Sen. Sherrod Brown visits BAC Local 23

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 23 hosted a rally on Sept. 27, to support U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, (D-OH).

Tim Driscoll, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers President and BAC Local 23 President Ken Kudela and Financial Secretary Noah Carmichael were in attendance and also recorded a video to show their support and endorsement of Brown.

Brown is in a high-profile race against Ohio businessman Bernie Moreno.

Bill Hulet Jr., Local 23 Central Ohio Chapter Chairperson, said the event was a great success. Eight bricklayer apprentices were also invited to meet Brown and showcase their skills through hands-on demonstrations during the rally. 

“It was nice seeing Sherrod Brown talking to each of the apprentices one-on-one and asking them why they got into the Bricklayers apprenticeship program and why they wanted to be a bricklayer,” Hulet said. 

Ahead of the senator’s arrival, several union representatives offered guidance and support to the apprentices. Hulet appreciated the opportunity for the apprentices to meet and speak with Driscoll, BAC Regional Representative Russel Smith, Kudela and Carmichael.

Building Futures 

The area used for the rally also serves as one of the training sites for the Building Futures program.

The award-winning Building Futures program is a partnership between Franklin County and the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council. 

The 12-week program empowers individuals from underserved communities by providing essential life skills and foundational construction training, paving the way for their entry into a building trades apprenticeship. 

Retired BAC member Mike Smith, who was formerly President of BAC Local 44-Ohio before all Ohio BAC Locals merged into the new Local 23, is currently running for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 68th District. He also attended the event to support Brown. 

Smith, a former member of the C/COBCTC Executive Board, was instrumental in launching the Building Futures program and remains involved after retiring from the trades. 

“Everyone who attended the event said it was a pleasure to meet and talk to Sherrod Brown one-on-one and show him what they are learning as an apprentice in the Bricklayers apprenticeship program,” Hulet said.