Charlotte, NC -- When former Costco CEO Jim Sinegal addressed the Democratic Nation Convention on Wednesday night, about a dozen conventiongoers held up union signs and jeered him.* Patch caught up with one of them, Karl de Jong, who said he wants to take money out of politics:
What line of work are you in?
I am a union stage hand. The people who install the lighting and the video and the sound here.
Are you in Seattle?
I am in Seattle.
It sounds like you’re not too happy with Mr. Sinegal.
Mr. Sinegal and his corporate folks wanted to lock up the liquor industry that was established as a state industry in Washington, and thus have displaced public workers.
Union workers?
Yes that’s correct. And after an initiative which they spent millions of dollars on, the price has gone up. It’s a bit of a bait and switch for the citizens of Washington. And with their return on investment, I cannot believe that their shareholders decided to spend so much money to chisel away the state liquor business.
Do you feel like he’s being dishonest?
I’m not gonna call the man a liar.
In previous generations, people who disagreed with the party might have been a bit louder.
(laughing) I don’t think I’m sitting here quietly. I’m talking to you. I am holding a union sign that says “Good Jobs Now.”
I guess what I’m trying to say is you’re not out rioting in the street.
I work within the system.
* - CORRECTION - Sinegal was originally identified as the CEO. He formerly held that position, but still retains a seat on the Board of Directors.
