A lively political rally brought together AFSCME activists and
leaders from around the state and Washington, D.C. to energize a massive "get
out the vote!" drive in the final two weeks of the primary campaign.
Gubernatorial candidate H. Carl McCall and other union-endorsed candidates
attended the Aug. 27 event at DC 37. AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee, Secretary-Treasurer
William Lucy, Civil Service Employees Association President Danny Donohue and
DC 1707 Executive Director Raglan George lent national and statewide support to
the effort to install a pro-labor team in Albany.
DC 37 Political Action
Committee Chair Leonard Allen kicked off the rally with a quip: "Don't worry
Carl We'll make sure you return to public housing!"
Executive Director Lillian Roberts challenged the activists to multiply their
strength by registering others to vote. In his bid to become the governor, McCall
said he felt "a bit like Mosesresponding to the need to lead
working people to a better place" where hard-working public employees wouldn't
face layoffs.
As a new American, Margaret Aluko, a Local 1549 delegate
at the rally, has been registering others. "People have to have a say, and
this is the way to do it," she explained. Gwen Turner of Local 1655 said
she is dedicated to getting out the vote. "People have died for the right
to vote," said Turner. "It's a privilege."