Elevator Constructor – Page 13 – International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17

June ’13 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

A couple of months ago I was sitting in our repair department safety meeting before going into the company safety meeting and I looked around at the people gathered in the room. The mechanics sat on one side of the desk and the apprentices on the other. While our boss rattled off data points on performance versus time and BDP and GPS and blah, blah, blah, I wondered where all the old-timers went.

When I started at Millar and into the Schindler merger I worked service with the likes of Ron Waleri, Gene Steiner, Dave Zapeda, John Ward, Mark Mayo and Big Bill Sellers. When I worked as a floating maintenance helper I helped almost every Millar/Schindler maintenance man in Cleveland. If there was one I missed then it was due to the superintendent not grabbing me in time to get me out to them before they quit or retired. I grew to appreciate them all for their unique approaches to their job and the skills they had that kept their customers happy and equipment running. From some I learned what not to do which can be an even more important lesson than what to do in any given situation.

A couple of years ago I was talking with two other young mechanics who also worked as helpers with one of the service mechanics I helped for a period. We all said that when we ran into a tough task we would stop and say “what would he do” or admonish ourselves with “that’s not how he would have done it.” All three of us laughed because we knew the standard and it was set very high and we all hoped to live up to it.

So… Where are all the old timers?

On April 19^th Local 17 held its annual Retiree’s Dinner at Frank Sterel’s Slovenian Restaurant. In between my duties of taking photos for the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, and catching up with those retirees and active members I see only this one time a year, I took a count of those in attendance that I had the honor to work with even for a short period of time as a helper and those that helped me as a mechanic. I stopped counting at 15.

All of them had stories to tell, memories to stir and laughs to be shared.

Drifting back to the meeting, it was not so much a hit from an I-beam but a subtle nudge from above that said we had become the old-timers. We were the ones that the apprentices across from us would be looking up to and referencing for the rest of their careers just like those I worked with as a helper. It was an awesome and sobering thought and I think every day about living up to the standard that those before us set.

I do not always know whether I measure up, but when I leave this trade, by whatever means it happens, my most sincere hope is that I will make a positive impact and leave it better than when I found it.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

May ’13 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

As I said in my April article, we in Local 17 are blessed with having seven probationaries in our local. At the March meeting, Business Agent Tim Moennich addressed them as they sat in on their first meeting of the local.

“In our collective bargaining agreement the probationary period has been extended to from six months to twelve. The Executive Board decided that the probationary apprentices should attend the next six union meetings as part of their education in what it means to be a union member.

All seven are here tonight.

Welcome to what we all hope is the first meeting of what we all hope is a long career as an elevator constructor. The International Union of Elevator Constructors as the most highly skilled membership in the building trades and we take great pride in the fact we are the highest paid trade with the best benefits in the industry. These great benefits of health care, pension, annuity and 401 k were started by all the hard working elevator constructors that have and do now work in this great union.

You should know that the companies just do not give us these benefits. The IUEC negotiated with the companies on our behalf to secure them for past, present and future generations of elevator constructors. To maintain them, we have a responsibility to keep up with our craft through education. In other words, we have to continue to be the best at what we do. This means as you start your career putting in the time and effort to be the best elevator constructor for the good of the union, your company and yourself and then keep learning through continuing education opportunities the union makes available.

To reach retirement we need to remember to be safe at all times. This means you are responsible for your own safety and that of everyone around you. We are being pushed by the companies to do more with less and do it faster than before but this MUST NOT result in an untimely injury or death. You have a responsibility to yourself, your family, your friends, your company and your union to work safe.

It is OK to be proud of the company you work for. You cannot forget that they pay your wages and allow you to practice your trade. At the end of the day, every brother and sister in this local must be a member of Local 17 first and then an employee of their company. Anything you get, wages, benefits, vacations, now or in the future depends on the strength of your union. Part of the way to do this is protecting Article IV, the Work We Claim, and assisting each other in securing employment, engaging in education, brotherhood and politics.

