[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. CARL D. SOMMERS

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Carl 
D. Sommers, a true leader and a dedicated spokesman for New Jersey's 
labor movement. He has served the many members of organized labor in my 
home state for over 25 years and at his retirement, he is to be honored 
for his contributions to the Sheet Metal Workers Union.
  Born and raised in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, Carol graduated 
from the Trenton High Vocational Sheet Metal Program. He began his 
career by serving a four-year apprenticeship with Sheet Metal Workers 
Local #27, where he has remained a member until this day. He has served 
his union as a local Union Shop Steward, Trustee, Executive Board 
Member, and as a member of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund. Carl 
also served as a Trustee of the Education Fund, monitoring and managing 
the Financial Training Facility and Teacher programs. As a member of 
the Supplemental Unemployment Fund Board, Carl has helped his union 
colleagues during periods of unemployment.
  Carl was elected as Business Representative of Local 27 in 1990. In 
this new position, he adeptly represented the concerns and the welfare 
of his Union in labor disputes and corrected violations of collective 
bargaining agreements. He was also responsible for the daily work 
assignments of all Local members and attended labor seminars in an 
effort to protect the union rights.
  He has proudly served his members by serving on the Contract 
Negotiating Committee, and attending rallies to garner support for pro-
labor legislation. He recently became a Trustee of the New Jersey State 
Labor Council of Sheet Metal Workers, a member of both the Camden 
County Building Trades Council and the Warren County Building Trades 
Council. For over two years, Carl has served as Financial Secretary-
Treasurer of the Mercer-Burlington Counties and Vicinities Building 
Trades Council.
  On the eve of his retirement, it brings me great pleasure to 
recognize the accomplishments of Carl Sommers and his actions and 
efforts should be commended. The New Jersey labor community should be 
proud to have had Carl as a member and should be assured that he will 
continue to monitor and participate in the labor movement.

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