March 15, 2011
By Vanessa DeSantis
Policymakers and grassroots organizers had a chance to mingle at the ANOROC Democratic Club’s 82nd Anniversary Dinner Dance, on the evening of Thursday March the 3rd. Local 79’s business manager John Delgado received a special achievement award at the fundraising event.
“Throughout his career John has been an advocate for the rights of all workers, especially immigrant workers,” said a spokesperson for the ANOROC club.
ANOROC is a Democratic organization based in the 37th Assembly District of Queens. The club helps get out the vote for local Democratic politicians. About 100 people attended the event, which was held at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, a restaurant in Astoria, Queens. Delgado was one of three honorees including New York state senator Michael Gianaris and Ciaran Staunton, a community activist from Sunnyside Queens.
Gianaris spoke before a welcoming crowd as ANOROC honored him for his successful leadership in the state legislature on issues of public reform, clean energy and public safety. Ciaran Staunton was awarded for his community leadership in Sunnyside, Queens helping to beautify neighborhood parks and bring new sidewalks to busy streets.
Delgado was thanked for all his distinguished work in New York construction, as well as his more recent advocacy efforts on behalf of workers’ rights. In his acceptance speech, Delgado reminded the crowd that workers must stand together and stand firm at a time when their rights are being challenged across the country. Expressing his faith in what New York union advocates can do, Delgado said, “I know there is no surrender and no retreat. We will get this job done.”
