Heavy Laborers supporting Tsahiridis

By Mindy Honey BDN Staff Writer mhoney@bransondailynews.com Branson businessman and professor Peter Tsahiridis said he is running for the State Representative 62nd District seat for many reasons. "I have been working with union and non-union workers, developers, businessmen and women and bankers in order to promote economic growth in the community and provide jobs in the area," Tsahiridis said. "My company, Delta Group L.L.C., worked with the local union 663 in order to put laborers to work at Murder Rock at Branson Creek, effectively producing around 300 jobs." Tsahiridis, a Democrat, teaches American History at Ozarks Technical Community College in Branson, serves as vice-president of Delta Group L.L.C., and is the owner of Euro Cafe and Creamery L.L.C. He is also the founder of Missouri Citizens for Higher Education. "We plan on bringing a permanent two-year community college to the area in order to provide lower tuition costs for traditional and non-traditional students," Tsahiridis said. "I believe in collective bargaining for teachers. I believe in producing low-income housing in order to combat poverty in the area. I believe in the reduction of personal property taxes. I believe in smart legislation that allows tax advantages for companies that are environmentally safe." Tsahiridis said he also believes in prevailing wages for workers. That belief is just one of the reasons why Heavy Laborers Union Local 663 has chosen to endorse Tsahiridis in the upcoming election. "He is right on with all the issues that are important to us including health care, prevailing wage and keeping Missouri a non-right to work state," said Derick Barnes, the business agent for local 663. "His overall efforts to bring jobs to Branson is what we are all about. He has been very instrumental in keeping jobs local." Barnes said they view Tsahiridis as an all around great American. "He is just a heck of a guy in our eyes," he said. Tsahiridis is no stranger to the Tri-Lakes Area. He has been married to his wife Kristine, for the past four years and has a 20-month-old son. "My father and mother are Dimitri and Christina Tsahiridis," he said. "We have lived in the Branson area since 1976." His family used to own Dimitris Restaurant on Lake Taneycomo. He will be vying for the seat currently held by Dennis Wood. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com