Labor United

Lately my days have been filled with opportunities to discuss our shared issues with those in and outside of organized labor groups in Alaska.

I had the privilege of being named the Labor Leader of the Week. You can view the profile at the labor coalition website. The address is http://labor2008.typepad.com/ak/2008/08/labor-leader--3.html.

I was at "Election Central" on Tuesday night as results came in very slowly from across the state. There weren't too many surprises, except the closeness of the battle in the Republican primary for Alaska's one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Wednesday evening was a wonderful chance to host a table at the AFL-CIO's banquet. I was honored to dine next to George Cannelos of the Denali Commission. We discussed NEA-Alaska's concerns regarding rural teacher housing. He was very receptive and agreed that more needs to be done in this area.

On Thursday, FEA and ESSA leaders, as well as Vice President Tim Parker and Past President Bill Bjork helped me present early endorsement checks to Scott Kawasaki and David Guttenberg. We've now given these checks to nine true friends of eduction. There is much to do in helping them get re-elected.

The biggest news of the week is undoubtedly the selection of Governor Sarah Palin to be the running mate of John McCain. As I greeted the members of the Anchorage Education Association Executive Board on Friday morning, it was impossible not to quote what I certainly believe fits the announcement, "We live in interesting times"!

I'm off to the cabin for a couple of days and then it's on to assist in the LKNEA (Lower Kuskokwim) membership drive. I'm not sure about all the places on the list, but am very happy to be asked to assist in Nightmute and Tununak.

Please have a restful and safe Labor Day weekend.