IAM Local 2003 in Daleville, Alabama, recently hosted its third annual “Stakes at the Gate” political forum. The event took place on August 16 and was attended by union members, community leaders, and residents from across the region.
The forum provided a stage for more than 25 candidates running for city council, mayoral, state, and federal offices to present their platforms directly to union members and the public. Organizers estimate that over 4,000 union activists and more than 50,000 Alabama residents were able to hear the candidates’ positions on various 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.”
IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton highlighted the importance of civic participation at such gatherings. “Our union hall is not only a place for negotiations, it’s a place where democracy is practiced,” he said. “The turnout today proves that when we say show up, be heard, and be counted, our members take that seriously.”
Candidates participating included individuals running for local offices such as 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 (Mark Blankenship, Charles Ward), Enterprise Mayor (Lister Reeves, Bill Baker), Enterprise City Council District 2 (Kenneth LeBlanc), Level Plains Mayor (James JR. Cambron), Daleville Mayor (Jayme Stayton, Kevin Turley), as well as candidates for state and federal positions: Josh Carnley (Alabama State Senate incumbent), Mark Wheeler (U.S. Senate), Dakarai Larriett (U.S. Senate), Chad Martin (Governor), and Will Boyd (Governor).
Rickie Langford, President of the IAM Alabama State Council stated: “The Alabama State Council is proud to help create a space where working families can hold candidates accountable. 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.”
The event was organized by volunteers from IAM Union Local 2003 along with support from Tina Jenkins of District 75; Angela Britt from Local 2003 Women’s and Safety Committee; Young Worker Co-Chairs Trent Traxler and Caleb Trawick; John Tonelli from GNC for M1 Contract; and Frank Turney from Local 2003.
