Gil Hill receives GDBTC's endorsement

In a crowded field of candidates, the Executive Board of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council has endorsed Gil Hill for Mayor in the City of Detroit.

"Gil Hill has always been a good friend of the building trades," said GDBTC Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Devlin. "We know we can always count on him when it comes to supporting our issues. There are a lot of candidates, but we think he stands out, and offering him our endorsement was an easy decision."

Hill, 69, is serving his third term on the Detroit City Council and his first as its president. A former Detroit police officer, Hill was the head of the department's Homicide Division for many years. He appeared in three "Beverly Hills Cop" films with Eddie Murphy. Hill got 13,000 more votes than the nearest council candidate in the last election.

He said his priorities as mayor of Detroit would include uniting the city, extending economic development into the neighborhoods and improving the delivery of city services.

Democrats hold Newaygo Co. picnic

The first Democrats' Four-Corners Picnic will be held Saturday, July 21 from noon to ? at Barton Township Park in Hawkins, Mi. Free food and beverages will be provided.

All are welcome. Special invited guests are Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, and Michigan gubernatorial candidates Jim Blanchard, David Bonior Jennifer Granholm, Gary Peters, and Alma Wheeler Smith.

Barton Township Park is located in Newaygo County at 7886 17 Mile Rd. Follow the blue arrows to the park. The park has ball fields, horseshoe pits, a playground and free parking.

From the south on U.S. 131 get off at the 19 Mile exit (second Big Rapids exit). Go west on 19 Mile, which becomes 13 Mile upon entering Newaygo County. Turn left on Beach. At the stop sign turn left (west) on 16 Mile Rd., follow the curve to Cottonwood. Turn left onto 17 Mile Rd. to Barton Twp. Park.

From the north on U.S. 131 get off at the U.S. 10 exit. Go west on U.S. 10. Turn left on Hawkins Rd., which becomes Cottonwood upon entering Newaygo County. Turn right (west) on 17 Mile Rd. to Barton Twp. Park.

For more information call Don at (231) 266-8914 or Mark or Paul, (231) 796-0513.

Iron workers appreciate Helmer's generosity

Iron Workers Local 25 would like to express extreme gratitude and appreciation to Business Agent Gary Helmer of Electrical Workers Local 58 for his show of kindness.

Gary attended the Iron Workers Corn County golf outing on June 16, 2001 and won a 50/50 drawing worth $500. Gary didn't hesitate in donating the money back to the family of Local 25 member Gary Copeland, who was killed on the job.

Gary's donation is a definite indication of the kind of people affiliated with not only the iron workers but with all the trades. This was a special act and was greatly appreciated.