I wish every brother and sister in the International a long and prosperous career as an elevator constructor.

Remember, we got into this trade for a better life… not a shorter one.”

I am very pleased to report that Local 17 Business Agent Tim Moennich has been named as a trustee of NEIEP by International General President Frank Christensen. He will be one of four union and four company representatives that will set the direction for the educational organization.

To the mechanics working with probationaries — you have a special responsibility to teach them the RIGHT and SAFE ways to work. You are their first teachers in the trade and the impression you make will be carried with them for their careers.

Local 17 sends their condolences to the families of retired Brother Dan Tomon who passed away February 17 and Brother Keith Triner whose mother passed away.

As of this writing there are nine mechanics on the bench.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

April’13 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There is a lot going on so I’ll get right to it…

I am pleased to report that Local 17 currently has 13 apprentices on our rolls. They are currently in class with Jerry Reitz and will be shortly completing the spring semester. With that in mind, please keep your eye on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, the Cleveland Citizen and this space for news and dates of the upcoming apprenticeship recruitment. While dates have not yet been set, it will be held this summer. So if you know someone who is interested in entering the trade, talk to them now about this upcoming opportunity.

Local 17 in conjunction with NEIEP is once again sponsoring the very popular welding class held at Lincoln Electric. This 40-hour class is designed to qualify the participant for 3G and 4G certification at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid. It is an extremely valuable class that gives you or helps refine a skill that will last a lifetime.

On Friday, April 19, 2013 Local 17 will honor our retired members at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 and dinner will begin at 6:30. As always, this is a members only event. The cost at the door is $30 per person and includes the family-style dinner. All retired members attend for free, but a reply should be sent in for a reservation. Please contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at the hall, 3250 Euclid Ave, at 216-431-8088 or by email at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org for your reservation.

The Annual Local 17 Golf Outing will be held this year on June 1^st at Mallard Creek Golf Course. The format is a two-man scramble with prizes, food and beverages before, during and after the event. The cost has not been announced, but watch this space and our website, iueclocal17.org, for further information.

Former Local 17 organizer and now regional director Jim Chapman reported at the Tri-State meeting that non-union Oracle Elevator lost the OSU contract and is now down to four employees in Columbus. There was also a report that work in Local 37 is picking up and they are looking for help. Looks like a good time to be a UNION elevator constructor in the Capitol City.

The International would like to remind you that if you had a change in marital status or family members, please update that information with the Benefits Office.

Almost every month I have a list of where are brothers and sisters are working in Local 17. While this is the easiest part of the article to write, it is also a reminder that Article IV, work we claim, is a vital and important part of our contract and our trade. Many of those listed below may not be working if we continue to allow companies to give away that work. Next time you are on a job and see our work being done by others, bring it to your supervisor and Tim’s attention. The job you save could be yours.

Where are they working?

Mark Carollo and Tim Moore have moved over to the Med Mart for Schindler,

Denny Dixon and Brendan Hyland doing a mod at Bonneville Towers for Kone,

Kevin Thomas and Matt Johnson doing a mod at Lake Park Towers for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Dave Grantham at CSU Heritage Hall repairing water damage for Schindler,

Al Ward and Ken Eaton installing cars at Fairview Hospital for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Scott Erison dong a four-car mod at Euclid Hospital for Otis,

Tom Peska joined the crew at Key Tower working the modernization for Otis, and

Jim Archer and Ryan Todd doing a mod at Easterly Sewage for Schindler.

As of this writing there are eight mechanics and two apprentices on the bench.

Till next month,

Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

March ’13 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

It’s March so that means the start of NCAA college basketball tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. So whether you’re Irish, wish you were or are just cheering for them, enjoy your month.

I’m writing this at the end of January as the debate over gun control rages in the wake of Sandy Hook and a half dozen other events where people resorted to using firearms to make a point. While the Far Left looks to seize all firearms and the Far Right says they’ll have to pry them out of their cold, dead hands, the millions of us who are in the middle watch as the debate produces more heat than light.

