youngest of three brothers and four sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey; sons and daughter-in-law, Gary and Maureen Hiam, Tacoma, Wash., and Robert Hiam, Honolulu; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Sonja and Tiffany. Peter had a very close relationship with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Doreen McDowell, niece Sunny Kay and nephew Rob.
Peter came to Butte in 1937 to live with his uncle and aunt, Otto and Louise Langstad, after his parents died in Wisconsin. Peter met his wife Audrey at age 17, which began a love affair of all time. Pete and Audrey were married in August 1941 and were by each other's side for 64 years. Even though Peter was ill and sick in the nursing home last week, they were still professing their undying love for each other.
After graduating from Butte High School, Peter began his career as a professional electrician, working for his uncle Otto, who owned Western Plumbing and Electric. This was only interrupted by a stint in the Navy during World War II. After Otto retired, Pete went to work for LeSage's Electric, where he served as general manager. In 1953, he started Hiam Electronics Radio and Television Service, where he spent nights and weekends making television repair calls. By 1971 that business evolved into Hiam Electronics, a major electrical contracting firm in Butte. He was a 60-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as president of IBEW Local 623, where he was involved many times with their negotiations. Peter also taught the apprentice program and was instrumental in training many of the electricians working in Butte today.
Peter was the all-time craftsman for his entire life. Many times he came to the aid of family and friends whenever they would call. He was responsible for building three different homes for the McDowells. After his tour of duty in the Navy, he and Audrey built a lovely home on West Gold Street that was the gathering place for family and friends and served as the headquarters for his business. The parties, reunions and many fun times at the home will always be remembered.
He was a very active member of Gold Hill Lutheran Church. Peter served in various governance positions, including treasurer and search committee as well as being very instrumental in the church building programs. After his retirement at age 65 in 1987, he continued his interests at the Star Lanes Bowling and Entertainment Center. He remained president and chief executive officer of Star Lanes until his death. Peter was also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Peter was a great husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle and grandfather. He was always an honest, caring person and was willing to help others. He was admired for his intelligence, wit and sense of humor. He was an avid sports fan and loyal Green Bay Packers fan. He had all the Packer's emblems that a die-hard fan would have, such as the cheese hat and flag that hung outside the house on game day.
"Peter, you gave so much, you will be terribly missed by your family and all those friends who so deeply respected and loved you." Cremation has taken place in Butte. Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in Gold Hill Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Borge officiating.
Memorials: Gold Hill Lutheran Church or charity of the donor's choice.
NOTE: I believe that IBEW Local 623 was later merged with IBEW Local 233 which now includes the inside work in Butte. MW
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
IBEW District 3 (NY, NJ, DE, PA) Rep, Wyatt Earp, Suggested as New Ocean County Dem Chair
REASON: Workload as president of Teamsters Local 469
SUCCESSOR: Russell K. Corby and Wyatt Earp each have a shot
County Democratic chief to quit
By JOSEPH PICARD, TOMS RIVER BUREAU, Published in the Asbury Park Press 04/12/05
POINT PLEASANT — Fred Potter is stepping down as chairman of the Ocean County Democratic Party, citing an increased workload at his regular job.
"There simply is not enough time to perform my duties as chairman and also handle my responsibilities to the union," said Potter, 52, a lifelong resident of Point Pleasant who is president of Local 469 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and a representative to the union's international council.
Potter, who became Democratic chairman in 2003, sent letters Monday to the 350 or so members of the Democratic County Committee announcing his resignation and asking members to attend a county committee meeting Saturday in Toms River to elect his successor.
In his letter, Potter recommends labor leader Wyatt Earp, 44, of Dover Township to succeed him as party chairman.
Earp is the international representative for the third district of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the president of the Monmouth & Ocean Counties Central Labor Council. He could not be reached for comment Monday.
Any other county Democrat may seek the chairmanship. Nominations will be entertained from the floor Saturday before committee members vote.
Pine Beach Mayor Russell K. Corby, who is also executive director of the Lakewood Development Corp., has been critical of Potter's leadership and is expected to make a bid for the chairmanship.
"It's well-known that I have been interested in the chairmanship for a long time," Corby said. "I will talk with various Democrats and see how things stand. If the party is truly looking for a return to Ocean County leadership, then perhaps we can all move forward together."
Dover Township Mayor Paul C. Brush lashed out at Potter for calling for the election of a new county chairman on such short notice.
"It's unfair to the party and to prospective candidates for chairman to have the committee meeting so quickly after (his) announcement of resignation," Brush said. "People need time to think over the options and make a sound decision. This is an important choice. Fred Potter should not be making a political power play to lift his man into the position."
Brush said he personally favors Dover Planning Board Chairman Salvatore J. Mattia.
Corby and some other Democrats say Potter was too greatly influenced by McGreevey Democrats from Trenton and other parts of the state, and so lost the support of old-time Ocean County Democrats and weakened the local party.
Potter dismissed the criticism.
"The old leaders of county Democrats were more concerned with their own personal success than with the success of the party," Potter said. "I'm glad I got the chance to change that."
Potter said the party grew stronger under his leadership.
"We took control in Jackson. We took control in Point Pleasant Beach," Potter said. "We regained control of Berkeley. We put a (Democratic) mayor in Dover. We took seats in Seaside Park. Overall, we've done well in the past few years."
Critics point out that the party lost control of Brick, still does not have a Democratic federal or state legislator from the county and has not held a seat on the county freeholder board since the early 1990s.
Potter countered that, in a Republican stronghold like Ocean County, less money flows to the Democrats, making it more difficult to accomplish things.
"Money is the key," Potter said. "We're bringing more money into the party than ever before, but it is still a balancing act regarding how to spend it. We can spend the money on campaigns or we can spend it on party building. It's hard to do both on limited funds."
Potter said elected Democratic municipal leaders should become more aggressive in supporting the county party, and that the party needs to make a greater effort to reach out to new residents.
Most Democrats contacted Monday said they were just learning of Potter's resignation and declined comment until they had more information. Point Pleasant Beach Councilwoman Monica Walsh said Potter has served the party well.
"I like Wyatt Earp, too," she said. "But, given the current state of things in the county and within the party, we Democrats need someone with Russ Corby's experience in a leadership position."
Copyright Asbury Park Press 2005
IBEW Local 102 (Paterson NJ) Pickets Site After Builder Refuses to Hire Local Electricians and uses Global Construction--From Houston Texas!
Pickets say builder has passed over N.J. labor
By SAMANTHA HENRY, HERALD NEWS, Tuesday, April 12, 2005
CLIFTON - Members of local unions picketed the construction site of a planned extended-stay hotel on Passaic Avenue on Monday, accusing the builder of shutting certain trade unions out of the bidding process.
The site on which the Togar Corporate Suites company of Pennsylvania is building its hotel has been picketed several times in the past few months by local union members for its hiring of non-union contractors from out of state.
Beginning Thursday, members of Local 102 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers set up an inflatable rat and turned out to picket. They returned at 6 a.m. Monday and picketed until noon.
Mark Roche, the business representative for Local 102, said the rat represents the presence of non-union workers making substandard wages at a site.
"I can guarantee that as soon as they get done with the first piece they're doing now, the rest of that job will be going non-union, all of it," Roche said.
He said members of his union had bid on the electrical contract, and were passed over in favor of an out-of-state, non-union shop. He said the general contractor on the job, Houston-based Global Construction Co., which was hired by Togar to build the units, is using such tactics in an attempt to drive a wedge between different trade unions.
"To make matters worse, the union contractors who are on the job now are being threatened that if they don't cross our picket line and go back to work within 24 hours, they're going to be removed from the job and their contract is going to be terminated," Roche said.
A representative for Global Construction refused to comment, and referred all inquiries to Togar. A representative for Togar did not return two calls for comment.
Don Capasso, the president of the union of Passaic County Building Trades, said such situations with out-of-state contractors are becoming more common.
