AUTO WORKERS Union's TV show aims to inform voters on issues

In this area, it will be on WUAB Channel 43 at 8:30 a.m. beginning Sunday.
LORDSTOWN -- United Auto Workers is launching a new television show that it says will discuss issues facing Ohio's working families.
Lloyd Mahaffey, UAW regional director, came to the Lordstown union hall of UAW Local 1112 Thursday to show the first episode of "Reality Check -- America Works" to members and area politicians.
He said the show has a political side but insisted the intent is to inform voters, not tell them how to vote.
In introducing Mahaffey, however, Jim Graham, Local 1112 president, said he hopes the show will persuade people to vote for John Kerry, who will be the Democratic nominee for president.
The UAW in Ohio is paying television stations throughout the state to air the half-hour show. In this region, it will be on WUAB Channel 43 at 8:30 a.m. beginning Sunday. The union is planning a 13-week run initially.
First guest
The first show features Mahaffey and talk show host Jerry Springer talking about the need to vote for candidates who listen to working families. They are interviewed by Marcia Silverman, a former television journalist in Toledo.
Springer, a former Cincinnati mayor, said he is considering running for governor of Ohio.
Mahaffey said issues to be addressed in other shows will include the rising cost of health care and college tuition and how foreign trade deals affect family farms and small communities.
He encouraged UAW members to ask for copies of the television series and show it to any community groups with which they are involved. Other unions also can show it to their members, he said.