My youngest daughter was curious about the debate and decided to research the issues herself. She started with a literal reading and then looked at the history of case law spanning back to just a few years after the adoption of the Constitution. She quickly realized that the issue, while clarified in case law, was still open to interpretation after over 224 years of debate.

What I encourage everyone reading this to do is no matter what side of any issue you fall, research the opposite side to give yourself a well-rounded view. Then, and only then, can you form a complete and informed opinion. This is how the law is argued in schools, briefs and courtrooms around the world. With your new expanded perspective, you may just turn that heat into light.

NEIEP is offering the welding class taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric, the leader in welding products and supplies. This is a 40-hour course, four hours a night for two weeks. The class offers the opportunity to qualify for a 3G and 4G certification. This is an outstanding class taught in the best facilities in the world. If you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 maintains an email list for immediate communication with members, both active and retired, in the event of a death, accident or important event. You can get on the list by contacting Tim at the hall.

Welcome to the 18 new brothers in Local 34 (Indianapolis). These new brothers came to the IUEC through the efforts of members of the Indianapolis local reaching out to their non-union brothers at Amco Elevator. Amco was eventually purchased on January 1 by Thyssen-Krupp. This added 2000 units to their portfolio and brought these new members into the local. Their outreach efforts can be a model for further efforts by the IUEC and is applicable to other trades.

Where are they working?

Ron Rittwage and Taurus Ogletree at Lorain County Community College installing a four-stop hydro for Schindler,

Tom Gombar and Chris Scholle at Judson Manor doing machine work and cabling for Kone,

Mike Miller and Ric Supinski doing inspections at Eaton Corp headquarters for Otis,

Don Knapik and Dave Grantham at PNC installing phones and speakers for Schindler,

Neil Beechuk and Nick Meyer at St. John’s Hospital finishing a job for Otis,

Dave Francis and John Masko at Southerly doing a mod for Schindler,

Kevin Thomas and Matt Johnson at Southwest General Hospital for Thyssen,

Joe Broz Jr. and Dave Adrian doing a jack at Case Western for Thyssen,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Craig Nolty at Hunting Valley installing a three-stop hydro for Otis, and

Gary Thompson and Joe Sumph doing a two-car mod at Regency Towers for Schindler.

Local 17 sends its condolences to the families of Brothers Tom Kelly and Mark Carollo who lost their fathers and Brother John Patton who lost his mother.

As of this writing there are five mechanics on the bench.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

February Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

At the December meeting the body voted to accept a $30 per quarter dues increase. This is in accordance with the by-law passed last year giving the Trustees the authority to raise dues $10 per quarter if necessary and any additional increase voted on by the body. This increase took affect with the first quarter 2013 dues. If you have any questions, please contact Business Agent Tim Moennich.

Tim would also like to remind everyone to keep their contact information up to date with the local. Local 17 also has an email list that you can be part of to receive updates as they become available. You can email Tim at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org with your email address or use the link available on the website iueclocal17.org.

If anyone has news of an event (birth, death, engagement) or if you finally shot that big buck you coveted, please send photos and information to me at dknapik@windstream.net and I will get them into the Constructor or on to the website.

After Michigan passed Right-to-Work-For-Less, I heard from the Detroit apprentice we all knew and loved as “Kid Rock.” He reported that although he did not pass his Mechanics Test he feels confident he will nail it the next time around. He also wanted me to send a large thank you to everyone in Local 17 that made him feel part of our family during his stay. “What they (Michigan’s legislature) don’t realize is that union brothers took me in when I was in need and I am very grateful for that.” Here’s to hoping that Michigan voters do to RTWFL what Ohioans did to SB5.

I have always said that the Cleveland area has a core of very talented individuals in every walk of life and Local 17 is no exception. Retired brother Len Kessler publishes a newsletter called Northern Lights where he talks about the ups and downs of his luncheon group, tours covered bridges in Ohio and ruminates on events of the day. He is helped along by his faithful assistant Ben who tells things from his corner of the world. I would encourage any retiree or friend of one to subscribe to Len’s publication and support it any way possible. You can contact Len at cyberlen@adelphia.net.

