… you get your house painted?

Answer: Nowhere. Not when you hire a non-union painter to do the job.

So here’s the deal. A few days ago somebody slipped some photos under the cyber-door here at The Progressive Fox. Pics of a lovely home in Aurora getting spruced up with a little fresh paint. And it turns out that’s Vernon and Linda Chapa LaVia’s home.

Yep, that’s State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia (D-IL 83rd District). Linda and Vernon and some friends are throwing a fundraiser for Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) this Wednesday, so they got somebody to powerwash the house and do a little painting.

Great, I’m thinking, times are hard and workingmen need the work. Besides, I thought, the Painters have always supported Linda …

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
3/2/2002 $200.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia
Paint for Yard signs

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
3/2/2002 $2,100.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia
Labor to paint 60 hrs @ $35.00 / hr. 20 4′ X 4′ yard signs

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
5/28/2002 $5,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
10/3/2002 $500.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
9/30/2003 $2,500.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, 1750 New York Ave, Washington, DC 20006
9/28/2004 $5,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

Painters and Allied Trades , 1750 New York Ave., Washington DC, IL 20006
9/9/2005 $10,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

IUPAT , 1750 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
8/11/2006 $1,500.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

IUPAT, 1750 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
10/12/2006 $5,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

IUPAT PAC, 1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
10/29/2007 $1,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

IUPAT PAC, 1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
4/11/2008 $1,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

IUPAT PAC, 1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
4/18/2008 $1,000.00 Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia

Source: The Illinois State Board of elections webpage for the Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia committee.

… so it only makes sense that she would support them in return by throwing a little work their way when she has the opportunity.

But there’s a problem. It turns out

the Chapa La Vias hired a non-union contractor -– Larry Streit of Larry’s Ceramic Tile Setting and Painting (that’s Larry there in the photos) –- to do the job.

So, here’s another question for you. Are any of you union guys going to that fundraiser? I mean, just because Linda doesn’t want to pay you the going rate to spruce up her house for her, I’m sure that doesn’t mean she won’t let you into the party if you bring a big enough check to give to “Million Dollar” Bill.

After all, I’m sure Linda wants to do everything she can to win friends and influence people like the Congressman, and making sure he goes home that night with as much new do-re-me as possible is the name of the game. Especially since, pssst, get this: Aurora Township Democratic Party Chair Alex Arroyo said at a party meeting last month that Linda was considering a run for Lt. Governor.

But even if you can’t afford to pay the going rate — $250 for “Guests,” $500 for “Friends,” $1000 for “Sponsors” — to get in the door and meet & greet your elected representatives up close and personal, maybe you can help Linda out with some sort of a welcoming committee. Whaddya think, maybe a few choruses of “Which Side Are You On” to serenade the people’s representatives and their guests, friends and sponsors as they arrive for the evening? Or, even better, how about a few signs?

Tags: Aurora IL, Bill Foster, endorsements, Illinois, IUPAT, Kane County, Lieutenant Governor, Linda Chapa LaVia, unions

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