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November 1, 2011 ‘Labor is Now on the Board’ Teamsters Local 700 member Brent Lewandowski turned heads when he clinched a seat on the Cook County Pension Board on the evening of Oct. 26. “When they announced the results, they hesitated because they couldn’t believe we won,” said Lewandowski, ecstatic from his win. “A few guys clapped but everyone else was silent, because they knew that labor is now on the board.” Lewandowski beat out two other candidates by more than 400 votes. Members voted through mail-in ballot or in person on Oct. 26 at the County building downtown. Locals from across the Chicago area, including 781, 710, 786, 673, 705, 703, 330 and many others, rallied to help transport Corrections Officers from the Cook County Jail downtown so they could vote. “The sense of unity throughout this whole campaign was astounding,” said John T. Coli, Local 700 Trustee. “You know you’re doing something right when hundreds of Teamsters from across the City and County are volunteering to help your cause.” Clerks and Court Service Deputies working at the Daley Center across the street from the voting location came out in droves to cast their support for fellow county worker Lewandowski. “Anyone who works for City, County or State government can attest to the importance of being seated on a pension board,” said William P. Logan, Local 700 Assistant Trustee. “With Brent declared as the winner, labor in Cook County finally has a voice when it comes to pensions.” Lewandowski is scheduled to begin his three-year term on Dec. 1, 2011. He will officially be seated after board approval on Thursday, Nov. 3. “It’s times like these – when everyone bands together in the name of one cause – that we are so proud to be Teamsters,” said Becky Strzechowski, Local 700 Assistant Trustee. “This is not just a win for the Department of Corrections. It’s a win for the entire County and Teamsters everywhere.” Lewandowski emphasized that he could not have participated in this election without help from his fellow Teamsters. “Those Clerks were amazing, and there was a never-ending stream of people coming from the jail to vote,” Lewandowski said. “It was such a team effort; I just felt like I had my whole family there with me.” |
William P. Logan, President 1300 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 301 CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR: UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, May 28 Wednesday, July 4 Saturday, August 4 |
