IAM Union Local 2003 organized its third annual “Stakes at the Gate” political forum on August 16, bringing together union members, community leaders, and local residents at the IAM Local 2003 Union Hall in Daleville. The event featured more than 25 candidates from city council, mayoral, state, and federal races who addressed attendees on their platforms and key issues.
The forum allowed over 4,000 union activists and more than 50,000 Alabama residents to hear directly from candidates. Patrick Wise, IAM Local 2003 Legislative Chairman, stated: “This event gives working people in Alabama the chance to connect directly with those seeking to represent them. 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.”
Anthony Holton, President of IAM Local 2003, emphasized the importance of civic participation: “Our union hall is not only a place for negotiations, it’s a place where democracy is practiced. The turnout today proves that when we say show up, be heard, and be counted, our members take that seriously.”
Candidates participating included representatives from Daleville City Council (Jada Stone, Karl Boesen, Alicia Jo Reese, Glen Lininger, James Roberts, Katheryn Horace), Ozark City Council (Dr. Danella Peterson and Winston Jackson), as well as mayoral hopefuls for Ozark (Mark Blankenship and Charles Ward), Enterprise (Lister Reeves and Bill Baker), Level Plains (James JR. Cambron), Daleville (Jayme Stayton and Kevin Turley), along with candidates for state and federal offices such as Josh Carnley (Alabama State Senate), 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 said: “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 supported by volunteers from IAM Union Local 2003 including Tina Jenkins; Angela Britt; Trent Traxler; Caleb Trawick; John Tonelli; and Frank Turney.
