Published: October 28, 2007 07:11 pm         

Readers' Forum: Monday, Oct. 29

Candidacy supports local union labor

In a Tribune-Star article published on Oct. 23, following a candidate forum co-sponsored by the Wabash Valley Central Labor Council and the Sheet Metal Union Local 20, I wanted to make sure the rest of my comment was read by Union members not in attendance.

I think the article was well written and accurate, it just didn’t convey all of my comments. I certainly understand that journalists and publishers have a limited amount of space to report a story; however, I want to be clear that I am a supporter of local union labor.

One of the questions asked was: “Would you support the prevailing wage ordinance (as is) that was submitted to the council in 2006?” My answer was “no” mostly because, as a candidate, I was never shown the submission. Who would agree to something they had never read?

To clarify, the original draft was never brought to a vote. I believe it was tabled or withdrawn and the “Road to Progress” committee was formed, which was comprised of city officials, the Terre Haute Economic Development Corp., and business and labor leaders.

This committee is carefully looking at all aspects including the number of jobs created, the type of jobs created, benefits paid, the overall level of investment, the use of local union labor and the issue of prevailing wage.

I believe the document is progressing currently and should be ready for review early next year. If elected, I look forward to reading and approving a document that not only encourages the use of local union labor, but one that encourages new construction in Terre Haute and Vigo County. I want our local unions to have the opportunity to continue working right here in our city.

— Neil Garrison

City Council candidate

District 5