"What happens is, they come into this area and they can't really use a non-union concrete contractor," Capasso said. "Then, when they give out the second portion of the job, they bring in non-union. So, what you have here is a situation where they try to undermine the solidarity of the unions."
Capasso said that union workers who are refusing to cross the picket lines are facing retribution from the company, and that a similar situation had occurred a few months earlier, on the same construction site, when the company passed over local unionized plumbers for non-union workers from Alabama.
"We just want the opportunity to work on this job," Capasso said. "It's not fair that a company from Texas comes up here and does a job and hires people from out of state, while Passaic County people are on the unemployment line."
Ed Farmer, chief of staff for Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson, said the congressman had spoken personally to all sides involved in the dispute, and was trying to help broker a compromise.
"Every possible consideration should be made for keeping the jobs in New Jersey," Farmer said. "That's what he [Pascrell] conveyed to the general contractor. Hopefully, we can work this situation out in the end, but if not, we'll continue to fight."
E-mail: henrys@northjersey.com
Copyright © 2005 North Jersey Media Group Inc.
By SAMANTHA HENRY, HERALD NEWS, Tuesday, April 12, 2005
CLIFTON - Members of local unions picketed the construction site of a planned extended-stay hotel on Passaic Avenue on Monday, accusing the builder of shutting certain trade unions out of the bidding process.
The site on which the Togar Corporate Suites company of Pennsylvania is building its hotel has been picketed several times in the past few months by local union members for its hiring of non-union contractors from out of state.
Beginning Thursday, members of Local 102 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers set up an inflatable rat and turned out to picket. They returned at 6 a.m. Monday and picketed until noon.
Mark Roche, the business representative for Local 102, said the rat represents the presence of non-union workers making substandard wages at a site.
"I can guarantee that as soon as they get done with the first piece they're doing now, the rest of that job will be going non-union, all of it," Roche said.
He said members of his union had bid on the electrical contract, and were passed over in favor of an out-of-state, non-union shop. He said the general contractor on the job, Houston-based Global Construction Co., which was hired by Togar to build the units, is using such tactics in an attempt to drive a wedge between different trade unions.
"To make matters worse, the union contractors who are on the job now are being threatened that if they don't cross our picket line and go back to work within 24 hours, they're going to be removed from the job and their contract is going to be terminated," Roche said.
A representative for Global Construction refused to comment, and referred all inquiries to Togar. A representative for Togar did not return two calls for comment.
Don Capasso, the president of the union of Passaic County Building Trades, said such situations with out-of-state contractors are becoming more common.
"What happens is, they come into this area and they can't really use a non-union concrete contractor," Capasso said. "Then, when they give out the second portion of the job, they bring in non-union. So, what you have here is a situation where they try to undermine the solidarity of the unions."
Capasso said that union workers who are refusing to cross the picket lines are facing retribution from the company, and that a similar situation had occurred a few months earlier, on the same construction site, when the company passed over local unionized plumbers for non-union workers from Alabama.
"We just want the opportunity to work on this job," Capasso said. "It's not fair that a company from Texas comes up here and does a job and hires people from out of state, while Passaic County people are on the unemployment line."
Ed Farmer, chief of staff for Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson, said the congressman had spoken personally to all sides involved in the dispute, and was trying to help broker a compromise.
"Every possible consideration should be made for keeping the jobs in New Jersey," Farmer said. "That's what he [Pascrell] conveyed to the general contractor. Hopefully, we can work this situation out in the end, but if not, we'll continue to fight."
E-mail: henrys@northjersey.com
Copyright © 2005 North Jersey Media Group Inc.
IBEW Local 1228
from the Berkshire Eagle
Adelphia workers unionize in Lee
By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - LEE -- Following what one union representative called a "venomous" management campaign, technicians at Adelphia last week voted to be represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1228.
The vote was 5-4, according to union organizer Fletcher Fischer.
It is unclear how -- or if -- the upcoming purchase of Adelphia by Time Warner will affect these unionization efforts.
"What this means is that IBEW Local 1228 will become the bargaining unit for these technicians," said Fischer. "We were made aware of the pending sale of Adelphia to Time Warner."
Time Warner Inc. and its bidding partner, cable television operator Comcast Corp., announced yesterday that they have reached a deal to buy bankrupt cable operator Adelphia Communications Corp. for nearly $18 billion.
Adelphia has 5.3 million subscribers across the country. The company is reorganizing its business in bankruptcy court, but agreed more than a year ago to seek bids for its assets.
Fischer said the union vote was limited to the technicians who work for the Lee branch of Adelphia. Asked if the union had plans to represent Adelphia's other branch, located in North Adams, Fischer said, "Not yet."
Meri Sevey, the head of the Lee branch, could not be reached for comment. Attempts to contact other Adelphia officials yesterday were also unsuccessful.
Fischer said yesterday that he was disappointed at the "aggressive" tactics used by Adelphia's local, regional and national management team to dissuade the technicians from voting in favor of union representation.
"It was one of the most venomous, intense treatment by company representatives that I've seen in any union campaign I've witnessed in the past 25 years," said Fischer.
He reported that the technicians were repeatedly subjected to verbal abuse, including profanity, as well as threats of retaliation. The IBEW was described as a "cancer" that had to be excised, said Fischer.
"You have to commend these guys for having the courage to cast those votes," said Fischer. "They've gone through a lot."
"Now that the votes have been counted, we call on Adelphia to stop its illegal harassment," said Fischer. "Adelphia should immediately focus on negotiating a fair contract for its employees."
Fischer said the principal focus for the union will be negotiating better working conditions, improved safety, better wages and a more structured disciplinary process.
Fischer said Adelphia managers have been excessively reprimanding employees for "minor offenses."
The election was administered on Friday by a representative of the Boston region of the National Labor Relations Board.
Adelphia workers unionize in Lee
By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - LEE -- Following what one union representative called a "venomous" management campaign, technicians at Adelphia last week voted to be represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1228.
The vote was 5-4, according to union organizer Fletcher Fischer.
It is unclear how -- or if -- the upcoming purchase of Adelphia by Time Warner will affect these unionization efforts.
"What this means is that IBEW Local 1228 will become the bargaining unit for these technicians," said Fischer. "We were made aware of the pending sale of Adelphia to Time Warner."
Time Warner Inc. and its bidding partner, cable television operator Comcast Corp., announced yesterday that they have reached a deal to buy bankrupt cable operator Adelphia Communications Corp. for nearly $18 billion.
Adelphia has 5.3 million subscribers across the country. The company is reorganizing its business in bankruptcy court, but agreed more than a year ago to seek bids for its assets.
Fischer said the union vote was limited to the technicians who work for the Lee branch of Adelphia. Asked if the union had plans to represent Adelphia's other branch, located in North Adams, Fischer said, "Not yet."
Meri Sevey, the head of the Lee branch, could not be reached for comment. Attempts to contact other Adelphia officials yesterday were also unsuccessful.
Fischer said yesterday that he was disappointed at the "aggressive" tactics used by Adelphia's local, regional and national management team to dissuade the technicians from voting in favor of union representation.
"It was one of the most venomous, intense treatment by company representatives that I've seen in any union campaign I've witnessed in the past 25 years," said Fischer.
He reported that the technicians were repeatedly subjected to verbal abuse, including profanity, as well as threats of retaliation. The IBEW was described as a "cancer" that had to be excised, said Fischer.
"You have to commend these guys for having the courage to cast those votes," said Fischer. "They've gone through a lot."
"Now that the votes have been counted, we call on Adelphia to stop its illegal harassment," said Fischer. "Adelphia should immediately focus on negotiating a fair contract for its employees."
Fischer said the principal focus for the union will be negotiating better working conditions, improved safety, better wages and a more structured disciplinary process.
Fischer said Adelphia managers have been excessively reprimanding employees for "minor offenses."
The election was administered on Friday by a representative of the Boston region of the National Labor Relations Board.
