Building Trades News

IBEW 11’s Joel Barton Honored for Extraordinary Political Activism, Leadership

South County Group Presents Dan Foley  Award click to enlarge IBEW 11 organizer Joel Barton was presented with the Dan Foley Outstanding Labor Leader Award on June 24 at the June 2006 South County Labor Breakfast. He was this year’s recipient of the honor for his extraordinary commitment and activism on behalf of California’s working families. Barton was a tireless during last year’s special election, helping to organize numerous events, phone banks, and canvasses for IBEW 11 members. South County Labor Chair Ray Cordova told the crowd that Barton had also been instrumental in electing many of the elected officials attending the event. “I’m proud of my service to my union and my community,” said Barton, but then went on to add that the achievement he was most proud of was not his work with the union, but his son, Jay Barton. “He is my greatest accomplishment.” click to enlarge Union members packed the event at the Coast Long Beach Hotel along with a host of elected officials and their representatives. Many of the elected officials brought certificates and plaques honoring the work Barton has done and continues to do in the service of labor and middle class families. Even Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a representative to the event. “It’s ironic that Gov. Schwarzenegger was honoring Barton,” noted Ray Cordova. “Especially since Barton was one of the strongest fighters against the Governor’s anti-labor propositions during last year’s special election.” Elected officials attending the event included many of labor’s friends: Board of Equalization Chairman John Chiang; California Assemblymembers Hector de la Torre, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Betty Karnette, and Ted Lieu; Long Beach City Councilmembers Tonia Reyes Uranga, Bonnie click to enlarge Lowenthal, and Laura Richardson; Cerritos City Councilwoman Laura Lee; Lakewood City Councilman Todd Rogers and Artesia City Councilman Tony Mendoza. Dan Foley was a long-time labor activist with UA 250 who died in 2001 at age 84 after 56 years of service to his union. He was remembered by all as a tireless organizer who was always able to turn out his union’s army of activists to help elect labor-friendly candidates. Dan Foley was the first recipient of the award in 2001. Last year, the award honored Ray Cordova.

 

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