Where are they working?

Kevin Thomas and Matt Johnson are working at the hotel on the Flats East Bank for Thyssen,

Kenny Jung and Dave Adrian are doing service work for Thyssen,

Jim Archer and Ryan Todd at Southerly Sewage doing a one-car modernization for Schindler,

Tim Narowitz and Pat McCann doing a mod at Quarrytown for Thysssen,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Craig Nolty installing a three-stop traction at the airport for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Jeff Ward at the Clinic Art Building doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Dave Burke and Max Desotell doing service work for Edmonds,

Jason Sohayda and Lucas Janke doing a modernization at Thisledown for Otis,

Greg Seaman and Scott Erison installing a three-stop hydro at the Residences in Hunting Valley for Otis and,

Mike Miller and Joe Gauker installing a three-stop elevator at the Ronald McDonald House for Otis.

Local 17 sends its condolences to the families of retired brother John Namestnik who recently passed away and retired brother George Prochaska whose wife Marie passed away.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

January Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

The New Year is a time for making promises of all sorts. Some we intend to keep others we know we won’t. Regardless of whether you really will quit smoking, dust off the stationary bike or lose that spare tire, make one of your resolutions be to always keep those that are less fortunate in your thoughts, prayers and actions. There are many who suffer in lonely silence all year and are only remembered at this time. Sometimes all it takes is saying hello or taking a few minutes to chat. You never know what good you can do until you try.

At the Tri-State meeting, President Christensen reported that Jim Higgins resigned his position as Assistant General President and will be working as a regional director and organizer. He was replaced by Jim Bender, a regional director from Local 19 (Seattle). Immediately on Christensen’s to-do list is updating the office computers, grievance tracking system and the Journal. He also emphasized that the International will do a better job communicating Article IV violations and said that if a job print says “work by others” and it is our work, just do it.

Here is a little tidbit that mirrors the nation as a whole. In 1996 the IUEC had seven members working for every one retiree. That ratio is now two to one.

The organizers reported that non-union Oracle Elevator had the contract at OSU and lost it after we placed there two best mechanics in Local 34 (Indianapolis). As a result, Oracle is having a hard time doing business in Columbus. Congratulations to those two mechanics for joining us. When you talk to your former workmates show them the back of your card and all the benefits you receive for being a member of the best trade in the trades. It is truly an eye opening experience.

Schindler employees are being advised NOT to sign the company’s vehicle policy. There is a DMV form which has been approved by the International.

Every year St. Colman’s Church on West 65^th has a St. Colman’s Day celebration and this year they honored the Cleveland building trades unions. Representing Local 17 was former local vice-president, JATC board member and instructor Jim Ross.

Thinking about it, there are far few people that can better represent Local 17 than Jim. His effervescent personality and ability to light up a room with his humor are legendary. Many reading this owe their success to Jim. Whether it was working with him in the field, talking with him over a cup of cardboard brown coffee, bringing a friend with him to the Labor Day Softball Tournament or seeing him work in the classroom, Jim Ross is in that small class of Constructors who truly made and continue to make a positive contribution to the trade. Thank you.

Where are they working?

Joe Broz Jr. and Doug LaFontaine doing brake work at Indian Hills for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Eric Cossgrove replacing door sills at UH Lot 61 for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Cory Sanchez doing service work at Lake Park Towers for Thyssen,

Darrell Scislo and Max Destotell doing full-load tests at Parma Police Station for Otis,

Jim Archer and Ryan Todd doing a mod at the Huntington Bank Building in Berea for Schindler,

John Brunner and Jim Rogers installing a four-stop hydro at Emerald Alliance for Schindler,

Kevin Thomas and Pat McCann installing a hydro at Maisley’s Dairy for Thyssen,

Bill Sellers and John Hofstetter doing service work for Schindler,

Ron Wittwage and Taurus Ogletree installing a three-stop hydro at Lorain County Community College for Schindler,

Tom Gombar and Dave Francis doing a jack at Terrace House for Kone.

