Local Roundup LOCAL 35 • Albany, New York Greetings from the frozen northern tundra. Generally, we are still deep in the throes of winter this time of year, but March tends to have an identity crisis where we experience every season and weather pattern over the 31 days. I’m sure most of you didn’t turn to the Local 35 article page to discuss weather in the northeastern United States, and I promise you that there are more exciting events going on around here. With over two years since its inception, the New York Elevator Safety Board has managed to hold their first official meeting after finalizing the last of the board members early this year. There isn’t much in the way of news to report as of yet, but the optimist in me thinks this will be a good step forward in adding some teeth to the state bill that was passed in 2020. Employment-wise we are still enjoying an empty bench with the typically busy season on the horizon. If things continue, we’re hopeful that work will continue to pick up as the spring and summer arrive. Over this past winter I was able to sit down with one of our proud local dads and talk about the work his son has been putting in with the goal of making the 2024 US Olympic team. Jesse Porter Sr. has been a 30+ year member of Local 35 after moving to the area from Cleveland to raise his family in what has become a quietly successful wrestling community. While Jesse Sr. experienced success as an Olympic alternate in his youth, and is proud of a wife and two daughters who enjoy many local accolades in the sport, it’s his son Jesse Jr. that gets dad beaming with pride when he talks about the path that his son is currently on. The 25-year-old is currently ranked #1 for Team USA at the 77 kg (170lbs) weight class for Greco-Roman style wrestling and is hoping to land a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Wrestling is one of those sports where individuals are at an advantage when they start young. Clearly dad got him off on the right foot as he began his varsity career at Shenendehowa High School when he was just in 7th grade. From there he moved on to Northern Michigan University where he currently sits in the Wildcats’ Hall of Fame. During that time, he became a three-time World Team member (2017-’19) and most recently represented the U.S. at the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, Norway. There is still quite a bit of time before the Paris Olympics, but I’m sure there will be plenty of qualifying tournaments and seeding that will need to take place in 2023. The prospect of a young local man with blood ties to a long-standing union member has piqued the interest of many in the area. Even just the prospect of Olympic hardware after so much hard work is a testament to your passion, and the dedication of those around you in support. There are many of us who will be following your progress and wish you the very best of luck on your journey towards Team USA. Kindest regards, Brian White Local 35 Jesse Porter Jr. in action at 77kg March 2023 45 The 2020 USA Olympic Wrestling Team Brother Pat Salerno celebrates being a grandpa with Terrick and Dawson.
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