Cope Committee Screening Report   March 6, 2008

From Eric Wiggins

    I would like to thank the membership for sending myself as well as Sonny Williams to the 2008 Cope Screening Meeting held March 6, 2008 held in Raleigh N.C. This was an informative as well educational meeting represented by over 70 individuals representing unions from around the state of North Carolina.

    Our counter parts from all the various IAM unions within the state were there as well as our union counterparts from Lorillard representing the tobacco industry. You can go to the AFL-CIO web site to see the complete list of endorsements for the upcoming primary to be held May 6, 2008 in this state.

    Sonny Williams and myself were in this meeting from 9am to 7pm on March 6, 2008 and our business rep. Melvin Montford was there as well. Sonny and my self were in agreement with rest of those union affiliates there representing the tobacco industry agreed to the final endorsement of the AFL-CIO. The tobacco contingent decided to endorse Governor Beverly Purdue for governor not because Richard Moore currently the state Treasurer is not a good candidate as well as person who we would want for governor and he certainly is. Richard Moores proposal to back a child health care bill on the back of a cigarette tax in this state and he acknowledge like it or not  he would stand behind it.

    The statement by Moore and Beverly Purdue’s decision to look for other alternatives to this issue besides a cigarette tax led to the decision by those of us in the tobacco contingent to back Beverly Purdue, although you will find that there was no clear decision to make a committee decision to choose one or the other.

    Sonny Williams as well as myself and brother Will Cashion Secretary Treasurer  IAM lodge 1725 at the Charlotte airport had an opportunity to meet personally with Lt Gov. Purdue the day before the Cope Screening Committee meeting, and all I can say is the meeting was very positive and Lt Gov Purdue looks forward to working and supporting labor in the state of North Carolina.                                                          

                                                                                                 Eric Wiggins

                                                                                                President Local 108

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