2010 Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference Features Candidates for Statewide and Federal Office

The 2010 Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference was held this year at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis on June 24th and 25th.  Labor delegates and leaders from across the Commonwealth patiently awaited the debates, wondering how each candidate would address concerns about unemployment in Massachusetts and the legislature’s constant attack on collective bargaining.   Given the current economic crisis, and that it is an election year, it was bound to be an eventful two days.
 
Following the welcome and invocation, given by Cynthia Rodrigues of the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Central Labor Council and Father Patrick Sullivan of the Labor Guild, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Robert J.  Haynes and Secretary-Treasurer Louis Mandarini gave two riveting speeches, galvanizing the audience for the upcoming legislative battles.  Mandarini reminded Conference attendees that it is not unreasonable for them to ask more of those representing them, saying “they need to step up because we’ve stepped up!”  President Haynes followed these words by reiterating the importance of standing by our unions, especially in these harsh economic times.  “Those impacted by the recession,” Haynes proclaimed, “have begun to vilify organized labor.  Rather than attempt to secure similar benefits in a non-union job, these men and women are trying to take away rights from those who have bargained for them… It is us who needs to stand up for these workers—if we won’t, then who will? It is time that we, the protectors of organized labor within the Commonwealth, become better stewards of the labor movement.  The principle question that we must make sure our politicians answer correctly is do you support collective bargaining?”  With that closing statement, Haynes set the tone for the remaining events.
 
In addition to the aforementioned parties, the first day of the Conference featured a number of speakers, including Attorney General Martha Coakley, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne Goldstein, and Massachusetts AFL-CIO Political Director Bob Bower and Legislative and Communications Director Tim Sullivan.  After the insightful and encouraging words of these individuals, the debates began.
 
The Convention kicked-off with the Forum for Candidates for Auditor, hosting Democratic Candidates Secretary Suzanne Bump, Sherriff Guy Glodis, and Michael Lake, as well as Republican Candidate Mary Connaughton.  Candidates were asked to answer a select number of open-ended questions, followed by a rapid fire round of seven yes/no questions.  Though the majority of the debate was somewhat passive, things intermittently got a bit heated between Secretary Bump and Connaughton.  As Connaughton voiced her opinion that the auditor’s role is to remain independent of any individual political or personal beliefs, Bump was disconcerted.  She countered this sharply by contending that auditors should not be independent but should instead have a set of values that guides them in their decision-making—only then can they ensure that their actions will best serve their people.
 
Following this was a more cordial debate between the Candidates for Treasurer. Democratic Candidate Steve Grossman and Councilor Stephen J. Murphy participated. Unfortunately Republican Representative Karyn Polito had to leave after her opening remarks to get to the State House for important votes. It became clear shortly into the discussion that the current crisis on people’s minds is creating and protecting jobs. This was reiterated in the forum for Lieutenant Governor, when current Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Independent Candidate Paul Loscocco articulated their views surrounding the current economic crisis and its effect on issues such as education and family-sustaining jobs.
 
This debate transitioned into the commencement of the Gubernatorial Forum, which was characterized by a minor upset as President Haynes informed the crowd that though Charlie Baker had declined an invitation to attend the Conference, he sent a video crew to record the event and was quoted criticizing those who did attend for associating with so-called “special interest groups”.  The crowd responded to this with cries of outrage and distaste for Baker and his ignorance towards organized labor and working families.  However, despite Baker’s absence, Governor Deval Patrick, Treasurer Tim Cahill, and Green Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein were all in attendance.  While many of these debates consisted of open-ended questions and rapid fire answers, the Gubernatorial Debate followed a less traditional structure. Moderated by Jim Braude of NECN, the debate required candidates to respond to questions asked by a panel; making up the panel were Monica Halas of Greater Boston Legal Services, Veronica Turner of 1199 SEIU, and Secretary-Treasurer Louis Mandarini.  Perhaps the most controversy in this debate arose from the questions concerning the possibility of instating casinos in Massachusetts and that of lowering taxes, namely the sales tax and income tax.  While Governor Patrick stated that he would not take the “no new taxes” pledge, Treasurer Cahill rallied for cutting both.  Stein presented a more compromised and progressive solution that consisted of both lowering and raising different taxes, ideally creating a system of balance.
 
Though the culmination of this forum indicated that the first round of debates was over, many gathered later that evening to show appreciation for this year’s recipients of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Merit Awards.  The awards were presented at the Annual Gompers-Murrary-Meany Awards Banquet.  This year’s three awards recipients were: Joseph DeNucci, Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Robert Bower, Political Director of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO; and Tim Sullivan, Legislative and Communications Director of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.  The audience applauded enthusiastically after each speech and introduction that was given, moved by the powerful stories and memories shared.

The energy and enthusiasm present on the 24th continued into the second day of the Conference.  Though the focus of this session was certainly on the Congressional Forum that was held in the late morning, spectators of this event also had the privilege of hearing the insight of speakers: George Noel, Director of the Department of Labor; Drew Cahill, Director of the Joint Enforcement Task Force on the Underground Economy and Employee Misclassification; Richard Freeland, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; Jay Cincotti and Brooke Scannell who represent the campaigns of Democratic State House and Senate members; and Brad Bannon of Bannon Communications.

The 2010 Gompers-Murrary-Meany Educational Conference concluded with the 10th Congressional District forum; present were both Democratic Candidates District Attorney William Keating and Senator Robert O’Leary.  Republican Candidates Representative Jeff Perry and Former State Treasurer Joe Malone did not respond to our invitation. Similar to previous debates, this one proved to be relatively cordial.  Candidates presented their views on topics such as the economy, immigration, health care, and the prevailing wage.

Ultimately, the event was a tremendous success.  Union delegates were able to bring forth the issues that matter most to working families to the forefront, and everyone left the Conference more informed and better able to make decisions on who to support in the upcoming elections.
 
To view pictures of this year’s Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference please click here.
 
Click here to read an article that appeared in the Cape Cod Times that covered the Governors’ Debate at the 2010 Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference.
 
Click here to read an article that appeared in the Boston Herald mentioning the Governors’ Debate at the 2010 Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference.
 
Click here to read an article that appeared in the Boston Globe mentioning Auditor Joe DeNucci receiving the first ever Massachusetts AFL-CIO Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Gompers-Murray-Meany Educational Conference.