IBEW Local 1547 (Anchorage AK) may extend contract--Opponent of Organized Ray Kreig (Defeated FORMER Board Member) Labor Critical
Chugach Electric critic pushes for negotiations
By Claire Chandler
Alaska Journal of Commerce
Publication Date: 04/10/05
Chugach Electric Association's management and board of directors have discussed the possibility of extending the utility cooperative's labor contracts with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1547, alarming former board member and consumer advocate Ray Kreig.
Officials from Chugach Electric say that while an extension has been discussed, there has been no action on the matter yet.
"What the board authorized me to do is to feel the union out and see what they thought about an extension. Nothing has happened on it," said Joe Griffith, chief executive officer of Chugach Electric.
Instead of extending the contract, Kreig said Chugach Electric should begin negotiations with the IBEW. Kreig is the chairman of the advocacy organization Chugach Consumers and served on the Chugach Electric board from May 1994 to April 2000, including two years as the board's chairman.
Griffith said labor negotiations take time and cost a lot of money.
The last negotiations between the association and IBEW spanned 2 1/2 years, from about early 1998 to 2000, when the agreements were reached.
In April 2002, Chugach Electric's board voted to extend the association's labor contracts with the IBEW through June 30, 2006.
"What you are trying to do with an extension is extend (the labor contracts) with the simplest changes - you wouldn't try any negotiations that would be lengthy," Griffith said.
Kreig argues that carrying out labor negotiations is worth the time and money because the utility has to make changes in its IBEW labor contracts before it can become a well-run, cost-effective operation.
Chugach Consumers estimates that Chugach Electric's costomers are paying 20 percent more than they would be if the utility were run according to the national norms of efficiency.
A 20 percent rate reduction in a household using 750 kilowatt-hours a month is more than $200 a year, and that's just the direct savings for consumers, Kreig said. A reduction in Chugach Electric's rates would save consumers hundreds of dollars more in taxes that pay for the operation of streetlights, schools and other public facilities, as well as reduce the price of products sold in Alaska.
Chugach Consumers' estimate of potential rate reductions is based on information about Chugach Electric's operations over the last 10 years.
Much of the information is not available to the public because it is included in about a dozen confidential studies prepared when Kreig was a member of Chugach Electric's board, he said. "I think all of them should be released either in their entirety or the summary of the salient points."
Kreig said the changes he advocates will not take place "unless there is pressure and public knowledge of why these rates are higher than they should be."
Kreig cited a 1995 study by UMS Group Inc. and analysts of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association that compared 23 large electric cooperatives nationwide.
The study determined that the cost of operating Chugach Electric's distribution network was higher than all of other 22 cooperatives, and Chugach Electric's quality of service - such as its responsiveness to customers and the amount of time it took the utility to install new connections - was below the average quality of service provided by the other 22 utilities.
"It's as relevant today as it was then because Chugach hasn't begun to address the findings: They are not negotiating the work rules and restrictions that drive up costs," Kreig said.
Kreig referred to Matanuska Electric Association's labor negotiations with the IBEW three years ago and other cost-cutting measures since general manager Wayne Carmony joined the utility in 1994 as examples of how Chugach Electric can lower operating costs to reduce its rates.
Using an estimate Chugach Electric gave MEA when offering to buy the utility in 1994, Tuckerman Babcock, manager of government and strategic affairs for MEA, said that just more than 10 years ago MEA's rates were 17 percent greater than the rates of Chugach Electric.
In the last decade, MEA has reduced its rates 16 times and increased the rates twice, according to Babcock.
Chugach Electric's Griffith said the utility has not increased its rates - except for increasing its fuel adjustment - during the same 10-year period.
A household's average monthly 750 kwh-bill from MEA was $81.01 last year, while a similar Chugach Electric consumer paid $89.07, according to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska's data of 2004 electric rates statewide.
Babcock said MEA has lower rates than Chugach Electric even though MEA's network is larger and more expensive to operate.
Chugach Electric has 2.7 times the number of consumers per mile of line than MEA and 5.7 times the income.
"All of that points to we should not be less expensive," Babcock said.
Kreig agrees. "Based on that, Chugach Electric should have whacked 15 percent off its rates, if they were doing the same things MEA was doing to improve its economic efficiency."
Kreig said that before Chugach Electric can make significant changes in the way it operates, it has to negotiate its labor contracts with the IBEW.
"This is not about slashing people's basic hourly wages. That is not the top priority. The top priority is competitive bidding, modernizing work rules and addressing overtime abuses," Kreig said. "No. 1, they need to implement the 1996 competitive bidding bylaw, passed by 80 percent of the utility's voters, to allow for full competition for maintenance and new construction contracting."
Kreig said Chugach Electric has not implemented the full and open competitive bidding bylaw because its labor contracts with the IBEW restrict the type of contractors who can bid on some of Chugach Electric's projects to contractors that employ members of the IBEW.
If the utility complied with the bylaw by ensuring responsible bidders were not excluded, its costs would decrease, he said. "If you expand the number of people bidding, more competition will drive down the cost. The IBEW contractors will still get much of the work, but they will be doing it at a more competitive price."
As the largest electric utility in Alaska, Chugach Electric would create a market for nonunion contractors if it were to negotiate full and open competitive bidding into its contracts with the IBEW, Kreig said. He added that this would lower costs for other utilities in the state, including MEA.
"That seems like commonsense to me," MEA's Babcock said.
MEA's costs dropped by 25 percent to 35 percent when nonunion contractors bid on its project from 1997 to 1999. MEA has not had any large nonunion bidders since then, Babcock said.
Griffith said Chugach Electric is complying with its full and open competitive bidding bylaw.
"We operate under full and competitive bidding today and Ray (Kreig) doesn't like the fact that there are no nonunion electric contractors in Alaska," he said.
Griffith added that Chugach Electric is not in violation of its IBEW contracts by operating under the bylaw.
Another change in the utility's labor contracts that Kreig is advocating for has to do with the overtime pay of IBEW members.
Kreig said that while overtime pay is typically one and a half times a person's standard pay, IBEW members at minimum earn double their standard pay when working overtime and on certain occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, earn triple their standard pay.
Chugach Electric spokeswoman Patti Bogan declined to comment on changes Kreig proposes the utility should negotiate into its contracts with the IBEW.
"Chugach cannot comment on contract negotiations or proposals," she said. "We do not negotiate in public, which is typical of any company negotiating a contract. And in our opinion there is no story and we can't comment on how Mr. Kreig reaches his opinions."
Melinda Taylor, communication director of the IBEW, also said there is no story concerning discussions between the union and Chugach Electric.
"We negotiate with utilities around the state and we don't encounter the type of situation that we do with Ray (Kreig) and Chugach," she said. "We see him as a disgruntled ex-board member. He is drumming up news where there is no news. There's no story here."
Red Boucher, the chairman of Chugach Electric's board, declined to comment on what the utility is negotiating with the IBEW.
"There is no sense publishing what our problems areas are. We have some and we are working on it," Boucher said.
The most important issue facing Chugach Electric is not the utility's labor costs; it's the potential natural gas shortage in Southcentral Alaska as early as 2009, he said.
"Let's take a look at the big picture," Boucher said. "The labor costs are a very small part of the overall Chugach budget.
"You can bang away at whatever a lineman gets but there are far bigger issues than what they (Chugach Consumers) are talking about."
Claire Chandler can be reached at claire.chandler@alaskajournal.com.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/041005/hom_20050410003.shtml
© The Alaska Journal of Commerce Online
By Claire Chandler
Alaska Journal of Commerce
Publication Date: 04/10/05
Chugach Electric Association's management and board of directors have discussed the possibility of extending the utility cooperative's labor contracts with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1547, alarming former board member and consumer advocate Ray Kreig.
Officials from Chugach Electric say that while an extension has been discussed, there has been no action on the matter yet.
"What the board authorized me to do is to feel the union out and see what they thought about an extension. Nothing has happened on it," said Joe Griffith, chief executive officer of Chugach Electric.
