True to his word on stadium construction

Dan Rooney was

Dan Rooney not only talked the talk, he walked the walk.

In 1998-99 the Steelers were struggling to get authorization to build Heinz Field. Having no success, he turned to the workers of Pennsylvania through the executive board of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, representing a million workers.

The leadership told Mr. Rooney that if he would build the new stadium with 100 percent union workers and all American-made materials, and not oppose any organizing of unions at the stadium, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO would make sure he would get the authorization from the Pennsylvania General Assembly. With only a handshake and the above understanding, the General Assembly passed the legislation to build Heinz Field.

Mr. Rooney’s word was kept, and his following actions were even more so. On Aug. 30, 2001, at the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field, Mr. Rooney and the Steelers family invited thousands upon thousands of workers who participated in the building of Heinz Field as their guests. In addition, he gave away an American-made, Steelers-painted, new SUV to a worker who won a 12-week raffle on the job. Not only was the job done with the best-quality American-made materials, but also by high-quality union workers.

Over the years, the relationship he had with the working men and women of Pennsylvania has been overwhelming in many charitable and political programs.

Our condolences go out to Mrs. Pat Rooney and all of the Rooney family.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. BILL GEORGE

Venice, Fla.