Councilman Spiro Manthou, one of our original pledge signers in 2003, is the first pledge signer to be placed "On Suspension" by America In Solidarity. Several activists have complained about his "Non-responsiveness to Ruston residents about health issues at the Asarco development site."

At its June meeting, the Executive Board of America In Solidarity voted to create a "On Suspension" category of pledge signers who fail to live up to the pledge. The motion read:

"To designate an apparatus to suspend promotion of a candidate or elected official that has signed the America In Solidarity pledge if the individual has failed to live up to their pledge through elected votes, campaign promises or general apathy toward working families. A candidate or elected official can be suspended through a motion and subsequent vote of two-thirds of the Executive Board at a regularly scheduled meeting. The suspension can be appealed by a candidate or elected official or representative of the elected official at an America In Solidarity Executive Board meeting."

Since signing the pledge and being elected to the Tacoma City Council position in 2003, AIS has had little contact with Manthou. "We routinely hold events in Tacoma and have never seen Mr. Manthou," said AIS president Todd Iverson. "His voice seems generally absent and most of our brothers and sisters in the various unions that deal with the City of Tacoma are not enthused about his performance. When an incumbent fails to win an endorsement from the Labor Council, I think it speaks volumes."