Instead of extending the contract, Kreig said Chugach Electric should begin negotiations with the IBEW. Kreig is the chairman of the advocacy organization Chugach Consumers and served on the Chugach Electric board from May 1994 to April 2000, including two years as the board's chairman.
Griffith said labor negotiations take time and cost a lot of money.
The last negotiations between the association and IBEW spanned 2 1/2 years, from about early 1998 to 2000, when the agreements were reached.
In April 2002, Chugach Electric's board voted to extend the association's labor contracts with the IBEW through June 30, 2006.
"What you are trying to do with an extension is extend (the labor contracts) with the simplest changes - you wouldn't try any negotiations that would be lengthy," Griffith said.
Kreig argues that carrying out labor negotiations is worth the time and money because the utility has to make changes in its IBEW labor contracts before it can become a well-run, cost-effective operation.
Chugach Consumers estimates that Chugach Electric's costomers are paying 20 percent more than they would be if the utility were run according to the national norms of efficiency.
A 20 percent rate reduction in a household using 750 kilowatt-hours a month is more than $200 a year, and that's just the direct savings for consumers, Kreig said. A reduction in Chugach Electric's rates would save consumers hundreds of dollars more in taxes that pay for the operation of streetlights, schools and other public facilities, as well as reduce the price of products sold in Alaska.
Chugach Consumers' estimate of potential rate reductions is based on information about Chugach Electric's operations over the last 10 years.
Much of the information is not available to the public because it is included in about a dozen confidential studies prepared when Kreig was a member of Chugach Electric's board, he said. "I think all of them should be released either in their entirety or the summary of the salient points."
Kreig said the changes he advocates will not take place "unless there is pressure and public knowledge of why these rates are higher than they should be."
Kreig cited a 1995 study by UMS Group Inc. and analysts of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association that compared 23 large electric cooperatives nationwide.
The study determined that the cost of operating Chugach Electric's distribution network was higher than all of other 22 cooperatives, and Chugach Electric's quality of service - such as its responsiveness to customers and the amount of time it took the utility to install new connections - was below the average quality of service provided by the other 22 utilities.
"It's as relevant today as it was then because Chugach hasn't begun to address the findings: They are not negotiating the work rules and restrictions that drive up costs," Kreig said.
Kreig referred to Matanuska Electric Association's labor negotiations with the IBEW three years ago and other cost-cutting measures since general manager Wayne Carmony joined the utility in 1994 as examples of how Chugach Electric can lower operating costs to reduce its rates.
Using an estimate Chugach Electric gave MEA when offering to buy the utility in 1994, Tuckerman Babcock, manager of government and strategic affairs for MEA, said that just more than 10 years ago MEA's rates were 17 percent greater than the rates of Chugach Electric.
In the last decade, MEA has reduced its rates 16 times and increased the rates twice, according to Babcock.
Chugach Electric's Griffith said the utility has not increased its rates - except for increasing its fuel adjustment - during the same 10-year period.
A household's average monthly 750 kwh-bill from MEA was $81.01 last year, while a similar Chugach Electric consumer paid $89.07, according to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska's data of 2004 electric rates statewide.
Babcock said MEA has lower rates than Chugach Electric even though MEA's network is larger and more expensive to operate.
Chugach Electric has 2.7 times the number of consumers per mile of line than MEA and 5.7 times the income.
"All of that points to we should not be less expensive," Babcock said.
Kreig agrees. "Based on that, Chugach Electric should have whacked 15 percent off its rates, if they were doing the same things MEA was doing to improve its economic efficiency."
Kreig said that before Chugach Electric can make significant changes in the way it operates, it has to negotiate its labor contracts with the IBEW.
"This is not about slashing people's basic hourly wages. That is not the top priority. The top priority is competitive bidding, modernizing work rules and addressing overtime abuses," Kreig said. "No. 1, they need to implement the 1996 competitive bidding bylaw, passed by 80 percent of the utility's voters, to allow for full competition for maintenance and new construction contracting."
Kreig said Chugach Electric has not implemented the full and open competitive bidding bylaw because its labor contracts with the IBEW restrict the type of contractors who can bid on some of Chugach Electric's projects to contractors that employ members of the IBEW.
If the utility complied with the bylaw by ensuring responsible bidders were not excluded, its costs would decrease, he said. "If you expand the number of people bidding, more competition will drive down the cost. The IBEW contractors will still get much of the work, but they will be doing it at a more competitive price."
As the largest electric utility in Alaska, Chugach Electric would create a market for nonunion contractors if it were to negotiate full and open competitive bidding into its contracts with the IBEW, Kreig said. He added that this would lower costs for other utilities in the state, including MEA.
"That seems like commonsense to me," MEA's Babcock said.
MEA's costs dropped by 25 percent to 35 percent when nonunion contractors bid on its project from 1997 to 1999. MEA has not had any large nonunion bidders since then, Babcock said.
Griffith said Chugach Electric is complying with its full and open competitive bidding bylaw.
"We operate under full and competitive bidding today and Ray (Kreig) doesn't like the fact that there are no nonunion electric contractors in Alaska," he said.
Griffith added that Chugach Electric is not in violation of its IBEW contracts by operating under the bylaw.
Another change in the utility's labor contracts that Kreig is advocating for has to do with the overtime pay of IBEW members.
Kreig said that while overtime pay is typically one and a half times a person's standard pay, IBEW members at minimum earn double their standard pay when working overtime and on certain occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, earn triple their standard pay.
Chugach Electric spokeswoman Patti Bogan declined to comment on changes Kreig proposes the utility should negotiate into its contracts with the IBEW.
"Chugach cannot comment on contract negotiations or proposals," she said. "We do not negotiate in public, which is typical of any company negotiating a contract. And in our opinion there is no story and we can't comment on how Mr. Kreig reaches his opinions."
Melinda Taylor, communication director of the IBEW, also said there is no story concerning discussions between the union and Chugach Electric.
"We negotiate with utilities around the state and we don't encounter the type of situation that we do with Ray (Kreig) and Chugach," she said. "We see him as a disgruntled ex-board member. He is drumming up news where there is no news. There's no story here."
Red Boucher, the chairman of Chugach Electric's board, declined to comment on what the utility is negotiating with the IBEW.
"There is no sense publishing what our problems areas are. We have some and we are working on it," Boucher said.
The most important issue facing Chugach Electric is not the utility's labor costs; it's the potential natural gas shortage in Southcentral Alaska as early as 2009, he said.
"Let's take a look at the big picture," Boucher said. "The labor costs are a very small part of the overall Chugach budget.
"You can bang away at whatever a lineman gets but there are far bigger issues than what they (Chugach Consumers) are talking about."
Claire Chandler can be reached at claire.chandler@alaskajournal.com.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/041005/hom_20050410003.shtml
© The Alaska Journal of Commerce Online
IBEW Local 71 (Columbus OH) Brother Big Joe Passes on After Long Life
Joseph E. Denman
JOHNSTOWN — Joseph Earl Denman of Johnstown passed away April 8, 2005, at the Northview Senior Living Center, Johnstown.
Joe was born July 17, 1926, in Johnstown, to Joseph and Mary (Rowe) Denman. He was a 1944 graduate of Johnstown-Monroe High School, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and baseball in the early 1940s. He is in the Johnstown Athletic Hall of Fame, member of IBEW Local 71 at Columbus, and known as “Big Joe” to friends and fellow union workers.
He is survived by his brother, Tom Denman of Johnstown; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Paul) Westbrock and David (Patricia) Denman, both of Dublin, Susan (Mike) Ellis of Valrico, Fla., Tim (Jaquie) Denman of Johnstown; and many great-nieces and great-nephews; special aunt, Marie Rowe of Merritt Island, Fla.; many dear cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy A. (Denman) Bevington.
There will be a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday at the Church of the Ascension, 276 S. Main St., Johnstown, with the Rev. Reichert as celebrant. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crouse-Kauber-Sammons Funeral Home, 225 N. Main St., Johnstown.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio.
