Maybe it's something in the water.

Detroit and Michigan have rarely had the kind of local representation on the state and international union level that exists today. No less than a dozen trade union officers who hail from Michigan have been promoted to jobs that involve greater influence, notoriety and responsibility.

Those union officers were honored March 30 at a luncheon at the Gaelic League in Detroit. Proceeds were donated to the St. Cecilia and St. Rita food banks.

"I doubt that Michigan has ever had this level of representation and influence on the international level, but it's no surprise," said Greater Detroit Building Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Devlin. "Some of the brightest and best union officers in the country come out of our locals, and it makes sense that the Internationals want our people, too."

GREATER DETROIT Building Trades Council President John Hamilton and Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Devlin, left, welcomed the honorees who now work on the international union level. They include (l-r) Jerry O'Malley (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers), Boh Bodansky (recently retired from the Sheet Metal Workers), Joe Sposita (United Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters), Sam T. Hart (Operating Engineers), Ed Rokuski (Boilermakers), Bob Pilarski (Laborers), Doug Keller (United Association) and Harold Cooper (Iron Workers). Unable to attend were Greg Hicks (Iron Workers) and Larry Brennan and Mark Gaffney (Teamsters).