As of this writing there are two apprentices on the bench.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

December ’12 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

As I write this, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy is being assessed, families are being reunited and the cleanup is just beginning by a devastated and numb east coast. I can speak for everyone in Local 17 by wishing our brothers and sisters who stood in the way of the storm and their families are safe.

At the height of the storm I was called out to a sixteen-story downtown office building. In order to access the machine room I had to cross 30 feet of roof. Because I was about 180 feet in the air and the wind was blowing between the surrounding buildings, the sustained 65 mph winds and 85 mph gusts were accelerated to God knows how fast. I opened the stairwell door and looked out onto what can only be described as a simultaneously amazing and horrifying site.

The pure, unbridled power of the storm literally in my face.

An access door across the roof hung on a single hinge. A vent cap blew left to right and over the 180 foot parapet. I felt my feet turn to lead and my knuckles turn white as I held the handle in a death grip. I contemplated for a long moment going out into the melee when the wind slammed the door in my face. The howling on the other side was greater than several freight trains roaring up a steep grade.

Over the years I have read several books about high altitude climbers swept off mountains and to their deaths by high winds. I thought again about braving the storm. Making my way to the ladder secured to the machine room, holding on to the conduit strapped to the outside to get to the door and then completing the circuit back. Ultimately I decided that being swept off the top of a building was not the way I wanted to be remembered. I called the superintendent and he agreed that cooler heads needed to prevail.

The customer would have to wait out the storm.

The December and January meetings are mandatory meetings for the election and installation of officers. At the December meeting there will be a vote on an additional $10 increase of the dues in addition to the $10 requested by the Treasurer and Trustees.

Congratulations to Ed Gimmel, Ryan Foley, Nick Meyer and Chris Wyant for passing the Mechanics Exam. Remember that this is just the beginning of a long and very rewarding career. Do not allow yourself be pushed to finish a job quickly rather than safely.

Where are they working?

Tim Narowitz and Dave Adrian doing a mod at Quarrytown in Berea for Thyssen,

Mike Miller and Joe Gouker installing a freight car at Nestles for Otis,

Darrell Scislo and Maxwell Desotell doing service work for Otis,

Jim Archer and Ryan Todd doing a one-car mod at Huntington Bank Berea for Schindler,

John Logue, Ken Hasek, Scott Villanueva, Craig Haller, Jason Saunders, Tim Gibbons and Steven Keating working at Key Tower for Otis,

Ron Wittwage and Taurus Ogletree installing a three-stop hydro at Lorain Community College for Schindler,

Jim Thompson and Jonathan Koch installing an elevator at Metro South Parking Garage for Otis,

Al Ward, Jason Sohayda, Ric Supinski and Lucas Jenke installing cars at Fairview Hospital for Otis,

Todd Kemp and Ken Leonard installing a Life Jacket at Chestnut Lake Apartments for Edmonds,

Dennis Dixon and Fran Adams doing a mod at Moreland Courts for Kone.

As of this writing, everyone who wants to work is working.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

November ’12 Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

A LOT is going on so I’ll get right to it…

The local has its first class of probationaries in four years. Seven are at Otis and two currently at Schindler. There are also nine out-of-towners working on various jobs both large and small. Local 17 had seven fourth-year apprentices take the mechanics exam. As I said before, the mechanics exam is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade that you will ever have. I will have the names of the newly passed next month.

There is a sign up for an OSHA 10 class. If you are working construction you know that this little ten hour class is required for you to work on many new jobs. It is reported that soon you will need an OHSA 30 card, a more advanced class, in order to do the same work. NEIEP has signaling and scaffolding classes available and many great programs in the pipeline for both online and in the classroom. Take advantage of the continuing education opportunities, they could keep you working.