JOHNSTOWN — Joseph Earl Denman of Johnstown passed away April 8, 2005, at the Northview Senior Living Center, Johnstown.
Joe was born July 17, 1926, in Johnstown, to Joseph and Mary (Rowe) Denman. He was a 1944 graduate of Johnstown-Monroe High School, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and baseball in the early 1940s. He is in the Johnstown Athletic Hall of Fame, member of IBEW Local 71 at Columbus, and known as “Big Joe” to friends and fellow union workers.
He is survived by his brother, Tom Denman of Johnstown; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Paul) Westbrock and David (Patricia) Denman, both of Dublin, Susan (Mike) Ellis of Valrico, Fla., Tim (Jaquie) Denman of Johnstown; and many great-nieces and great-nephews; special aunt, Marie Rowe of Merritt Island, Fla.; many dear cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy A. (Denman) Bevington.
There will be a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday at the Church of the Ascension, 276 S. Main St., Johnstown, with the Rev. Reichert as celebrant. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crouse-Kauber-Sammons Funeral Home, 225 N. Main St., Johnstown.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Toledo Mayoral Candidate Finkbeiner Says He Listens to Advice of IBEW Local 8 (Toledo OH) Leadership
Ford announces bid for new term; battle with Finkbeiner is possible
Mayor Jack Ford makes no apologies for his low-key style, saying his accomplishments speak for themselves.
By FRITZ WENZEL, BLADE POLITICAL WRITER, Article published April 10, 2005
Surrounded by friends and family, Toledo Mayor Jack Ford announced yesterday that he will seek another four years as the most powerful public figure in the city.
Taking the microphone at the front of a large white tent pitched in a parking lot behind his campaign headquarters on Adams Street downtown, Mr. Ford talked of hope, promise, and greater things to come for Toledo in a second Ford administration.
"I need your help," the city's first black mayor said to hundreds of supporters. "I need your help to keep the faith with what I set out to do all those years ago. I'll never forget it if you do what you can do. If you help the way you can help, at the end of the day, I'll be the kind of mayor that you want, you respect, and you deserve."
Amid a sea of campaign signs, balloons, and the wafting aroma of grilled hot dogs, the Democratic mayor touted his accomplishments: balancing the city budget during tough economic times without a tax increase or police layoffs, creating a health-care program for 5,000 low-income residents, and developing a "small business initiative" that has been praised by the federal government.
He also promised more to come: "We're going to get the Marina District done, finally, and no one's going to be gladder than me."
He also pledged a renovated mall in South Toledo, saying "Southwyck is going to come back. It's not going to fall down." He said he has successfully pressured its absentee owner to sell the ailing mall on Reynolds Road.
In the weeks leading to yesterday's campaign announcement, Mr. Ford has also touted an expanded Jeep plant and Franklin Park mall, a burgeoning warehouse district around the Mud Hens stadium, and a smoking ban in restaurants he pushed hard to see enacted.
These projects - done and undone - provide the tangible backdrop against which the city's fourth race for strong mayor will take place.
A matter of style
But Mr. Ford's re-election fortunes may hinge on none of those but an intangible that has dogged him throughout his political career: his leaden leadership style.
It's something for which the incumbent makes no apologies.
"We've taken a lot of what I call big steps. It's just not my nature to necessarily have a press conference and say, 'I'm doing this and I'm doing that,'●" he said in a recent interview in his 22nd floor Government Center office downtown.
"It may cost me politically, but I'm not going to do a whole lot of hyping," he said. "That's just the way I operate."
The mayor's low-key style will certainly be used against him politically, and most likely by a man who has all but announced he's running for mayor - former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.
Mr. Finkbeiner was more than happy recently to talk about how Jack Ford has run the city and his reluctance to act as Toledo's head cheerleader - his biggest problem, according to the man who ran the city from 1994 to 2001.
"If it isn't his style and he wants to become a successful mayor, it needs to become part of his style," said Mr. Finkbeiner, 65, who like Mr. Ford, 57, is a Democrat. "The people I talk to don't feel that much is getting done."
Mr. Ford said people's perception is less important than his accomplishments.
"I'm not flashy. I'm just kind of a steady, some would say 'dull,' guy, but sometimes you still get the job done, and you get it done correctly the first time," he said.
Mr. Ford talks of team-building. Mr. Finkbeiner talks about the role of mayor as one part Marine Corps sergeant, one part salesman, and one part football coach.
"A mayor has got to show victories," he said.
Mr. Finkbeiner, who has worked as a television commentator since leaving office three years ago - including a segment named, "It's just not right" - says he is seriously mulling a comeback challenge to Mr. Ford this year.
Those who have watched his long political career are convinced he will enter the race, but he contends he has not yet made up his mind.
"Early June. That's when I hope to have a decision," he said. "Nobody's going to push me."
A looming battle
A Ford-Finkbeiner contest would pit two of the biggest public figures in Toledo against each other.
Add to the mix an intraparty fight that has badly split local Democrats, and this would be the race to watch at the November election.
Mr. Finkbeiner is backed by those Democrats who control party headquarters on Monroe Street - the so-called B-Team - while Mr. Ford is the head of the Democratic contingent at City Hall, which controls City Council - the so-called A-Team.
There are others considering the race. Two Republican councilmen - Rob Ludeman from District 2 and at-large Councilman George Sarantou - have said they may run.
But in the event of a Ford-Finkbeiner race, Mr. Sarantou said, the two Democrats would consume so much political oxygen there would be little left for other candidates.
Mr. Ludeman said a Finkbeiner candidacy "wouldn't have any impact on my decision at all."
He expects to make up his mind by early May, which he said would still leave him plenty of time to mount a competitive challenge.
"Maybe a shorter campaign is the way to go. Hit it hard, and hit it fast," he said.
Mr. Sarantou said last week that he is thinking the same thing.
"There's still plenty of time" before the July 15 candidate filing deadline, he said. "I am carefully considering it. A lot can happen between now and then."
If more than two candidates run for the city's top job, there will be a primary election in September, with the two top vote-getters facing in off in the November election.
Tough times in Toledo
Mr. Finkbeiner, first elected in 1993, governed during a national economic boom.
Mr. Ford's term has been dogged by recession and declining tax revenues. Keeping the city afloat has consumed most of his time.
"This has been a different kind of economy. I think it's been not only because of the aftermath of 9/11 and the war and the technological changes that have come on," Mr. Ford said. "Ohio, particularly in Toledo, and Michigan, particularly in Detroit, and areas like that, you've had this loss of manufacturing jobs, which we have clung to over the years. It's been hard for us to rebound."
To deal with a stagnant tax base, he said he has tried to find new revenue and cut city expenses.
"Folks like to say they are conservative and that they believe in less government," the mayor said. "We've actually done it, even though I ran pretty much as a populist and as a labor Democrat."
Mr. Ford said he is proud of the indoor clean air act, better known as the smoking ban, that passed during his term, even though it "used up a lot of political capital and created a lot of enemies."
"I lost a lot of friends, but it was the right thing to do," he said.
The mayor took credit for the resolution of three legal problems that had nagged the city for years, including a case involving the city's decrepit sewage and storm drain system.
Also settled were cases dealing with minority hiring on the police and fire departments and with the city's failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ultimately, Mr. Ford said, the region must move toward unified governments to gain efficiencies.
'Passion and energy'
Mr. Finkbeiner said he wants to bring a new sense of "passion and energy" to City Hall, promoting downtown development, neighborhood improvements, and renewed economic development.
He has been meeting every other Saturday with a growing group of supporters at the Teamsters Local 20 hall to explore a mayoral candidacy.
He said he is aware of complaints by Mr. Ford that some of the financial problems facing the city were caused by decisions he made with developers when mayor, but, he said, that is part of the political game.
