IAM Union Local 2003 hosted its third annual “Stakes at the Gate” political forum on August 16 at its union hall in Daleville, Alabama. The event brought together more than 25 candidates from city council, mayoral, state, and federal races to speak directly with union members and local residents.
Over 4,000 union activists and more than 50,000 Alabama residents had access to hear the candidates’ positions on various issues. The forum aimed to provide a space for direct engagement between those seeking office and working families in the area.
“This event gives working people in Alabama the chance to connect directly with those seeking to represent them,” said IAM Local 2003 Legislative Chairman Patrick Wise. “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.”
The gathering highlighted themes of solidarity and civic participation among union members.
“Our union hall is not only a place for negotiations, it’s a place where democracy is practiced,” said IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton. “The turnout today proves that when we say show up, be heard, and be counted, our members take that seriously.”
Candidates who participated included individuals running for local offices such as Daleville City Council (Jada Stone, Karl Boesen, Alicia Jo Reese, Glen Lininger, James Roberts, Katheryn Horace), Ozark City Council (Dr. Danella Peterson, Winston Jackson), Ozark Mayor (Mark Blankenship, Charles Ward), Enterprise Mayor (Lister Reeves, Bill Baker), Enterprise City Council District 2 (Kenneth LeBlanc), Level Plains Mayor (James JR. Cambron), Daleville Mayor (Jayme Stayton, Kevin Turley), as well as state and federal offices including Josh Carnley (Alabama State Senate), Mark Wheeler (U.S. Senate), Dakarai Larriett (U.S. Senate), Chad Martin (Governor), and Will Boyd (Governor).
“The Alabama State Council is proud to help create a space where working families can hold candidates accountable,” said Rickie Langford, President of the IAM Alabama State Council. “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 organized by numerous volunteers from IAM Union Local 2003 along with support from district representatives and committee chairs.