November 9th, December 14th, and January 11^th are called special meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. There is a $20 fine for not attending.

The current contract requires that we all take an additional five days of vacation every year. These additional days must be taken by December 31^st or you will be called in front of the Executive Board to explain why they were not taken. Please work with your superintendent to make sure you are in compliance.

Local 17 would like to congratulate Brother Frank Christensen of Chicago’s Local 2 on being elected by the General Executive Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation and retirement of former General President Dana Brigham. It is our most sincere hope that he will lead this great organization with wisdom and insight to keep it the best trade in the trades.

Where are they working?

Tom Gombar and Fran Adams installing a Life Jacket at Knickerbocker Apartments for Kone,

Jeff Lindell and Brendan Hyland doing escalator work at the Art Museum for Kone,

John Goggin and Ryan Foley pouring bearings at the Leader Building for Schindler,

Ken Bowles and Sean Costello doing a mod at Cleveland Clinic for Otis,

Al Ward and Ric Supinski installing two Gen2 MRLs at the Marriot on Mayfield Road for Otis,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Dave Adrian doing a jack at John Carroll University for Thyssen,

Neil Beechuk and Nick Meyer installing a hydro in Garfield for Thyssen,

Matt Pinchot and Jeff Ward doing a mod at Hillcrest Hospital for Otis,

John Logue, Scott Villanueva, Tim Gibbons and Steve Keating doing a mod at Key Tower for Otis,

Gary Thompson and Eric Cosgrove doing a mod at Hampshire House for Schindler,

Jim Thompson and Jonathon Koch doing a mod at the old Deaconess Hospital for Otis.

Local 17 sends its most sincere condolences to the families of retired Brothers Joe Udovic and John Sutter who both passed away in July. John was best known for his blessing at the annual Retiree’s Dinner and at the Christmas Party to the children of Local 17 as Santa. He will be missed by all.

Finally, Murray and I made it South Bend, Indiana. During that bicycle trip I learned a couple of things. There is a reason they are called the PREVAILING westerly winds, America is made up of endless miles of corn and soybeans, even in places that look desolate on a map there are farm houses, every farm house has a dog and every dog thinks it’s a Rottweiler. I learned a lot about myself in those four days and I will be sharing it shortly.

Till then…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

October ’12 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

I want to apologize to those that follow the events of Local 17 through these pages. Due to a family conflict, my September article was not present in the Elevator Constructor. I apologize for the omission.

Work here in Cleveland has been strong. Every Local 17 member that wants to work is working. Companies have started adding probationary apprentices from the list as well as bringing in brothers and sisters from out of town to work on much needed projects. The Medical Mart, East Bank and Eaton headquarters projects are the largest employers for construction, and modernization work is picking up as well. Service remains steady and maintenance… well, they are maintaining.

All in all, things in Cleveland have not looked this good for at least two years. I believe I am speaking for everyone, management and labor alike, when I say that we are simultaneously breathing a sigh of relief that the worst is behind us and crossing our fingers to ensure it stays that way.

The first Classic Car and Bike Night held by Local 17 was a success for all that attended. We had five cars and two bikes brought out for what turned out to be a phenomenally clear and warm night. The food was grilled to perfection by Brian McTaggart, the pop was cold and the company of our fellow constructors made the night perfect by any measure.

All good things start small and I believe we have the start of a great event for a long time to come. There are photos beside this article as well as others posted on the locals’ website, iueclocal17.org. Check them out and plan on joining us next year with your classic or neoclassic ride.

The Election

As I sit here at the end of August, Hurricane Isaac is battering the Gulf coast as Mitt Romney is nominated by the GOP to be their standard bearer. On the Democratic side, Barack Obama will be nominated next week in Charlotte, North Carolina for a second term.

No surprises either way.

I thought it interesting that in the midst of the Republican National Convention, Ohio Governor John Kasich was championing the recovery that is sweeping over the state. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Wednesday, August 29 that home prices have crept up and unemployment is below the national average. Both are signs that there is a true recovery going on in the state.

