AK - End the lockout!
I recently purchased a half-page ad in one of the local newspapers to encourage AK Steel to try to end the lockout of their employees. When asked why I’d pay for such an ad out of my campaign funds, I can simply say that the continuing lockout is not only affecting the community, but my office as well! For example, we’re dealing with more sheriff’s sales because of people losing their homes and property as well as other issues related to fallout from the lockout.
I’ve also been asked why my ad suggested that AK Steel end the lockout and not the union. The fact is that the company holds the keys to ending the lockout. That’s why it’s called a “lockout” and not a “strike”. The company locked out it’s workers, they didn’t walk out on their jobs.
The ad simply states “In the end EVERYONE loses”. Isn’t that really the point?
Why doesn’t the Ad say that AK and whatever the new union name is…” get together and get Butler County workers back to work.
It looks like you’ve picked sides… and then call a VP a corporate ‘ lackey’…. Isn’t this really aboutn getting 2000 votes.. or at lest trying to?
Thank you, Sherrif Jones, for standing up and calling it what it is, a LOCKOUT. How easy it is for those in power at AK to stand in their castles and tell the working man to make consessions. AK has been making money, why should the workers give up what they have worked hard for, unless it is to make the rich even richer? Why can’t Middletown Works have the same contract that the other AK plants have received? The company continues to say they need a “fair and equitable” contract. Obviously they felt the contracts offered to the other plants were “fair and equitable”. Offer that to Middletown Works. Thank you, Sheriff Jones, for being an advocate for the citizens of Butler County; in this instance, and in many others.
Finally someone in the public eye had the courage to say what he thinks of the situation. AK Steel is a bully in and outside of the plant and most people put up with their crap because of the all mighty dollar. So hopefully they get a huge whiff of what they have been spreading on the rest of the public. Thank you Sheriff Jones.
Happy Birthday Sheriff Jones
Thank you for your vocal and very public support of AK’s locked out employees. Since this thing began there has been very little support of any kind from any public figures…a few here and there, but very few and no one has followed up that support in spite of AK’s threats..and the Sheriffs Asso. was threatened by Alan McCoy or why would he have brought it up in your conversation.
Also, I would like to thank you for your very public fight against illegal people of any country settleing into our communities with no fear of reprisal from out government agencies who are supposed to be seeking for and deporting them when found.
Thankyou and may God bless your efforts to uphold the Laws of U.S., Ohio, and Butler County.
In addition to my blog, I also get MANY comments through email and the comments section of our website. I want to share with everyone some of the comments I have received on this topic. Thanks to those who take the time to share their thoughts with me. Agree or disagree, I want to hear what you are thinking. An office holder needs to hear what is on the minds of his or her constituants. Here are some of the comments I have received in the past few days:
I have always admired you Sheriff Richard Jones. Everything you have done since you have been in office is amazing. I am writing this email to thank you for the ad you put in the journal for the AK employees. It brought tears to my eyes. The lockout has been an emotional roller coaster for all of us. You just don’t know what your ad meant to us. All I can say is Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Your a good man Sheriff Richard Jones and a true blessing. Locked out Employee
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As a locked-out AK employee I want to give Sheriff Jones a huge THANK YOU for taking some of his very important time to place that ad in the local newspapers. I support all your efforts through out the area (popular and unpopular). You are a fine man Sheriff Jones and once again Thank You!
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I would just like to say thank you for the ad you placed in the Middletown Journal regarding the lockout at AK Steel. It meant a lot to my family. My husband is locked out and we are really worried about what is going to happen in the near future. You could not imagine how hard it is for a locked out worker to find a job. Everyone talks so bad about us in the media, that is why it touched me so much. I think you showed tremendous courage when a lot of people have just looked the other way. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!
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I just wanted to thank Sheriff Jones for standing up for the locked out workers from AK Steel. It means a lot to my family, my husband works there and my dad retired from there. We all voted for Sheriff Jones and will every time he runs. God bless you.
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Thank you for your help……Lord knows families and the community have suffered. We appreciate you interest sir.Lock-out member Larry Hurst Wait till Alan McCoy gets your bill….for too many ambulance runs on selling peoples homes.lol!
