IAM Union Local 2003 organized its third annual “Stakes at the Gate” political forum on August 16 at its union hall in Daleville, Alabama. The event drew union members, local leaders, and residents from across the area.
More than 25 candidates for city council, mayoral, state, and federal offices addressed attendees, discussing their platforms and engaging with the public. Organizers estimated that over 4,000 union activists and more than 50,000 Alabama residents had access to candidate positions on important issues.
“This event gives working people in Alabama the chance to connect directly with those seeking to represent them,” said IAM Local 2003 Legislative Chairman Patrick Wise. “When candidates show up here, they’re showing they value the voices of working families. Allowing each candidate to present their whole platform is essential and has worked in favor of some serious races across Alabama.”
The forum highlighted themes of solidarity and civic engagement within the union community.
“Our union hall is not only a place for negotiations, it’s a place where democracy is practiced,” said IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton. “The turnout today proves that when we say show up, be heard, and be counted, our members take that seriously.”
Candidates participating represented various municipalities including Daleville City Council (Jada Stone, Karl Boesen, Alicia Jo Reese, Glen Lininger, James Roberts, Katheryn Horace), Ozark City Council (Dr. Danella Peterson, Winston Jackson), Ozark Mayor Race (Mark Blankenship, Charles Ward), Enterprise Mayor Race (Lister Reeves, Bill Baker), Enterprise City Council District 2 (Kenneth LeBlanc), Level Plains Mayor Race (James JR. Cambron), Daleville Mayor Race (Jayme Stayton, Kevin Turley), as well as state and federal races: Josh Carnley (Alabama State Senate incumbent), Mark Wheeler (U.S. Senate), Dakarai Larriett (U.S. Senate), Chad Martin (Governor), Will Boyd (Governor).
“The Alabama State Council is proud to help create a space where working families can hold candidates accountable,” said Rickie Langford, President of the IAM Alabama State Council. “Events like Stakes at the Gate make sure our voices are heard loud and clear to help shape the future for Alabama’s working families.”
Michelle Hunt, Vice President of the IAM Alabama State Council added: “The Stakes at the Gate forum has quickly become a cornerstone of political engagement in the state. This forum ensures that working men and women are not left out of the political conversation. We tie together all the issues that matter to Alabama residents, including jobs, healthcare, and education.”
Dozens of volunteers from IAM Union Local 2003 contributed to organizing the event including Tina Jenkins from District 75; Angela Britt who chairs both Women’s and Safety Committees; Young Worker Co-Chairs Trent Traxler and Caleb Trawick; John Tonelli representing GNC for M1 Contract; as well as Frank Turney serving as trustee.
