Airport security to be federalized

In the end, good sense overcame political ideology.

President Bush announced Nov. 15 he would sign a legislative compromise that will place the U.S. government in charge of airport security, including making baggage screeners at airports federal employees.

The legislation that's expected to pass was very close to the one embraced in a bipartisan, 100-0 vote in the U.S. Senate, which placed airport security under federal control. But passage of the measure was delayed for weeks because hard-line Republicans in the U.S. House had a major problem with expanding the number of federal government employees - and with those new federal employees holding union cards. Republican leaders like House Majority Leader Dick Armey wanted the security workers to continue to be privatized (read: kept nonunion).

Republicans last month barely eked out a victory in the House that would keep the system private, but they never had public opinion on their side. The quality of airport security by private companies continues to be suspect, even after the events of Sept. 11.

"Safety comes first," said President Bush. "And when it comes to safety, we will set high standards and enforce them."

The only compromise in the deal was to allow local airports to opt out of the government-run system after two years, and then use private contractors overseen by federal supervisors. It's an unlikely scenario. "I don't think any airport in its right mind is going to be petitioning to return to a failed system," said Oregon Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio.

Jewelry drawing benefits 'friends'

With the holiday season around the corner, building trades workers are invited to take a chance on a jewelry drawing with a prize that will enhance the look of any woman's wrist.

Proceeds from the drawing go to the "Friends U Need" program operated by St. Rita's Church in Detroit. The program pays for dinner meals for underprivileged kids in their parish.

For the second straight year, the drawing is sponsored by Dan LaLonde, an Operating Engineers Local 324 member, and his wife Cynthia, of Pongracz Jewelers and Point Gemological Laboratory. It is being held in conjunction with the Greater Detroit Building Trades Council. Last year's drawing of an $8,000 ladies' tennis bracelet raised $10,010 for St. Rita's.

This year, the three separate prizes in the drawings include two diamond tennis bracelets and a Movado lady's watch, with a combined value of $7,000.

Tickets ($10) will be available at various union meetings or at Pongracz Jewelers, 91 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Farms, one-half block south of Cottage Hospital. (313) 884-3325.