"Whenever anybody has not done a lot or accomplished a great deal, it is normal in politics and life for that person to point the finger at somebody else who may have been before them and say, 'Look at this situation. That didn't work out the way he thought.'" Mr. Finkbeiner said. "To that I would say, 'You are absolutely right. It didn't.' But on the other hand, would the warehouse district be where it is today - something Jack will point to with pride - if we hadn't filled up the Commodore Perry, the Macy's building, the old Toledo Trust building, and the Hillcrest Hotel?"
"The residential living in place [downtown] right now started with the Finkbeiner administration," Mr. Finkbeiner said.
He also takes credit for the continuing expansion of the Jeep plant, including the influx of automotive parts suppliers who sell to DaimlerChrysler AG.
"Whatever the critiques, whatever the criticism, I'll take them. That is part of the daily duties of a mayor," the former mayor said. "You won't find me apologizing for mistakes because they were all made as acts of commission, where you are committed to doing something, rather than omission, where you are afraid to do anything for fear the criticism is going to come from doing it."
Seeking input
Both men have strong personalities and are used to making tough decisions, but they also say they have people they turn to for advice.
And in both cases, the advisers span a wide range of experience in the worlds of business, education, organized labor, and politics.
Mr. Ford says he confers mainly with businessman Bob Savage; friend Weldon Douthitt; political strategist Jim Ruvolo; businessman George Isaac; Dan Johnson, president of the University of Toledo; state UAW leader Lloyd Mahaffey, and John Robinson Block, editor-in-chief and publisher of The Blade.
"I always thought John probably had about the best world view of anyone in Toledo, with the exception maybe of Bob Savage, because they both travel a lot, and they both think about policy a lot," Mr. Ford said. "I don't call him every week, but if I have a major idea that I am thinking about, I call him. I don't see anything wrong with it. He's usually right 85 percent of the time."
Mr. Finkbeiner said he confides with businessman Pat Nicholson; political strategist John Irish; retired city executive Bob Reinbolt; Dennis Duffey, leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 8; Bill Lichtenwald, president of Teamsters Local 20; attorneys Tom Palmer and Bob Kaplan, and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas.
Both are heavy news consumers, getting most of their information from newspapers.
Both said they read several per day, including the major papers of the region, plus nationally distributed editions.
Neither turns to the Internet to get their news. Mr. Ford said he helps his daughter do school research online at home, but otherwise seldom surfs the Web for himself.
Mr. Finkbeiner does not own a computer.
The power of money
Mr. Ford has become a powerful financial force in local politics, quietly breaking fund-raising records and dishing boatloads of cash to other candidates for local office.
Less than a month into his first term, he hosted a fund-raiser at the University of Toledo that shattered all the records for local public officials by raking in nearly $160,000. His first year at the top of Government Center, he raised $282,210.
By the end of last year, he had collected a total of $662,969 but had spent more than half of it on such things as donations to other candidates and to the local Democratic Party.
He reported $309,976 cash on hand heading into his re-election year.
Mr. Finkbeiner said that because both men are so well known to voters, money would not be a big factor in the mayoral contest.
His annual finance report, filed in January, showed a balance in his campaign account of $745.
Mr. Finkbeiner was the first person to win the mayor's office after voters gave the city charter a dramatic overhaul in 1992.
That charter amendment eliminated the city manager and installed what has been called a "strong mayor" form of government, which grants the mayor sweeping powers over City Hall.
Mr. Finkbeiner narrowly won a second four-year term in 1997 but was preventing by term limits from seeking a third term in 2001.
Mr. Ford, then a state legislator, ran and won the post.
Mr. Finkbeiner was paid $75,000 per year while in office, but a charter update approved by voters increased the pay to $136,000 when Mr. Ford took office on New Year's Day, 2002.
Contact Fritz Wenzel at: fritz@theblade.com or 419-724-6134.
Mayor Jack Ford makes no apologies for his low-key style, saying his accomplishments speak for themselves.
By FRITZ WENZEL, BLADE POLITICAL WRITER, Article published April 10, 2005
Surrounded by friends and family, Toledo Mayor Jack Ford announced yesterday that he will seek another four years as the most powerful public figure in the city.
Taking the microphone at the front of a large white tent pitched in a parking lot behind his campaign headquarters on Adams Street downtown, Mr. Ford talked of hope, promise, and greater things to come for Toledo in a second Ford administration.
"I need your help," the city's first black mayor said to hundreds of supporters. "I need your help to keep the faith with what I set out to do all those years ago. I'll never forget it if you do what you can do. If you help the way you can help, at the end of the day, I'll be the kind of mayor that you want, you respect, and you deserve."
Amid a sea of campaign signs, balloons, and the wafting aroma of grilled hot dogs, the Democratic mayor touted his accomplishments: balancing the city budget during tough economic times without a tax increase or police layoffs, creating a health-care program for 5,000 low-income residents, and developing a "small business initiative" that has been praised by the federal government.
He also promised more to come: "We're going to get the Marina District done, finally, and no one's going to be gladder than me."
He also pledged a renovated mall in South Toledo, saying "Southwyck is going to come back. It's not going to fall down." He said he has successfully pressured its absentee owner to sell the ailing mall on Reynolds Road.
In the weeks leading to yesterday's campaign announcement, Mr. Ford has also touted an expanded Jeep plant and Franklin Park mall, a burgeoning warehouse district around the Mud Hens stadium, and a smoking ban in restaurants he pushed hard to see enacted.
These projects - done and undone - provide the tangible backdrop against which the city's fourth race for strong mayor will take place.
A matter of style
But Mr. Ford's re-election fortunes may hinge on none of those but an intangible that has dogged him throughout his political career: his leaden leadership style.
It's something for which the incumbent makes no apologies.
"We've taken a lot of what I call big steps. It's just not my nature to necessarily have a press conference and say, 'I'm doing this and I'm doing that,'●" he said in a recent interview in his 22nd floor Government Center office downtown.
"It may cost me politically, but I'm not going to do a whole lot of hyping," he said. "That's just the way I operate."
The mayor's low-key style will certainly be used against him politically, and most likely by a man who has all but announced he's running for mayor - former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.
Mr. Finkbeiner was more than happy recently to talk about how Jack Ford has run the city and his reluctance to act as Toledo's head cheerleader - his biggest problem, according to the man who ran the city from 1994 to 2001.
"If it isn't his style and he wants to become a successful mayor, it needs to become part of his style," said Mr. Finkbeiner, 65, who like Mr. Ford, 57, is a Democrat. "The people I talk to don't feel that much is getting done."
Mr. Ford said people's perception is less important than his accomplishments.
"I'm not flashy. I'm just kind of a steady, some would say 'dull,' guy, but sometimes you still get the job done, and you get it done correctly the first time," he said.
Mr. Ford talks of team-building. Mr. Finkbeiner talks about the role of mayor as one part Marine Corps sergeant, one part salesman, and one part football coach.
"A mayor has got to show victories," he said.
Mr. Finkbeiner, who has worked as a television commentator since leaving office three years ago - including a segment named, "It's just not right" - says he is seriously mulling a comeback challenge to Mr. Ford this year.
Those who have watched his long political career are convinced he will enter the race, but he contends he has not yet made up his mind.
"Early June. That's when I hope to have a decision," he said. "Nobody's going to push me."
A looming battle
A Ford-Finkbeiner contest would pit two of the biggest public figures in Toledo against each other.
Add to the mix an intraparty fight that has badly split local Democrats, and this would be the race to watch at the November election.
Mr. Finkbeiner is backed by those Democrats who control party headquarters on Monroe Street - the so-called B-Team - while Mr. Ford is the head of the Democratic contingent at City Hall, which controls City Council - the so-called A-Team.
There are others considering the race. Two Republican councilmen - Rob Ludeman from District 2 and at-large Councilman George Sarantou - have said they may run.
But in the event of a Ford-Finkbeiner race, Mr. Sarantou said, the two Democrats would consume so much political oxygen there would be little left for other candidates.