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I would like to thank Sheriff Jones for his comments in a recent article which appeared in the Middletown Journal. The article was titled “Sheriff raises Ire of AK Steel Leaders”. I am a recently retired houly worker of AK Steel. A member of the AEIF. Thank you Sheriff Jones for taking a stand in this unfortunate situation we AK employees are in. I dont know what prompted your comments but I beleive if more individuals like yourself would take a stand against the policies of this company, a resolution would most certainly occur. City leaders of Middletown in particular refuse to side with either party. The reasons are apparent. The same with neighboring communities. Few people understand the tactics being used by AK Steel. They are certain that they are never in the wrong. Its always someone elses fault. And those who chose to gather against them must be exposed fot what the company see’s them as. No doubt their heavy handed remarks to you were meant to discredit you in the public eye. And then to threaten withholding finacial support, refusing to admit that it was again used to soften the opponent. Again, Sheriff Jones, Thank you for taking a stand few others have or will ever take. I wish I could vote for you(Warren co.). But I will be certain to remind my friends in the Butler County area to do just that. >
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Sheriff Jones, I am writing from Calif. You are a wonderfully brave person and decent human being. Your comments about AK Steel hit at the compassionate level we should all have for our fellow human beings. Thank you for standing up for American workers. All the best, San Diego Co., Calif.
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I feel your ad in the Middletown Journal was extremely unprofessional. Even though paid for with election funds, it used the position of the sworn office to interject a personal opinion into a civil matter with citizens rights falling on both sides of the disputed situation. The sheriff’s office’s credibility, in so far as being able to fairly and unbiasedly handle duties relating to this case, is now certainly in question.
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Please thank the Sheriff, for his positive comments concerning, those of us locked out by A.K. Steel, Thank you for pointing out that , they locked us out, We have given in on everything they want , all we ask is that we go back with a little dignity. Tell Sheriff Jones , he will have two votes from this household. Thank you again Sir……..
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Sheriff Jones, THANK YOU!!!! I just wanted to say I think you are an AWESOME leader and I’m so proud to know that there are people that stand up for their convictions and speak out against unpopular issues. I appreciate your support to AK Steel. I so appreciate all you do in standing up for what is right. May God Bless you and Protect you as you stand TALL!! Blessings!
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Sheriff Jones! Our hat is off to you! Thank you for your support to the AK Locked out Workers! Both my husband & son are currently locked out! We are praying a special blessing over you! Thanks for standing up for what we believe in!
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I just read in the Post that you have taken a stand on the issue at AK Steel. As one who voted for you, I expect that you leave labor disputes to those that have that responsibilty. I did not elect you for you to try and reach into these types of areas. Reading about your interjection, which I believe is completely inappropriate, left me very disappointed. Your job is law enforcement, not labor disputes.
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Way to go, Sheriff Jones, for standing up to AK Steel! You’ve got my vote in your next election. This won’t be forgotten. — Wife of a locked out AEIF/IAM 1943 Member
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Thank you so much for standing up for the working man. You have been the only one to do so. I’m very proud of you
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Sheriff Jones, Thank you for showing your support for our union. It is greatly appreciated. You will be remembered
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Thank you Sheriff Jones for not bowing down at the mighty feet of AK Steel.I am a locked out steelworker and it really makes all of us feel good to know that we still have some people on our side.I don’t even live in Butler county but I like to watch the way you take care of business.Thank you again for your support and best of luck in all of your endeavors.God Bless You!
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Please tell Sheriff Jones THANK YOU from an AK lockout who appreciates his ability to “call it as he sees it”. We appreciate all he does for Butler County, even though it may not be popular with the “politically correct” crowd. His actions in regards to placing the ad about the AK Lockout and his standing up to Alan McCoy only reinforces our belief in him and what he stands for.
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i would like to thanks Mr.Jones for his comment about AK STEEL thank you very much.
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Sheriff Richard K. Jones needs to spend more time doing his job and less time grandstanding on immigration and the AK Steel Lockout. The most dangerous place in Butler County is between the Sheriff and a TV Camera.
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Where can we get “VOTE for Sheriff Jones for President” T-shirts. I am locked out from AK Steel and we think your a Great man. Thank you.
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Sheriff Jones, I really want to thank you for being an upright kind of man. Your involvement with the lockout at AK, which directly involves me, is very much appreciated. That really seems to be understated, because you’ll never know the effect you’ve had on the AEIF/IAM membership’s morale. It’s been a long, dark tunnel we’ve gone through. What a bright light you’ve been!! I also appreciate your involvement with illegal aliens. I feel our country as a whole has gone to the downhill side, if you will, because so many issues are slighted because of “politically incorrect” ways of handling them. I also feel you have been very influential in bringing this county, and hopefully the country, back to the way things were when I was growing up, and the way things should have remained. I’ve never really been politically active, but your office has influenced me. Thank you again very, very much. Keep up the good work!!! By the way, I heard it was your birthday, so I wish you a very happy day!!
