DPOC Labor Breakfast at Margo's in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Doug and I attended the 13th Annual Labor Recognition Breakfast hosted by the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) at Margo's Mexican Restaurant in Alamogordo, New Mexico. There were about 60 people in attendance.

Welcoming everyone was Stephanie DuBois, CD 2 Vice Chair, a gal who is always ready to throw her hat in the ring for just about any election. Jeff Swanson, Vice Chair of DPOC and State Central Committee Member led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC, made the introductions of guest speakers.

First up was Mark Praught, former member of the CWA (Communication Workers of America Union). He gave a wonderfully informative speech on union history and how it has related to his life.

Keynote speaker was Tim Eichenberg, New Mexico State Treasurer. Among other things, Tim has said, "The State Treasurer must have the experience and integrity to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money. I pledge to be a full-time State Treasurer, adhere to a program of best management practices, maintain an accessible and transparent office, and make sound choices that benefit all New Mexicans."

Stephen Jones, CD 2 Vice Chair, was busy with his camera. Doug also took the pictures shown below.

Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Stephen Jones, CD 2 Vice Chair and Photographer

L to R: Tim Eichenberg, Nadia Sikes and Jeff Swanson

Mark Praught relating the history of unions and in particular the CWA

Another shot of Nadia. Love the new haircut!

State Treasurer and Nadia Sikes

L to R: Tim Eichenberg, Nadia and Jeff

Tim

Carol Lee, DPOC Secretary

Neomi Martinez  from Deming, New Mexico

Las Cruces President Brian Brietag of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union

 

Shirley Baca, Campaign Manager

It was a very informative event and the history was quite interesting. So many of us are ill informed about unions since they are not nearly as prevalent as they once were. However, we are losing our middle class and no country can thrive for long without it. Perhaps unions need to be more powerful now than ever before.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for taking the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.