Mr. Ludeman said a Finkbeiner candidacy "wouldn't have any impact on my decision at all."
He expects to make up his mind by early May, which he said would still leave him plenty of time to mount a competitive challenge.
"Maybe a shorter campaign is the way to go. Hit it hard, and hit it fast," he said.
Mr. Sarantou said last week that he is thinking the same thing.
"There's still plenty of time" before the July 15 candidate filing deadline, he said. "I am carefully considering it. A lot can happen between now and then."
If more than two candidates run for the city's top job, there will be a primary election in September, with the two top vote-getters facing in off in the November election.
Tough times in Toledo
Mr. Finkbeiner, first elected in 1993, governed during a national economic boom.
Mr. Ford's term has been dogged by recession and declining tax revenues. Keeping the city afloat has consumed most of his time.
"This has been a different kind of economy. I think it's been not only because of the aftermath of 9/11 and the war and the technological changes that have come on," Mr. Ford said. "Ohio, particularly in Toledo, and Michigan, particularly in Detroit, and areas like that, you've had this loss of manufacturing jobs, which we have clung to over the years. It's been hard for us to rebound."
To deal with a stagnant tax base, he said he has tried to find new revenue and cut city expenses.
"Folks like to say they are conservative and that they believe in less government," the mayor said. "We've actually done it, even though I ran pretty much as a populist and as a labor Democrat."
Mr. Ford said he is proud of the indoor clean air act, better known as the smoking ban, that passed during his term, even though it "used up a lot of political capital and created a lot of enemies."
"I lost a lot of friends, but it was the right thing to do," he said.
The mayor took credit for the resolution of three legal problems that had nagged the city for years, including a case involving the city's decrepit sewage and storm drain system.
Also settled were cases dealing with minority hiring on the police and fire departments and with the city's failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ultimately, Mr. Ford said, the region must move toward unified governments to gain efficiencies.
'Passion and energy'
Mr. Finkbeiner said he wants to bring a new sense of "passion and energy" to City Hall, promoting downtown development, neighborhood improvements, and renewed economic development.
He has been meeting every other Saturday with a growing group of supporters at the Teamsters Local 20 hall to explore a mayoral candidacy.
He said he is aware of complaints by Mr. Ford that some of the financial problems facing the city were caused by decisions he made with developers when mayor, but, he said, that is part of the political game.
"Whenever anybody has not done a lot or accomplished a great deal, it is normal in politics and life for that person to point the finger at somebody else who may have been before them and say, 'Look at this situation. That didn't work out the way he thought.'" Mr. Finkbeiner said. "To that I would say, 'You are absolutely right. It didn't.' But on the other hand, would the warehouse district be where it is today - something Jack will point to with pride - if we hadn't filled up the Commodore Perry, the Macy's building, the old Toledo Trust building, and the Hillcrest Hotel?"
"The residential living in place [downtown] right now started with the Finkbeiner administration," Mr. Finkbeiner said.
He also takes credit for the continuing expansion of the Jeep plant, including the influx of automotive parts suppliers who sell to DaimlerChrysler AG.
"Whatever the critiques, whatever the criticism, I'll take them. That is part of the daily duties of a mayor," the former mayor said. "You won't find me apologizing for mistakes because they were all made as acts of commission, where you are committed to doing something, rather than omission, where you are afraid to do anything for fear the criticism is going to come from doing it."
Seeking input
Both men have strong personalities and are used to making tough decisions, but they also say they have people they turn to for advice.
And in both cases, the advisers span a wide range of experience in the worlds of business, education, organized labor, and politics.
Mr. Ford says he confers mainly with businessman Bob Savage; friend Weldon Douthitt; political strategist Jim Ruvolo; businessman George Isaac; Dan Johnson, president of the University of Toledo; state UAW leader Lloyd Mahaffey, and John Robinson Block, editor-in-chief and publisher of The Blade.
"I always thought John probably had about the best world view of anyone in Toledo, with the exception maybe of Bob Savage, because they both travel a lot, and they both think about policy a lot," Mr. Ford said. "I don't call him every week, but if I have a major idea that I am thinking about, I call him. I don't see anything wrong with it. He's usually right 85 percent of the time."
Mr. Finkbeiner said he confides with businessman Pat Nicholson; political strategist John Irish; retired city executive Bob Reinbolt; Dennis Duffey, leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 8; Bill Lichtenwald, president of Teamsters Local 20; attorneys Tom Palmer and Bob Kaplan, and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas.
Both are heavy news consumers, getting most of their information from newspapers.
Both said they read several per day, including the major papers of the region, plus nationally distributed editions.
Neither turns to the Internet to get their news. Mr. Ford said he helps his daughter do school research online at home, but otherwise seldom surfs the Web for himself.
Mr. Finkbeiner does not own a computer.
The power of money
Mr. Ford has become a powerful financial force in local politics, quietly breaking fund-raising records and dishing boatloads of cash to other candidates for local office.
Less than a month into his first term, he hosted a fund-raiser at the University of Toledo that shattered all the records for local public officials by raking in nearly $160,000. His first year at the top of Government Center, he raised $282,210.
By the end of last year, he had collected a total of $662,969 but had spent more than half of it on such things as donations to other candidates and to the local Democratic Party.
He reported $309,976 cash on hand heading into his re-election year.
Mr. Finkbeiner said that because both men are so well known to voters, money would not be a big factor in the mayoral contest.
His annual finance report, filed in January, showed a balance in his campaign account of $745.
Mr. Finkbeiner was the first person to win the mayor's office after voters gave the city charter a dramatic overhaul in 1992.
That charter amendment eliminated the city manager and installed what has been called a "strong mayor" form of government, which grants the mayor sweeping powers over City Hall.
Mr. Finkbeiner narrowly won a second four-year term in 1997 but was preventing by term limits from seeking a third term in 2001.
Mr. Ford, then a state legislator, ran and won the post.
Mr. Finkbeiner was paid $75,000 per year while in office, but a charter update approved by voters increased the pay to $136,000 when Mr. Ford took office on New Year's Day, 2002.
Contact Fritz Wenzel at: fritz@theblade.com or 419-724-6134.
IBEW Local 2344 (Lafayette IN) Members See New Plant Owners Ship Jobs To Mexico Average Experience? 29 1/2 Years on the Job!
A change in conditions
Alterations in industry linked to closing of Orc Plastics
By Max Showalter, Journal and Courier, Lafayette, Indiana 04-10-2005 12:07 PM EST
At a time when Greater Lafayette and the surrounding area is preparing to bid adieu to another plastics-related business, observers point to a variety of factors, rather than one specific reason, for the plant closings and job losses.
The nearly 100 people who work at ORC Plastics in Lafayette will be unemployed when the production lines shut down on May 20.
While the buildings and property at 2450 Sagamore Parkway S. are being offered for sale, at a price of $5.1 million, the plastic molding portion of the business has been sold to Kurz-Kasch Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.
Industrial Dielectrics Inc. in Noblesville bought the thermoset bulk and sheet molding compound mixing portion of the company that is owned by Reunion Industries Inc.
"We are seeing more consolidation within that industry. I've noticed that over the past several years," said Cinda Kelley, acting executive director of the Lafayette-West Lafayette Economic Development Corp. "I can't identify why that's happening, although the cost of doing business would be a factor."
Michael Lauzon, who covers the industry for Plastics News magazine, said there may be less demand for the thermoset composite parts that are made at the Lafayette facility, which was founded in 1927 by Lafayette entrepreneur David Ross as Rostone Corp.
"Thermoset parts are gradually losing ground to parts made of thermoplastics ... plastics that soften when heated," Lauzon said. "Thermoplastics often are easier to mold and can offer some strength advantages. That is a trend in the industry that could be hurting Reunion."
Through less than ideal circumstances, Kelley has some knowledge of the plastics industry.
She was executive director of the White County Industrial Foundation in November 2003 when Landis Plastics Inc. announced plans to close its Monticello facility.
