I have to disagree with Jakob Juntunen (The Electrical Worker, August 2009, Letters to the Editor) on his letter "A More Sustainable IBEW." While I agree that the IBEW has to move forward to survive, promoting clean coal and nuclear energy does exactly that. Clean burning coal has come a long way from the Dodge Dart era. And as for the nuclear energy sector, nuclear is a very safe and clean manufacturer of energy.

Designs and safety have made such monumental gains that nuclear energy is a major supplier in other parts of the world. Both of these industries have made great strides. They’re safer, cleaner, more economical and—here is the kicker—a lot of IBEW jobs are created and kept intact with these energy producers. I, for one, am a proud member of the IBEW family and embrace all IBEW members and their livelihoods.

To call nuclear or coal outdated is like calling renewable energy and environmental issues futuristic ideas. This is not true. All energy produced by IBEW members is a union-produced commodity, and I am more than happy to say that I belong to this organization.

Mark Schrack
Local 1096 member, Blairsville, Pa.

After reading a recent Local Lines article, as well as a new revision of an NJATC class book, I have been taken back by the new political correctness being demonstrated in an effort to not offend the women of the IBEW. The "B" in IBEW stands for Brotherhood, and I am a proud sister in this Brotherhood. I am not a journeyperson or wireperson, but a journeyman wireman in this Brotherhood. I worked hard to be a sister in this Brotherhood and take offense in being called otherwise. No disrespect to my fellow brothers and sisters, but please keep our traditions in place and not allow a few to change the path that so many paved before women were a part owf this great Brotherhood.

Theresa King
Local 915 member, Tampa, Fla.

I was hired by Verizon in Buffalo, New York as a service representative in April. This was truly life-saving for me, because I had to leave my job as a service representative in Los Angeles with AT&T to come home.

I want to thank the hard-working members of Syracuse, N.Y., Local 2213 for doing such a superior job that the upper management chose to hire so many people in this economically hard-hit area of the state. If it wasn’t for their excellent work and dedication to quality, I would still be looking for a job that paid me a living wage and benefits.

A heartfelt thank you to all the members of IBEW 2213.

Robert A. Knight
Local 2213 member, Syracuse, N.Y.

A very good friend of mine, Bob Heffelfinger, at age 75, took a course in art and one of his first creations was this drawing of four generations of proud electricians—members of Aurora, Ill., Local 461. We represent many years of loyal service to the IBEW and hope we will see a few more generations follow in our footsteps.

Richard M. Musich
Local 461 retiree, Aurora, Ill.