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My family and I would like to thank Sheriff Jones for not buckling under to AK Steel! I’ve always thought highly of him & his practices with the jail, illegals & now this! Way to go Jones, we need alot more men like you & when you run again I would love to have a big sign in my front yard to endorse you!
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To the Sheriff….Happy Birthday!!! I love your comments to McCoy! About time someone put him in his place. I’m an AK widow about ready to lose part of the pension. Good to know you stood up to AK. Thank you so much. You said what we all wanted to say and always couldn’t.
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Sheriff Jones, Thank you for calling it like you see it regarding the AK lockout. I am an employee affected by this and was feeling like no one really cared. You have restored some of my faith in elected officials. You and Mike Fox will probably be the only republicans to get my vote. I know you are not up for election but I will not forget when you are. Thank you.
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I would like to thank Sheriff Jones for being the stand-up man that he is. I am an AKSteel locked-out employee and want him to know how his handling of Alan McCoy renewed my faith that thier is still good people in this world. Thank you Sheriff Jones for not letting AK bully or push you around. I have been a democrat my whole voting life, with one exception. I did vote for you and would NEVER hesitate to vote for you for any office you ran for. Your actions touched many of us. It has been very hard for us. Please consider coming out and attending one of our rally’s. You would get the warmest of welcomes from a bunch of really great men and women. Thank you so very much again.
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I would like to thank Sheriff Jones for the ad he placed in the Sunday paper. Then for setting Alan McCoy in his place.Watch out Sheriff Jones AK will take thier ball and go home if you don’t play by thier rules and I know you really don’t care. Have a good day rumor has today is your birthday if so Happy Birthday.
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I just wanted to say that I have never been more proud of an elected law enforcement officer. Not since watching “Walking Tall” has an officer made me as proud as Sheriff Jones. His boldness in standing up to Alan McCoy & AK Steel was such a welcome sight. It is about time someone put them in their place & let them know they do not have control over everyone & every situation, as they would like us all to believe. To see that Sheriff Jones could NOT be bought or intimidated by corporate power was beautiful. Sheriff Jones is certainly the guy I would want in my corner & also the one man I believe I would not like to be on the wrong side of the law against. I think the way he has handled illegal immigrants & the jail is also admirable. I would be willing to back Sheriff Jones in any possible way…. I am not a real political person but when I believe in something, or someone, I will support it wholeheartedly. Sheriff Jones has made me a believer in what he stands for & I approve! In closing just wanted to say that in finding a way to contact your office, I noticed on your bio that today is your birthday- “Happy Birthday!” Thank you for your gift to the men & women of the union @ AK Steel. My hope is your continued support will encourage them & bring them hope-they certainly need it.
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Thank you for your support of the locked out AK employees. Also for your support on the illegals entering our country, breaking the laws that protect us, and taking our jobs. I live in Warren County but respect what you are doing. Keep up the great work that you and your staff are doing.
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Re: Sheriff Jones on the WLW My brother works at AK steel in management. The union has been unreasonable in their demands. As it relates to PR person you are awful on this matter! AK Steel has to operate at a profit margin. The union voted down all offers. You are an embarressment as it releates to this issue! If a company pulls money away from the Sherrifs office convention you say it is a threat. It is the company’s perogative if they pull the money it isn’t a threat it is a decision. I support alot of your decisions, but you are so wrong on this. It isn’t under the realm that AK would have to move manufacturing out of Ohio because of high labor costs. I guess you and your office would perfer that. Look at steel towns like Youngstown, Pittsburgh, etc… Comments like yours on the radio today are ludicrous. Based off of what I heard you owe AK an apology. I have heard story’s of how the Union ineffeciencies within AK has increased the cost of steel. Layers upon layers of regulations etc.. Look at Ford and GM that have union shops that refuse to work with management, going towards bankruptcy. Compared with Toyota and Honda (no unions) strong profit margins, workers with great healthcare benefits, retirement 401k and competitive wages. Also, the unions are the ones trying to get illegal aliens to join their ranks. Don’t understand your thought processes.
