Brothers and sisters:
November 8th is election day. If you have even been marginally paying attention to what has been going on in the national political scene you know how crucial this election is to the future of the United States.
I started paying real attention to the candidates prior to the final planned set of party debates in June. When I looked at the five candidates left standing (Cruz, Kasich and Trump on the Right and Bernie and Hillary on the Left) I was mystified at what the electorate was seeing. What I saw was a Pompous Pontificator, a Quiet Man, a Wild RINO, a DINO and a Stand Up Woman. What we have left is a choice between the Wild RINO and the Stand Up Woman.
I spend a lot of my time reading English language news sources from outside the US (BBC, UK Daily Mail, CBC) to get a perspective on how the rest of the world sees us. In short the rest of the world looks to the United States to set an example for stability in an increasingly unstable world. President Obama has given the world a measured response to world crises and a steady hand on the ship of State. Has he been perfect? No. Was he my first choice in 2008 or 2012? No. Have I agreed with everything he’s done and the way he’s done it? Again, no. In 2012 I searched through the Republican candidates and the main reason they gave to vote for them was that they were not Barack Obama. Sorry, not good enough.
More times than not America makes the correct choice to sit behind the Resolute Desk. I pray that we will choose stability over bombast. The rest of the world prays for that too.
Local 17 is offering members three continuing education opportunities. First is a two-night class in CPR. Second is a scaffolding class which certifies the card holder as a Competent Person for the erection of frame scaffolding. The certificate is good for three years and must be renewed after that date by repeating the class. The class is authorized by the Scaffold and Access Industry Association in conjunction with NEIEP. If you are working construction or service and erect scaffolding, this class is a must. Finally, Local 17 is once again offering the welding class taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric. The 40-hour class gives the student the opportunity to obtain a 3G or 4G welding certification.
If you are interested in any of these classes, please contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.
The Mandatory Meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers will be November 11th, December 9th and January 13th. You must call the hall prior to the meeting if you are not going to be attending. There is a $20 fine for non-attendance.
Where are they working?
John Patton is working in Akron doing retrofits and surveys for Kone,
Tom Gombar and Matt Hausler doing a jack at Emerick Apartments for Kone,
Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer doing a repack at Columbus Park for Thyssen,
Greg Seaman and Dan Varga installing elevators at the Cleveland Clinic Caner Center for Schindler,
Ken Bowles and Shane Duff doing a jack at Hillcrest Hospital for Otis,
Ryan Harger and Joe Sumph installing one car at Home Place Suites for Schindler,
Bob Meyer and Matt Harden installing one car at Loft Apartments for Kone,
Joe Broz, Jr. and Brandon Alley doing service work at Bishop Park Apartments for Thyssen,
Dave Gnagy and Brian Seither installing a hydro in Gates Mills for Schindler.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Ralph Sitko who passed away August 11. Ralph was a long time employee and adjuster for Schindler. He very briefly worked in the office as east side superintendent prior to retiring.
As of this writing there is one mechanic and one apprentice on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 