Wondolowski attends State of the Union Address

From left, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary/Business Manager Dave Wondolowski, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Max Miller (R-Rocky River). Wondolowski was Miller's guest for the 2024 State of the Union Address.

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary/Business Manager Dave Wondolowski normally watches the State of the Union Address on television. He had to change his plans this year, as U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-Rocky River) invited Wondolowski to be his guest on March 7 for President Biden’s the State of the Union Address.

For Wondolowski, it was a surprise invitation, and one he gladly accepted.

“I felt honored to be asked,” he said. “It was a great honor to attend.”

In his capacity representing the affiliated men and women of the Cleveland Building Trades, Wondolowski has attended numerous events in the past, including the inauguration of former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. However, he had never been invited to something like the State of the Union Address.

While some people may wonder why a Republican lawmaker invited a union leader as his guest, Wondolowski pointed to the good, working relationship between the two men.

“Rep. Miller is sound on Davis-Bacon,” said Wondolowski. “The Cleveland Building Trades and NABTU (North America’s Building Trades Unions) are happy for his support.”

When it comes to his record on building trades issues, Wondolowski made it clear that Miller has been a friend of the trades since he took office in January 2023.

“His support for Davis-Bacon and his voting record show he has a willingness to understand the building trades and work with the building trades,” Wondolowski said. “There are numerous Republicans who support Davis-Bacon, and we're glad he’s one of them.”

Wondolowski arrived in Washington, D.C., the day before the event and had dinner with Keith Hocevar, Executive Vice President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Hocevar has roots in Northeast Ohio, as he began his career with the former BAC Local 16 in Mentor.

On Thursday, he had lunch with Miller, as he looked to strengthen a growing relationship.

That evening, Wondolowski arrived at the Capitol early to go through the extensive security screening, which was in addition to the rigorous background check he had to complete weeks before the event.

He noted that everyone in attendance had to leave their smartphone and smartwatches with security before they could enter the building. All devices were returned as people left the Capitol.

Attendees had to be in their seats by 8:15 p.m., with the address scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

Upon walking into the House Chamber, Wondolowski described feeling a change in the environment.

“It was pretty tense,” he said. “You could cut the tension with a knife. I could feel the volatility in the gallery.”

At 9:26 p.m., President Joe Biden began his speech. When it came to building trades issues, Wondolowski said the President did a good job discussing his record and accomplishments over the past three years.

“It’s difficult for any President to get their legislation passed, but Biden was able to get a lot of pro-building trades legislation passed with Republican support,” Wondolowski. “He touted that.”

As Biden’s speech continued, Wondolowski admitted it felt a bit surreal to be in the House Chamber instead of watching the State of the Union on television. He took in the whole experience, realizing that for most people, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m., the President concluded what Wondolowski characterized as a quintessential State of the Union Address.

Reflecting on the experience, he was struck by the tension he felt and stressed a need for those who attend future State of the Union addresses to be respectful.

“As an American, regardless of who the President is, all in attendance should show a certain level of decorum and not act out,” Wondolowski said.

Upon returning home from Washington, D.C., Wondolowski said he was attacked online by some Democrats for attending the event as the guest of a Republican Congressman.

However, he welcomes the scrutiny.

“They can keep it coming,” he said. “I do not work for the Democratic Party; I work every day to represent the men and women of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council.”