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July/August 2005 IBEW Journal

Corzine for Governor

L.U. 164 (c,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ—Local 164 has endorsed Sen. Jon Corzine for governor of New Jersey, announced Bus. Mgr. Richard Dressel. A longtime supporter of working-class families—both before and during his tenure in the U.S. Senate, and as candidate for governor—Corzine’s initiatives include creating quality jobs and providing New Jersey residents with value for their hard-earned tax dollars. Furthermore, the senator’s proven record of defending collective bargaining and protecting organizing rights, pension benefits and living wage jobs reflect organized labor’s primary objectives to make life better for workers.

"Jon Corzine is a recognized leader who gets things done without being beholden to special interests—and that is what makes him different," said Bus. Mgr. Dressel. "He never backs off the tough issues, particularly those that are important to working-class families."

Like many locals nationwide, 164’s more than 4,000 members have been impacted by the poor economic and healthcare policies from Washington, including rising unemployment and escalating medical costs. Corzine has opposed these initiatives as well as the Bush Administration’s budget, which hurts New Jersey residents and the state’s security.

"Jon Corzine will lead all New Jerseyans into a new era—one that is more efficient, safer and promising," added Dressel.

J. David Milazzo, Pres.

Local Union Success

L.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,s&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FL—Congratulations to Bro. Joe Roberts, Local 177 assistant business manager/organizer, for organizing and signing our newest contractor, Power Electric. This successful campaign was accomplished with the help of our members willing to assist the organizing department by salting. In addition to these salts, several brothers have come off the books to work there. Power Electric is continuing to bid and is getting work that we have not been doing for quite some time now, such as the small retail stores and residential work.

Work in this area is still slow but looking up. Our new Mayo Clinic is currently breaking ground and expected to put a lot of our local brothers and sisters to work in the near future. The new county courthouse that was expected to clear our local books has been put on hold. It had been awarded to one of our union contractors, then design budgeting concerns arose and it is currently being reevaluated.

Lisa M. Stuart, P.S.

Projects Welcomed

L.U. 180 (c,i,o&st), VALLEJO, CA—We held our apprentice graduations on June 3 at the Napa Elks Lodge and add to our ranks 21 inside wiremen, ten residential wiremen and one S&C installer. Many thanks to our Training Dir. Larry Poyser, his assistant Mari Schauer and all seven instructors.

After receiving 175 percent of normal rainfall over an abnormally long season, things are drying out. Our two large projects should be in full swing this summer; each project should reach 100 plus electricians. Genentech will go for two years and the 120 windmills at the High Winds Project are scheduled for a year-end completion. This is a welcome relief, as the job calls have been very slow since fall.

We are still looking to the sun for future work. Photovoltaic demand is growing beyond belief. In the PG&E territory for 2004 there were 84 Level 1 photovoltaic projects. In 2005 there were 314 Level I photovoltaic projects and one wind project submitted. This totals 79 MWs and a $278 million in requested incentives. However, only $35 million in incentives is available. It remains to be seen how much more opportunity is out there and if the new federal energy policy can offer additional incentives.

Michael C. Smith, B.A.

Members Speak Out

L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—Local 191 has been taking more aggressive steps to keep our state Legislature informed about the effects of certain bills on our union families. Political Coordinator Travis Patterson has brought several members to the state capital to meet individually with legislators, as well as the governor, to tell first-hand stories about the issues that have been affecting our members. Member Bob Zook met with Washington Gov. Christina Gregoire. Mike Heins testified before the state House and Senate Labor committees. Carl Winterhalder and Dale Kronberger attended hearings, and Craig Skomski testified before a Senate committee. The legislators we’ve been meeting with have been very receptive to the eye-opening real-life situations our members and their families go through, based on certain bills that have passed here in recent years. We recognize that the political climate in much of this country does not favor union members and their families. We are happy to have the ear of our representatives in Washington state, and happy to have the voices of our own members to tell our stories.

Marcus Abarcus, P.S.

Lineman’s Rodeo


The Local 193, Springfield, IL,
CWLP lineman’s rodeo team
won several trophies at the
2005 rodeo hosted by American
Public Power Association. Team
members Jason Ruggless, Jeff
Nemecek, Matt Huff and Dave
Oschwald hoist the hardware.

L.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—A lineman’s rodeo team from City Water, Light and Power (CWLP), Springfield’s municipally owned utility, scored a very impressive fourth-place finish at a rodeo held in April.

Team members Matt Huff, Jeff Nemecek, Jason Ruggless, Dave Oschwald and alternate Kirk Jacobs competed in the event organized by the American Public Power Association and held in Memphis, TN. Jacobs also served as a judge during the competition. The rodeo team actually tied for first place in points over all with three other, larger utilities from Memphis, Kissimmee and Orlando, with cumulative time being the deciding factor. Over 60 teams competed in the annual rodeo.

In addition, Oschwald won an individual trophy in the apprentice division for a second-place finish in the pole-mounted obstacle course with a time of 3 minutes 30.12 seconds. The first-place time was less than 2 seconds faster. There were 65 apprentices from across the country in the competition.

Another category in which the team excelled was the URD Terminator and Elbow Installation, which garnered a fifth-place finish.

Rick Shereda, P.S.