About 250 people, involved in the manufacture of injection molded and thermo-formed plastic packaging, lost their jobs when the plant closed in January 2004.
Part of the operation was shifted to a company-owned plant in Richmond, Ind., as owners implemented a consolidation plan for its 19 factories located in 11 states, England, Italy and Mexico.
During a 110-day period between mid-December 2003 and the end of March 2004, 88 employees lost their jobs when work at the Sonoco-Crellin molded plastics plant in Frankfort was consolidated into four other facilities owned by Sonoco Inc., a global packaging giant.
ORC Plastics plant manager Keith Howe declined to comment Friday on the recent filing of a state-mandated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification about the closing with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The WARN Act gives the required 60-day advance notice of plans to shut down the 96-employee facility.
"There's a lot of anxiety," said Don Scheiber, labor liaison with United Way of Greater Lafayette, who has helped hold meetings to inform ORC workers of assistance available to them as they begin to search for new jobs. "There's not going to be any insurance available to them. They can buy COBRA (temporary health care coverage), of course."
Scheiber notes that 291/2 years is the average seniority among members of Local 2344 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the union that represents production workers at the plant.
"They were asking so many questions. They have never been unemployed," he said. "Now they're facing a future of not going to work."
Robert Truitt worked at Rostone for 15 years, rising to president before leaving the Lafayette manufacturer in 1982. During his tenure, management worked with two different unions and faced two separate strikes.
"I felt I left after I'd given everything I could," he said.
But Truitt recalls those days as special when a handful of Lafayette manufacturers, including Rostone, Fairfield and Landis & Gyr were locally owned and thriving with 1,000 or more employees.
Many of those companies are still standing -- unlike ORC after it closes its doors.
"There is a significant legacy that dates back to David Ross" at Rostone, Truitt said. "We're talking about a serious piece of history in this community that's coming to a close. We've really lost it."
Contributing: Phillip Fiorini/Journal and Courier
At a glance
Famed Lafayette entrepreneur David Ross founded Rostone Corp. in 1927.
Located at 2450 Sagamore Parkway S. in Lafayette, the plastics molded products manufacturer was purchased by Oneida Molded Plastics Corp. in 1996 and was renamed Oneida-Rostone Corp.
It became a division of Reunion Industries in 2002 and was renamed ORC Plastics.
The company provides custom molded products mainly for the electrical and automotive industries.
Copyright © 2002, Federated Publications, Inc.
Alterations in industry linked to closing of Orc Plastics
By Max Showalter, Journal and Courier, Lafayette, Indiana 04-10-2005 12:07 PM EST
At a time when Greater Lafayette and the surrounding area is preparing to bid adieu to another plastics-related business, observers point to a variety of factors, rather than one specific reason, for the plant closings and job losses.
The nearly 100 people who work at ORC Plastics in Lafayette will be unemployed when the production lines shut down on May 20.
While the buildings and property at 2450 Sagamore Parkway S. are being offered for sale, at a price of $5.1 million, the plastic molding portion of the business has been sold to Kurz-Kasch Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.
Industrial Dielectrics Inc. in Noblesville bought the thermoset bulk and sheet molding compound mixing portion of the company that is owned by Reunion Industries Inc.
"We are seeing more consolidation within that industry. I've noticed that over the past several years," said Cinda Kelley, acting executive director of the Lafayette-West Lafayette Economic Development Corp. "I can't identify why that's happening, although the cost of doing business would be a factor."
Michael Lauzon, who covers the industry for Plastics News magazine, said there may be less demand for the thermoset composite parts that are made at the Lafayette facility, which was founded in 1927 by Lafayette entrepreneur David Ross as Rostone Corp.
"Thermoset parts are gradually losing ground to parts made of thermoplastics ... plastics that soften when heated," Lauzon said. "Thermoplastics often are easier to mold and can offer some strength advantages. That is a trend in the industry that could be hurting Reunion."
Through less than ideal circumstances, Kelley has some knowledge of the plastics industry.
She was executive director of the White County Industrial Foundation in November 2003 when Landis Plastics Inc. announced plans to close its Monticello facility.
About 250 people, involved in the manufacture of injection molded and thermo-formed plastic packaging, lost their jobs when the plant closed in January 2004.
Part of the operation was shifted to a company-owned plant in Richmond, Ind., as owners implemented a consolidation plan for its 19 factories located in 11 states, England, Italy and Mexico.
During a 110-day period between mid-December 2003 and the end of March 2004, 88 employees lost their jobs when work at the Sonoco-Crellin molded plastics plant in Frankfort was consolidated into four other facilities owned by Sonoco Inc., a global packaging giant.
ORC Plastics plant manager Keith Howe declined to comment Friday on the recent filing of a state-mandated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification about the closing with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The WARN Act gives the required 60-day advance notice of plans to shut down the 96-employee facility.
"There's a lot of anxiety," said Don Scheiber, labor liaison with United Way of Greater Lafayette, who has helped hold meetings to inform ORC workers of assistance available to them as they begin to search for new jobs. "There's not going to be any insurance available to them. They can buy COBRA (temporary health care coverage), of course."
Scheiber notes that 291/2 years is the average seniority among members of Local 2344 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the union that represents production workers at the plant.
"They were asking so many questions. They have never been unemployed," he said. "Now they're facing a future of not going to work."
Robert Truitt worked at Rostone for 15 years, rising to president before leaving the Lafayette manufacturer in 1982. During his tenure, management worked with two different unions and faced two separate strikes.
"I felt I left after I'd given everything I could," he said.
But Truitt recalls those days as special when a handful of Lafayette manufacturers, including Rostone, Fairfield and Landis & Gyr were locally owned and thriving with 1,000 or more employees.
Many of those companies are still standing -- unlike ORC after it closes its doors.
"There is a significant legacy that dates back to David Ross" at Rostone, Truitt said. "We're talking about a serious piece of history in this community that's coming to a close. We've really lost it."
Contributing: Phillip Fiorini/Journal and Courier
At a glance
Famed Lafayette entrepreneur David Ross founded Rostone Corp. in 1927.
Located at 2450 Sagamore Parkway S. in Lafayette, the plastics molded products manufacturer was purchased by Oneida Molded Plastics Corp. in 1996 and was renamed Oneida-Rostone Corp.
It became a division of Reunion Industries in 2002 and was renamed ORC Plastics.
The company provides custom molded products mainly for the electrical and automotive industries.
Copyright © 2002, Federated Publications, Inc.
IBEW Local 46 (Seattle WA) Hall to Host Benefit for Cancer Victim
Good News, Bad News
Life was already tough enough for Renton's Katie Rippon. Now, it's gotten tougher. Rippon, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 months ago, has been told the cancer has spread to her brain.
The good news? Because the diagnosis came just before she was going to be laid off from her job she was able to go on long-term disability.
The bad news? Her disability income isn't enough to cover basic living expenses. But her employer paid for her medical insurance through March. Someone else is now picking up that cost.
And here's a little more good news: Members of Cherri's Angels, an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team, are holding an auction April 30 to raise money for the relay. The event is scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m. at the IBEW Local 46 Hall, 19802 62nd Ave. S., Kent. Tickets are $5 and proceeds from the ticket sale and from the sale of some auction items will benefit Rippon.
Life was already tough enough for Renton's Katie Rippon. Now, it's gotten tougher. Rippon, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 months ago, has been told the cancer has spread to her brain.
The good news? Because the diagnosis came just before she was going to be laid off from her job she was able to go on long-term disability.
The bad news? Her disability income isn't enough to cover basic living expenses. But her employer paid for her medical insurance through March. Someone else is now picking up that cost.
And here's a little more good news: Members of Cherri's Angels, an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team, are holding an auction April 30 to raise money for the relay. The event is scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m. at the IBEW Local 46 Hall, 19802 62nd Ave. S., Kent. Tickets are $5 and proceeds from the ticket sale and from the sale of some auction items will benefit Rippon.
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