[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING JERRY MARTIN AS THE MERCED--MARIPOSA CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL 
                        LABOR LEADER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, Mr. 
Jerry Martin, who is being recognized as Labor Leader of the Year by 
the Merced-Mariposa Central Labor Council. Jerry has brought tenacity, 
dedication, leadership, commitment and a certain ``Martin Style'' to 
labor organizing and political activities in California's Great Central 
Valley. He has been intimately involved in the development of Local 
1288 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, one of the most 
effective and successful unions in the Central valley.
  Jerry has also made the Merced-Mariposa Central Labor Council one of 
California's most effective and respected labor organizations. When the 
Merced-Mariposa Central Labor Council gives its word, it keeps it. 
Whether it is financial power or people power, or both, once a pledge 
is made, it is kept. Elected officials also know the Labor Council will 
hold them accountable, that once their word is given, it too, must be 
honored.
  Jerry Martin has also made the annual Merced-Mariposa Central Labor 
Council ``Union Yes'' dinner one of the most interesting political 
events in California. People who come to this dinner never know what 
they will get, but they do know it will be memorable.
  It is with great pride, and a little trepidation, that I recognize 
Jerry Martin for his many years of devoted work on behalf of the 
working men and women of our valley, our state, and our nation. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring Jerry Martin as Merced-Mariposa 
Central Labor Council Labor Leader of the Year.

                          ____________________