Political Quotes

“I rise to pay tribute to Mr. James Belanoff, a long-time union leader for the United Steelworkers in Indiana who was part of a politically and social activist family, many of whom lived in Chicago and were actively involved in the labor and political activity of Chicago and of Illinois. Mr. Belanoff was born in Canada and moved to Chicago where he lived until he returned home from the military and moved to Gary, Indiana, and then to Hammond. Mr. Belanoff went to work for Inland Steel, joined the union, became involved, and ultimately became president of his local. From 1977 to 1981, he served as full-time director of District 31 of the United Steelworkers of America. He developed his labor and community activist interests from his father who owned a grocery store, but who always was involved in civic and community life. Mr. Belanoff graduated from Roosevelt University with a bachelor's degree and was elected to two terms to the Hammond Indiana City Council. Standing up for the common person was a trademark of Mr. Belanoff and that tradition has been embraced by other members of his family as they too have become involved in public service.”