Union contractors to make their case

They’ll join with political leaders to talk about reviving area economy.

DAYTON — Local legislators, contractors and union leaders will hold a forum Feb. 24 to discuss how they can work together to expedite Dayton’s economic recovery.

The forum will be held at 2 p.m. at the Associated General Contractors West Central Ohio Division, 7250 Poe Ave. Forum hosts include members of Ironworkers Local 290, the Associated General Contractors West Central Ohio Division, Dayton Building Trades and the Dayton Builders Exchange.

The agenda includes discussions on the city of Dayton’s budget, local workers for local jobs, state grants, and the American Jobs Act.

Panelists include Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell, Dayton Commissioner Nan Whaley, Congressman Mike Turner, R-centerville; state Reps. Matt Szollosi, D-toledo; and Jim Butler, R-oakwood; and area contractors and labor representatives.

“We represent union contractors. We want to talk to the politicians about what it is we have to offer,” said Randall Fox, executive director for AGC. “We just want to let them know that the union contractors are viable and we do play a part in the local economy.”

The forum was the idea of the Ironworkers union, Fox said.

“It was spurred on by the Iron workers in Cincinnati. They had held an event like this a couple of months ago and it was a success,” Fox said.

Another topic of discussion will be job opportunities at WrightPatterson Air Force Base.

“We’re blessed to have WPAFB in our geographical area. We need to work with the local politicians to keep Wright-patt the viable player that it is,” Fox said.