Where the unions can take a real political stand

IF MASSACHUSETTS union officials cannot agree on which gubernatorial candidate to support (''State labor unions fault records of Reilly, Patrick," City & Region, Feb. 13), it makes 2006 a good year to take a political approach favored by most union members.

Opinion research commissioned by the national AFL-CIO shows that, when it comes to politics, the majority of members want information -- not orders -- from their unions. They want to know about the key issues, not partisan agendas.

If neither of the major Democratic candidates measures up (and the likely Republican probably won't either), then instead of endorsements, our unions can provide timely and well-researched data about where the candidates stand on the issues most important to working people.

Union resources could be put to better use by registering and turning out more voters and getting union members better organized to hold whoever is elected more accountable.

Instead of letting politics divide us, this approach would help unite more members regardless of their political affiliation.

RAND WILSON, Somerville