To the editor:

A special picnic rally was held on Sept. 22 in Lakes Park by 1199 Service Employees International Union. Over 200 members from many parts of Southwest Florida attended this event. Union speakers from New York, Miami and Orlando gave great speeches in support of Charlie Crist for governor.

The speakers included: Kevin Flanagan, political advisor from New York; Monica Russo, representative from Miami; Maria Castaneda, secretary/treasurer from New York; Lourdes Rodriguez Dox, director of retirees; and Jimmy Torrez, coordinator from Orlando. All spoke of the union’s bargaining efforts to negotiate benefits for current workers and retirees.

Many of those attending are retirees from Lehigh Acres. They are beneficiaries of a good retirement income thanks to their union’s efforts. Pensions are so very important in addition to Social Security to provide a decent standard of living in today’s economy.

Lehigh’s Will Bronson, District 17 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and Michael Bonacolta – speaking on behalf of the Crist campaign – emphasized the importance of a hearty turnout in 2014.

The union 1199 SEIU pledged support with an active local phone bank. This well-organize political and social event was arranged by Beverly Bell of Lehigh, who is the chairperson of the Fort Myers chapter.

Joan Patterson

Lehigh Acres