Of course Kasich took credit for the turn around and, to be fair, he did inherit a bad situation. His solution was SB5, the ill-conceived attack on public-sector collective bargaining rights. That boondoggle was soundly trounced by voters 62 to 38 percent. Then he lowered or eliminated state aid to counties, municipalities and schools. So, in essence, he cut back funding the very people we rely on to keep us safe, pick up the trash and educate our children. If you want to know more details, I suggest talking to your city councilman or school board member.

The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law failed in its attempt to put a measure on the ballot turning Ohio into a right-to-work-for-less state. There may have been some back room conniving to keep it off the ballot since it was sure to bring out a heavy union vote to defeat it and, in the meantime, increase the vote for President Obama. Keep your eyes and ears open on this one.

The attack ads on both sides are horrendous. I encourage you to look closely at the disclaimers on the ads and find out about the organizations sponsoring them. You may be surprised at who is behind these attacks.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for this election to be over.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

August ’12 Constructor Article

Brothers and sisters:

In March of 2005, after much prodding from their children, my 75-year old parents realized to their amazement they were not going to live forever and made up their wills and financial and medical powers of attorney. Less than two weeks after signing the papers, my father had a heart attack, went to the hospital and subsequently died. While this was happening, my mother was doing physical therapy at an east side facility. The mental and emotional strain of April 2005 was incredible, but somehow we made it through.

My mother retired in 1994 from Rini’s Supermarket and was using Medicare for her primary insurance provider and UFCW Local 880 as a secondary. My father retired from LTV as a salaried employee in 1993 and had not been a picture of health with multiple cardiac issues since the early ‘80’s. Any health benefits he had on retirement dissolved with the company and his pension was halved when Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. assumed the liability for the federal government.

As the executor of my father’s estate and financial power of attorney for my widowed mother, it fell on me to write the checks and clear up the accounts. The state of their finances was not that bad. My mother had consolidated several accounts together and was paying off smaller debt on a regular basis. When the bills for my father’s stay and the ongoing care my mother received came in, I was flabbergasted at the exorbitant rates being charged by the facilities and providers.

In several conversations my mother expressed that her one great wish was to go home. As the summer drew on and the bills kept coming in, I learned about the lifetime maximum for non-hospital stays and quickly calculated that my parents were dangerously close to reaching that number. My mother’s hope to return home looked more like a pipedream with every invoice and EOB that crossed my desk.

Finally, in late fall of 2005, I received an explanation of benefits from 880. I opened the envelope and held my breath as I unfolded the paper. The amount the hospital invoiced for my father’s final hospital stay was in the mid five figures. When I scanned down the page to the last line it read “the above amount is paid in full.” I am not embarrassed to say that my relief was monumental and I shed tears of joy. Mom could come home after all.

With all the rancor, discord and polarization over the Affordable Care Act, all I know is that without Medicare and Local 880 everything my parents worked their entire lives for would have disappeared overnight.

Not bad for two programs everyone derided as socialism at their inception.

Where are they working?

Matt Weingart, Dave and John Brunner, Mark Byram, Ron Rittwage and Chris DeJesus at the Med Mart for Schindler,

Neil Beechuk and Nick Meyer installing a freight car at BW for Thyssen,

Jason Fredrick. Anthony Metcalf, Bill Dudas and Todd Belak working on the modernization at Halle’s for Thyssen,

Gary Thompson doing a mod in Akron for Schindler,

Keith Poscocil and Anthony Young doing a mod at Cliff Towers for Kone,

Mike Miller and Craig Nolty installing a four-stop for Otis at the Museum of Contemporary Art,

Shawn Yatsko, Dave Laudermilk, Kevin Driscoll and Bill Yuhas at the Ernst and Young Building for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Chris De Jesus installing a five-stop car at AT&T for Schindler,

Jim Thompson and Jonathan Koch doing a four car mod at Metro Hospital for Otis.

As of this writing there are five mechanics out of work.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net