Planted Union Reps Gave Big Money to McDonald
— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 26 October 2010 — 7 comments below »
The uninformed union representatives who spoke out against the Waterfront development at the September 14 City Council meeting gave big money to the reelection campaign of Joe Eddy McDonald, campaign finance records indicate.
The first speaker (in the video below) represents Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159, which donated $750 to the McDonald campaign, according to a report by Tom Lochner. The second speaker represents International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 302, which donated $2,000, and was McDonald’s largest contributor.
It is now inferred that McDonald had planted the union reps (with incorrect information and scare tactics)…
Councilmember Ed Balico seemed perturbed by the union rep’s comments and questioned their objective (at 0:32 mark).
Footage of Waterfront developer Jim Anderson (of AndersonPacific) later in the meeting refuting the union reps’ claims that CEQA was being ignored is also included (at 1:48 mark).
Joe Dufus has proven himself to be an idiot. He has pedaled his vote for Trade Union donations. In other words the Unions have bought and paid for this idiot!
It is very important he NOT be re-elected. He is now in the pocket of the unions, who have an interest in holding up the project until they get what they want.
Please remember its these Trade Unions which using the same tactics are responsible for the three blocks on the Southside of Bayfront Blvd. within the Waterfront of not being built. See: Trade Unions Appeal of Planning Commission approval of January 20, 2004 (ZTA 02-05, PDP 02-06, VTM 8582, GPR 02-01)
I think its important for this information to be shared beyond this blog. I use my real name so I can communicate with my neighbors and friends regarding these important issues. Since I understand Mr. McDonald may have a lead going into this election with his strong block of union backing, this connection to a special interest group needs to be publicized beyond this blog. How can we get the information out to a broader group?
Susan:
Maybe a letter to the editor of the Contra Costa Times.
Aside from attempting to derail the waterfront development, does anybody what specific argument the unions were making counter to the development? The video isn’t long enough to capture all their comments.
@ 37 Year Resident — The unions were provided the false information that the developer was looking to bypass the EIR/CEQA process, which is untrue.
The developer requires a DOPA to move forward and finance the project. The City needs a land transfer to construct the train station. Negotiations between the two entities were stalled (at the time of this meeting), and residents demanded answers from the City. The union reps showed up and arguably made fools of themselves.