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November 2003 IBEW Journal

Boji Complex Construction

Local 665's Holt High School construction project was a success.

L.U. 665 (i,rts&spa), LANSING, MI-The wait is finally over! The Boji Complex and parking ramp will begin construction soon. We've waited 18 months for the project labor agreement for this complex, which includes a 10-story building and multi-level parking ramp. The project will help many members who've been unemployed.

The two-year, $6 million Holt High School construction project is complete. Holt High is the most technologically-advanced school in the area. The school received some bad publicity regarding cost and delays caused by the initial nonunion electrical engineering company. It was forced to hire a second company to redraw incorrect prints. John Bosanic from Superior Electric and his crew helped catch many of the problems before installing equipment or pulling wire, which saved the school millions. This is another example of why it pays to use union labor.

Lansing has a mayoral and school board election Nov. 5. We are neutral in the mayoral race-both current mayor Tony Benavides and Sen. Virg Bernero are labor friendly. We support Linda Cornish for the Lansing School Board. Linda is the wife of Local 665 member Rowland Cornish, owner of Ro Lyn Electrical. Let's show our support-get out and vote.

We extend condolences to family and friends of Mark Harbitz, who passed away July 30, 2003.

JEREMY HIDALGO, P.S.

'Work Outlook Dismal'

L.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OH-We have completed our new training center in time for fall classes. We now have a beautiful state-of-the art facility. Local 673 thanks our brothers and sisters who volunteered their time and expertise.

We had excellent weather for our Labor Day parade Aug. 30. It was good to see the families of our members, both current and retired.

Bus. Mgr. Ron Giangiacomo says the work outlook is pretty dismal through the end of the year. Our local union appreciates the hospitality other locals have shown us in times of unemployment. We hope to return the favor someday soon.

Good news on the organizing front. Bro. David Thomas and Bro. Dan Lastoria have signed GHL Electric to our agreement. Welcome to our new journeymen and apprentices.

Election season is here again. Keep in mind that we are working people and ought to elect representatives who have our interest at heart. Register and vote!

Remember these definitions from Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH): Recession-your neighbor loses his job. Depression-you lose your job. Recovery-George Bush loses his job.

RICK TOTH, P.S.

Strong Support for PLAs

L.U. 697 (i), GARY and HAMMOND, IN-More than 25 residential electricians were among the 100 building tradesmen who attended a Crown Point City Council meeting considering a Project Labor Agreement. Among several retirees was 89-year-old Tony Mazur-still involved after all these years.

Local 697 Business Manager Robert Anadell spoke and answered council questions about reciprocity of benefits, noting that union craft benefits are reciprocal but most nonunion employees are not. In fact, most nonunion employees have no benefits unless they pay for them.

Several community contractors-businessmen supported PLAs and former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich testified to the many Lake County PLA projects that have been finished ahead of schedule and under budget.

Attendance at our annual picnic at the Lake County Fairgrounds was way up, with everyone from apprentices to retirees enjoying the food and fun. A highlight was Ray Kasmark's turn in the dunk tank with many members hitting the bull's-eye to drop Ray in the water. Thanks to picnic chairman Chuck James and many volunteers for their efforts.

Our members and their families also marched in a light rain the sound of bagpipes in the Labor Day Parade in Lowell, Indiana. The parade went smoothly.

DAVID A. SODERQUIST, P.S.

Property Clean-Up

From left are Local 915 members Jim VanHorn, Sid War, Bryce Davidson, Steve Middaugh, Mike Nagle, Robert Ray, Theresa King and Greg Lawson at work day.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL-We had our first workday in over a year, July 12th. The long neglected south side of our property was cleaned up. We trimmed and removed trees and weeded planters. We removed old fence posts and cut grass that hadn't been cut in years. We burned trash for about 5 hours! Curbing for parking was realigned and pinned down. Old recreation equipment was removed and four new picnic tables were made for our covered picnic area. In all, it was a very busy and productive day. All apprentice classes were involved as well as 24 of our finest journeyman wireman.

Brother Charles Russell Hammer has replaced retiring Karle Maxwell as one of our full-time apprenticeship instructors. Best of luck to Karle and Helen and I hope they catch a lot of fish! "Russ" was outstanding apprentice of the year when he topped out, and has run a lot of work since then. He's a no-nonsense type of guy that has a lot of computer skills, knowledge of controls, etc. as well as being fair and honest. Welcome aboard Russ! May your stay be long and productive!

Those of you who are not registered to vote, now is the time!

BOB KAISER, P.S.

Life Saving Awards

Local 965 Bus. Mgr. Shawn Reents (right) and Vice Pres./Safety Rep Rick Irwin (left) present IBEW Life Saving Awards to Dale Bender, Chris Chitwood and Rod Klossowski.

L.U. 965 (em,govt&u), MADISON, WI-Congratulations to IBEW Life-Saving Award recipients Dale Bender, Chris Chitwood and Rod Klossowski. These Local 965 brothers are employees of the Richland Center municipal utilities in southwest Wisconsin.

On Dec. 13, 2002, Bro. Bender was at a local Mobil station when he saw a man fall to the floor grabbing his chest. Realizing the man was having heart problems, Bro. Bender rushed to his work truck for a defibrillator and told Bros. Chitwood and Klossowski what happened.

They found the man had no pulse, administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions and hooked up the emergency defibrillator. Bro. Bender administered the first shock as emergency medical services arrived. EMS workers applied a second shock before transporting the victim to a local hospital. The patient was moved to Madison, where a pacemaker was installed, and later was released to recuperate at home.

M.K. DAHL, P.S.