By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

JOLIET — Even as Labor leader Richard “Dick” Manley was being honored for his efforts and commitment to the success of the Will County Democratic Central Committee, he was humbled enough to acknowledge Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s efforts to the organization, calling Walsh his “Captain Marvel.”

“He is very popular, he is very compassionate and he does an excellent job — and his job is not always easy,” Manley explained.

Manley was the recipient of the 2015 Larry Walsh Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner Oct. 9 in Joliet, held at IBEW Local 176.

Manley first served as president of AFT Local 1291 and continued as president when it merged with Local 604 in 1976.

2015 Jefferson Jackson Dinner Keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth is pictured with, from left, Will County Democratic Central Committee Secretary Karen Gonzalez, Chairman Scott Pyles and Treasurer Kevin Clancy. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth said Illinois doesn’t have another county as unique as Will County. It knows how to expand manufacturing and provide job training, as well as make investments in transportation and infrastructure. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Under Manley’s watch, Local 604 has grown to 75 councils in 10 counties, with almost 11,000 members, to become the second largest federated local in Illinois.

Candidates running for office are considered “fortunate” if they receive an endorsement from Manley and Local 604. “If you do, you better rise high and project that endorsement because that is one very, very favorable endorsement,” Walsh explained.

Manley and Walsh’s friendship goes back many years, and even though the two have disagreed on issues, Manley was always fair. “He was forthright. You never needed to guess what Mr. Manley’s opinion was because he came out and told you, without a doubt, what his opinion was,” Walsh said.

As a leader of many of Illinois’ teachers, Manley said his organization is vulnerable to anti-labor policies Gov. Bruce Rauner would like to place on organized labor. “Our goal, and I hope every one of your goals, is to destroy Bruce Rauner in the next election. This has got to be all the Democrats first priority: Get rid of Bruce Rauner,” Manley stressed.

American Federation of Teachers Local 604 President Richard “Dick” Manley was the recipient of the 2015 Larry Walsh Lifetime Achievement Award. Manley was honored during the Will County Democratic Central Committee’s annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner Oct. 9 in Joliet. Will County Executive Larry Walsh said Manley is one of the state’s strongest advocates for teachers. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Guests at the dinner were honored to hear keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth give an update of happenings in Washington. “Just when you think it’s really bad, it gets worse. It’s like watching a very bad car accident on the freeway between two clown cars,” she explained. When it comes to Illinois’ budget impasse, combined with the recent resignation of the Speaker of the House, a position that remains unfilled, she says it’s bad for democracy.

“It’s bad for our nation, and we can do better,” Duckworth said.

Referring to elected officials and labor leaders alike, Duckworth said their efforts are akin to standing the perimeter in a combat situation. “You protect the things that are valuable to us and to Democratic values. This nation is at a point in time where, if we don’t elect the right people in Washington, we’re in deep trouble,” she said.

Richard “Dick” Manley, far right, received the Larry Walsh Lifetime Achievement award from the Will County Democratic Central Committee. He is president of the AFT Local 604, the second largest federated local in Illinois. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer