DPOC Sponsors Labor Recognition Breakfast

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Sixty-seven good Democrats gathered at Margo's Mexican Restaurant in Alamogordo, New Mexico for the annual Labor Recognition Breakfast. The Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) has sponsored this event for the past nine years. Instrumental in pulling it all together is Stephanie DuBois of Tularosa, New Mexico. Stephanie is probably one of the best known Democrats in the state of New Mexico and one of the hardest working ladies around.

Stephanie introduced dignitaries from various unions as well as Ted Eickenberg, candidate for State Treasurer; Leslie Singh, running for U.S. House of Representatives; and State Representative Nate Coté of Organ  (Doña Ana County). Stephanie turned the meeting over to Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC who spoke briefly about the meaning of Labor Day and its creation.

Clif McDonald took the mike as the auctioneer of donated items, a fund raiser for DPOC. Some of the items elicited some fast and furious bidding and was apparently much enjoyed by all. Liz Watson, second vice chair, along with Karen Hutchison, DPOC secretary, assisted Clif with the auction.

Alamogordo Public Schools special education teacher Diana Jackson, specializing in working with autistic students, received the first annual DPOC award recognizing the community contributions of a labor union member. Diana is a member of the National Education Association.

Main speaker at the event was Senator Jacob Candelaria, who at age 26, is the youngest member of our Senate. Jacob is a proud graduate of St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque. He went on to Princeton University graduating with a degree in public policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

After graduate school, Jacob turned down a chance to work on Wall Street, choosing to come home to work for his beloved state of New Mexico.

Senator Candelaria touched on such subjects as credit report abuse in denying residents jobs and too much public funds being channeled to privately-owned "for profit"  charter schools. He also said he had serious concerns about bringing in out-of-state companies to provide behavioral health services in the wake of an audit not conducted by the office of our State Auditor.

Carla Kerr and Karen Hutchison (Carla is dressed for a later function)

Stephanie DuBois

Ted Eickenberg, Candidate for State Treasurer

Leslie Singh, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives

Another shot of Leslie

L to R: Diana Jackson, Senator Jacob Candelaria and DPOC Treasurer Judy Pingel

Auctioneer Clif McDonald with Liz Watson holding up item for bid

And here we have another interesting picture for bid

DPOC Chair Nadia Sikes with Representative Nate Coté

Senator Jacob Candelaria speaking to the crowd

It is said that these labor breakfasts just get better each year and this one was no exception. Stephanie really put her heart and efforts into this one and the event reflected this. Thanks to Stephanie for a job well done.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer for his fine efforts.

This is all I have to say for now.