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Sheriff Jones, I am a locked out employee of AK Steel. I just wanted to thank you for your support, and let you know that it is great to finally see an elected official who chooses to lead with actions, rather than words. Although I am not a Butler County resident, many of my friends and family are, and you have their votes. Not just for the spanking you gave Alan McCoy, but for your numerous deeds in the past as well (illegals, Katrina, your jails, etc). You, sir, are a no-nonsense man, and other “leaders” on all levels should follow your example. Thank you for your time, and thank you for your support.
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Hey Sheriff Jones…Happy Birthday!!!! Thanks for placing the half page ad in the Middletown Journal asking AK STEAL to end the lockout! You will forever have my support. Anyway, thanks again….you rock!!!!
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Dear Sheriff Jones, I am widely known among friends and acquaintances as a “bleeding heart liberal”. They would be quite surprised to find me writing a note of thanks and praise to a department that is considered “leaning right”. But the heck with them because I think you lean exactly in the right direction. You and your guys (and women) are righteous, good people. I have never had anything but excellent and polite contact with your department. I believe what you are trying to do with AK Steel and the illegal immigrants is what an honest and public serving Sheriff should do…follow your heart and morals and do not let money or politics dictate your beliefs. I am truly proud of you and your men and women in the department…
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DEAR SHERIFF JONES, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME FROM YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE TO VISIT THE LOCKED OUT WORKERS, ON THE PICKETT LINES AT AK. MY FATHER WORKED THERE FOR 36 YEARS. MY HUSBAND HAS 29 AND A HALF YEARS IN NOW. WE ALSO HAVE MANY OTHER FRIENDS AND RELATIVES THERE THAT ARE LOCKED OUT, AS WELL. YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT MANY OF THEM LOSING THEIR HOMES, AND MANY HAVING TO MOVE AWAY. THANK YOU FOR REALIZING THAT THE WORKERS DO WANT TO RETURN TO WORK , AND THAT THEY AREN’T ASKING FOR AN UNREASONABLE CONTRACT, JUST A FAIR ONE. WE READ YOUR ARTICLE WITH PRIDE THAT SOMEONE LIKE YOU WOULD CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THE COMMUNITY HE REPRESENTS. YOU ARE SO RIGHT WHEN YOU SAY ALL ARE AFFECTED BY THIS LOCK OUT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO WONDERFUL IF AK HAD JUST GIVEN OUR WORKERS THE SAME CONTRACT THEY GAVE TO THE BUTLER PLANT AND ALL THE MONEY THAT HAS BEEN SPENT ON REPLACEMENT WORKERS COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED. AK STEEL IS STILL RUNNING AN AD IN THE SUNDAY PAPER TO HIRE WORKERS FOR $20. TO 25. DOLLARS PER HOUR. EVEN THOUGH MY HUSBAND HAS A COLLEGE DEGREE, HE NEVER MADE THAT MUCH AN HOUR, IN ALMOST 30 YEARS, OF SERVICE AT AK. AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STANDING UP FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WORKER! WE APPRECIATE IT MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!
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I am locked out from AK Steel. I wanted you to know how much it meant to me that you support our cause. God bless you.
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If Sheriff Jones ever held a job in the private sector instead of feeding at the public trough his entire life (and looks like his family is following in his footsteps) he might begin to understand the AK Steel lockout. Until he gets a real job he should thank those of us that go to work everyday to pay his salary instead of insulting us with his ignorant comments. We’ll see what public job he moves onto after he is voted out of office next year. God knows he couldn’t survive in the real world.
It takes a great man to say and do some of the things that i have seen from you. It takes a even greater man to stick by what he believes is the truth. A lot of the community who bash the workers at AK really don’t know what is going on. But it is clear you have done your homework on AK. The american dream is to have a good job, a roof over your head, provide for your family. THE FRUITS OF LABOR. I have a heart felt thank you for what you did. You are truly a man of character. May God bless you and your family and future endevors.
Sheriff Jones , thank you very much for your response and prompt action concerning the illeagal workers at the Amylin construction site .They have been replaced by American workers . Wadda ya know Americans are willing to do the work if they can earn a fair wage. I appluad you for your efforts to put an end to the exploitation of these illeagal workers . Taxpayers suffer while the contractors that take advantage of these people line thier pockets . Hat’s off to you for calling the practice of hiring “undocumented” workers what it is …… ILLEAGAL !