Northeast Indiana Central Labor Council - Justice for All Working People

Last night, May 19, our CLC meeting was the biggest in the recollection and one of the most memorable. Cheryl H. had counted up to 82 people before she lost count as even more people came in the door. In addition to some regular business and reprts, we celebrated the primary election results with favorite daughters Jill Long Thompson, Bethany Montagano, and my personal favorite, Alyssa Lewandowski.

Jill, in recognition of her gubernatorial primary victory, received a standing ovation and cheers as she was introduced and as she finished her remarks. She thanked northeast Indiana labor from RWDSU which was the first to endorse to the many locals and members who fought gritty internal political battles on behalf of her/our candidacy. Your courage and fortitude paid off. As is her practice, Jill attended our entire meeting listening to the reports of all the delegates and guests. She is clearly not a drive-by candidate which is why so many of you fought the fight on behalf of her/our candidacy. As she pointed out in her comments, she would not only be the first woman governor of Indiana but also the first in memory to carry a union card (ISTA). Her candidacy doesn't feel like politics and usual, it feels like solidarity.

Bethany Montagano stood in for her husband Mike, 3rd district Democratic nominee for US Congress. As she explained Mike was called off to Washington for advice, training, and money because the Democratic party leadership is beginning to see what we have seen. Flanked by family Bethany thanked labor for the strong and continuing support of his candidacy. She saved a special note of thanks for one person in the crowd, 2006 3rd district Democratic Congressional candidate Tom Hayhurst. His narrow defeat in 2006 proved that the 3rd district was beginning to move toward better and more effective representation.

Alyssa Lewandowski thanked all of you who volunteered in her improbable non-partisan campaign for East Allen School Board. At 32 she defeated a two-term incumbent by listening to voters and out working him much to the delight of Indiana State Teachers Association. Her campaign workers from the ISTA, CLC, and the 13 from IBEW 305 proved that the most important political assets are the ability to listen and the willingness to break a sweat.

With his customary good nature and polish, Win Moses, our 80th district state representative, donated his two complimentary Indy 500 tickets to this year's winning bidder, one slightly embarrassed but appreciative Lynnette Fischer.

Last night's meeting was significant for more than electoral reasons, it was significant for who attended. The Fort Wayne Education Association, East Allen County Schools Association, UAW, Teamsters, CWA-IUE 999, Plasters & Cement Masons participated along with our huge turn out of affiliated locals.

And then there were the desserts folks brought as sweet rewards including brownies, pies, cheesecakes, lemon bars, Polish applecake, cookies and, well, you get the point. The celebrating went on for more than two hours after adjournment and hopefully no one overdosed on sugar. We can't afford the casualties. We have a lot more work ahead of us and Solidarity and Change are in the air.

In Solidarity,

Tom Lewandowski