Cantwell visits aluminum plant
August 22, 2001
By Craig Howard
of The SentinelU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D., WA.) was greeted with genuine and enthusiastic applause when she made an appearance at the Goldendale Aluminum Plant on Tuesday afternoon. Local politicians, business leaders and plant employees clapped with the knowledge that they were cheering a politician who really cares.
Sentator Cantwell was the only politician who refused to sign a letter supporting Bonneville Power’s decision to close down the plant. She has continued her push to bring the facility back to full strength. Her visit Tuesday reaffirmed that pledge.
“It’s great to be back here,” Sen. Cantwell told a gathering of about 50 people. “Thanks for allowing me to visit and to hear some of the unique challenges facing the people of this community”
Prior to speaking briefly to the assembled group, the Senator met for about an hour with Jerry Miller, vice president of Golden Northwest Aluminum. Miller says that the discussion was productive and encouraging. “We talked about strategy at the company to come back and operate and keep these people working,” said Miller. “She wanted to know what is going on. She understands that it is wrong to pick on one particular industry and she’s supported us without anybody in the industry lobbying her.”
Miller claims that Cantwell has been “more supportive than any other Northwest legislative member” and has quickly grasped the details and concerns of this issue.
During her campaign, Cantwell made a promise to “represent one Washington.” After defeating Republican Slade Gorton in one of the closest elections in state history, she has tried stay true to her word and cover as much territory as possible.
“That’s one of the advantages of having your ear to the ground,” Cantwell told The Goldendale Sentinel. “You learn to be sensitive to the needs of each community. I met some resistance when I didn’t sign that letter here. I heard from some people who thought it was a special deal to the aluminum industry.”
“The employment in this area is a base for Washington and Oregon,” Sen. Cantwell said. “This plant is a key part of that economic vitality. Hopefully, we can make the long-term more promising for the people of Goldendale.”
At its peak, the plant employed over 1,200 workers; it has scaled back to its current “skeleton crew” of only 313 workers. One of them, Rosendo Estrada, has been employed at the plant for 14 years. His son, Manuel, was laid off three months ago. Rosendo says that most of his friends have been laid off and the mood at the plant is hopeful, but wary.
“Right now it’s up in the air,” he says. “You hear a lot of rumors. Everybody’s worried about what¹s going to happen, if we’re going to keep working.”