Our Condolences
We take many shots at those we think are not serving the greater good. And we take shots at other people for other good reasons.However, its always tragic when a leader is lost, particularly at such a young age. Such is the case with the shocking death of Miguel Contreras, LA's union leader. We did not agree with his politics at all but our thoughts and sympathies go to Miguel's family, friends and associates.
As I said, I do not support Miguel's union politics, but you have to respect his dedication and tenacity. He will be missed.
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 5/07/2005 11:30:00 AM
20 Comments:
I agree, and will be looking forward to talking with him when I get back.
I am wondering, however, how his absence might affect this election.
Any of you geniuses have a thought?
Either Antonio Villaraigosa will be the incoming mayor on May 18 or the prospective head of the County Fed. So, it's a win/win for Antonio in these tragic circumstances.
With mourning, funeral arrangements, etc. its going to make it difficult for the County Fed lieutenants to put their all into the the Mayor's campaign, which most of the rank and file wasn't going to do anyway without extreme prodding.
As well, with Miguel gone, a HUGE power vacuum and power struggle will occur which will further distract from labor's efforts for the Mayor in the last critical days. As the lieutenants jockey to take over, they will be less focused on the elections.
With Miguel gone, there is no one to discipline anyone who goes rogue so union efforts could seep over to Antonio.
Its all kind of like when a Mafia godfather dies. Unions work the same way because of their Mafia connections.
All in all, not good for the Mayor.
Chief Parkser you must be catholic
Like the saying goes sadly though today "everyone is replacable." You are insulting Miguel by saying that because of his death no one will take the lead. He was a true leader and I'm sure had a delegate of people who he had faith in to carry out his message.
miguel will be missed.
that smart-assed, slippery, god-damn EFFECTIVE bastard, i'm sure he's grinning down on us right now.
i'll miss him, i always enjoyed him, even when he was smiling at me knowing he had just outmanuevered me, or i him.
whatever the great scorer is marking next to his name right now, we'll always remember him as the man that brought LA labor back from the brink.
and its sad to think that after his death the fed is likely to disintegrate into competing factions.
Its true they can probably fill his position, but no one will have the power he has, at least not for a while.
It is likely the other unions will want to go their own way even if they try to do something like Maria Elena in his place and use guilt to make us comply.
It just won't happen, we were already pissed, especially after he let the Mayor force him to backstab Antonio.
Backstab, Antonio? Get outta here! Antonio caused this whole mess by not only promising the people of CD14 he wouldn't run for mayor, he also promised Miguel he wouldn't run for mayor!
Hey, for once on this blog, can we keep the comments civil and germane?
Miguel was a friend and a colleague to many of us. Whatever happened with the Fed endorsement happened. It will all be largely irrelevant in 10 days anyway.
But now Miguel's dead - and many of us are upset about it, concerned about the future of the labor movement in Los Angeles, and generally in shock about losing someone we depended on - even if we had to sometimes go to the mat with him.
This is sudden; and despite his faults, his family and friends are hurting right now.
So respect a fallen warrior on one thread at least. I kindly request that you take your smearing to another post.
Thanks for your words Lou. Anybody who has been around this blog for more than an afternoon knows the type of environment that it is, one based on rumors, accusations, and just a wild Jerry Springer-type free for all. But with all the chaos that takes place around us, we must take this time to pay our respects to a man who dedicated his life to fighting for those who are the backbone of our society: the working class.
Miguel Contreras has made moves that many didn't agree with. Whether it was his endorsement of Villaraigosa last time, his endorsement of Hahn this time, or any of his other decisions, he did them with believing what was best for his union (although I disagree with his support of Hahn this time). He will always be remembered, he will never be forgotten.
Adios hermano. Que los angelitos en el cielo conozcan que nos quitaron un angel aqui en la tierra.
Almost 24 hours later, I am still in shock. Friend or foe, you had to admire Miguel. He had friends in the highest of places, but Miguel never forgot he worked to advance the interests of working men and women in the county and state. He was a shrewd and smart deal maker, not afraid to pick a fight when necessary. It will be a long time, if at all, before labor has a leader like Miguel. Rest in peace, my friend. Heartfelt condolences to Maria Elena, Mario and Michael.
Miguel made us proud as Latinos to have accomplished so much and be a true legend. Regardless of who you are supporting in the Mayor's race we have to commend and admire his service to this city. He was tough no doubt but I always was impressed by his words and the way he spoke passionately about his ideas. Whether you agreed with him or not he put himself out there.
A respectful thread on MayorSam's with no malicious rumors about one of the two people who will become the leader of our city. Even in death Miguel Contreras has committed a miracle.
-- Charlie Carnow
I think the CD 14ers have a break this weekend.
Hahn's been working them too hard, what , with all the protests, and especially taking all the signatures on the recall down to City Hall for filing.
Eliseo and friends are just plumb exhausted. Never did get the final figures, but someone posted the requirements - something around 15,000 for success.
Even if they weren't, it would be over the line for them to add some irrelevant malarky about Antonio and his pathoiogical lies or whatever. A good man is dead.
Antonio was a good friend of Miguel's, and even in the worst of situations, Antonio never spoke ill of him. Blood is thicker than water.
I know, because I was there.
Rest in peace Miguel. The county fed has spent too much money not to stay focused on victory for Hahn. I know I was there in the conversation minutes after Miguels death. The show must go on, Miguel loved to win and labor will stay focuced and win this for Miguel. Antonio is not positioned to lead the county Fed. He as well as Fabian Nunez have pissed off alot of trades union folks in their time that have a say to who the next leader of the county fed will be, Antonio is NOT on that list. This death not only hurts Antonio as a private person. But as a polititian. Miguel was always the one to cut his deals and smooth things over when he pissed off union leaders. This is a blow to HIS political career as well. Who will he go to now?
Well said, Sacramentonighties.
God bless Miguel. He was a tough and (sometimes) mean SOB. But that's what it take to do what he did. It would have truly been wonderful for him to realize his dream which he conveyed to the LA Times which says something to the order of,: My biggest dream is to take someone to the White House.
Rest well Sir. The Labor Movement will never know one like you.
Besides being Political Director of the Federation, who is Charles Lester?
What is his backgound and education?
I knew Miguel in San Francisco when he was with the Hotel and Restaurant union there. I know this is sacreligious, but true.
Miguel not only sided with the old corrupt union, but with the Hotel owners, most of the time.
I knew him at a young age and he was really more of a strategist and an opportunist. He could have been as pro-management as pro-union, depending on what served his purpose. He often sided with the owners against the dissidents.
He was sort of a Karl Rove figure back then, but someone with no principles.
My gut tells me that he was pro-union because it advanced his personal cause.
I am very pro-union to this day. Advancing his own personal cause may have done some good in LA, but to make him as some Labor hero when the reality of Miguel was that he could have been on either side is a travesty. Of course, its a shame that he died young and left a family. I never disliked him, he was amusing back then, but principles, absolutely not.
Those on the other side of the LAX boondoggle also respected Miguel. He spoke his mind and you knew where he stood. Rest in peace.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home