Thank you for the vote of confidence and for entrusting me to serve as Coordinator for another term. But there is no time to bask in the elation of re-election. It is time to get to work and fight mismanagement and our biggest enemy -- apathy.
I have served this Union for 36 years, the last nine as a member of the National Executive Board. I chose to be a part of the Leadership Team, not just because of the reality of politics, but because of the individuals that make up this team. Anyone can have a slate but to have a team behind you makes a world of difference.
So, my brothers and sisters, I ask for your support for your Leadership Team. As you may know, some of us on "the Team" have been on the opposite sides of our politics but that does not detract from what is most important -- what is in our hearts. I ask for your support and votes for:
CLIFF GUFFEY- who strives to remain one of us! He is not an elitist but by his very nature he is also a stand-up true unionist. He is not into corporate labor organizations. Clifford is intelligent and wise. Of course he has his own ideas and vision for our great Union. And as Coordinator I will serve at his direction. But I trust him! I trust that he has your best interests at heart. Cliff is going to establish himself as chair of the NEB and also involve the National Council in the decision-making process which builds unity of purpose. He is going to have his hands full at a time when the crooked finger of fate is pointing at us. Cliff cares about you, the member. I say YOU because whether you are a local or state officer, a steward or a rank-and-file dues payer, YOU ARE THE UNION! And YOU can't go elect a better UNION president than Cliff Guffey!
GREG BELL - a friend of postal workers. Greg is tenacious and determined. In the 22 years plus I have known Greg, he has never once stopped being for the dues paying members. To me the most admirable trait of my brother is that he has not forgotten what it is to be a front-line soldier at the local level. Local leaders are being bombarded by stupid management ploys and need an advocate for the locals. Greg is that advocate! Some say Greg is hard-headed -- I say we need to have determination and resolve, and have a hard hat to ensure we sustain the blows of postal mismanagent -- then strike back! For the second in command, there is no equal to Greg!
MARTHA SHUNN-KING - a bit mild-mannered, some would say. But, if you really know Martha she is a stealth fighter! I've known of her for many years and got to know her a few years back. She is no dummy, but always a lady. Organizing in today's postal service must go beyond rhetoric and table pounding. Organizing has to be strategically planned and executed. Sure there must be passion and Martha has the desire to get the job done. But Martha also has the intelligence to set forth the blueprint of progressive organizing both in the trenches of the postal workfloor and the fields of outside organizing. We move forward with Martha as our director.
PRINCELLA VOGEL - what a lady! Princella and I go way back. We have served as Presidents of two of the largest locals. What we have in common is that as Presidents we are but the stewards of our membership -- which is why we can also relate to medium and smaller-sized locals. All locals have battles! Sister Vogel has proven leadership. She is a survivor! You have to be thick-skinned and a determined fighter to kick back when management thinks they have you down. Princella's jarring resolve and energetic spirit will enhearten the locals within the Southern Region. As a coordinator burdened with no constitutional job description, yet responsible for all that occurs within the region, I know that my sister will rise up to the challenge because when it comes right to it -- Princella has what it takes to deal with the Area elites that run today's postal service.
WILLIAM "BILL" KACZOR - is 100% APWU Health Plan. Billl works at building out plan day and night! In order to be a good builder one must know how to plan, layout, secure the resources and have oversight with foresight to ensure the structure being built rises and endures. Bill has all the skils of a master builder. He has proven leadership in his field. The plan has grown. As a member of the Plan Directors, I know the kind of work Bill puts into the health plan. He is relentless in his pursuit of more postal worker plan members. I know because he has not given up on me -- and we cannot afford to give up on Bill!
ROB STRUNK - Rob and I have had our hills and valleys. Our politics has not always been on the same page, but it definitely has been in the same book. Strunk has not let medical setbacks take away his desire to serve the membership and his craft. Rob is smart. He knows his craft and the description of clerical assignments in today's postal service. Rob also has vision which is enhanced by his many years of experience and service. I look forward on not only being on the same page with Rob, but on the same line -- the frontline!
ROBERT "BOB" PRITCHARD - what a unionist! I have served on the NEB with Bob for nine years. His activity on the Board is a reflection of his sincerity and genuine desire to serve the membership and his vote has always demonstrated that. I have also served on special committees with Bob. I can attest that his number-one priority has always been the members of the MVS. When we serve on the NEB we not only serve to promote the interests of our Region or Craft, but the entire APWU. Bob has the wisdom, skills and abilities to balance the interests of the MVS with those of our entire beloved Union. Bob has staunch union principles! I lament that he is being branded as a deserter of his craft for that seemingly anti-MVS MOU. But, the opposite is true! If anyone can administer a confounded covenant, it is Bob. Don't sacrifice experience and devotion for untested, unsound, token pledges.
MICHAEL "MIKE" FOSTER - my man! I met Mike when he served as Chair for the previous Detroit Convention. He is a master strategist and a 100% unionist dedicated to his craft. Mike doesn't take anything from management. Even in the face of the employer's plots and plans to undermine transportatioin services, Mike is as determined as ever to ensure the viability of the postal workers who truly move the mail. His wit and wisdom serve the craft well. He talks from his heart and means what he says. I have had the pleasure to be both at the podium and assembly when Mike speaks. He has always instilled in me a pride for the MVS Craft that helps me do my job as Coordinator. Whenever Mike, Bob, and the MVS NBA's have called upon me, or I upon them, we have worked as a team to deal with management's BS! So, if you don't want to step in it, ensure Mike stays on the steering wheel, especially in the bumpy postal roads we travel these days.
The elected Leaders of Our Team!
Let me also say a few words about the rest of our Leadership Team, beginning with my fellow Coordinators:
Sharyn Stone- what a lady! Sister Stone rocks! (no pun intended). Her insight and determined leadership have allowed her to serve unopposed for yet another term. She knows her stuff and cares about each and every member of the Central Region. Her experience as local president allows her to understand the plight and dynamics of today's local leaders. Rock on Sister Stone!
Mike Gallagher- a unique leader! Mike has been able to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Jim Burke. Mike knows his business and he knows what it takes to service the membership of the Eastern Region. His experience as an NBA helps us all bridge the reality of distinct service with one common purpose. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve with Mike -- enough said.
John Dirzius- new to the Coordinator's union, but not to service to our Union. John's long tenure as local president and his disarming demeanor helps him deal with the issues facing the Northeast. I have known John for many years. Being from different coasts caused us to have slightly different outlooks. Now as fellow coordinators and board members, we've bridged that divide!
Liz Powell - all I can say is she is Godsend! This lady is APWU! She is an activist for progress and a no-nonsense unionist. Liz gets things done and often by shear willpower. With her watching our purse strings, we will overcome our adversities. Go Liz!
Mike Morris - OMG (not my initials), what an asset to our team. Mike will enhance the DIR. As Assistant Clerk Director Mike was the go-to person. As instructor he has no equal! As a human being he's a reflection of his creator. I look forward to good things!
Myke Reid- I was concerned Myke would retire. But being 100% APWU, Myke is going to be working for us on the hill. Anyone who has ever worked with Myke knows the man is worth his weight in gold. We are blessed to have his service!
Steve Albanese - I have known Steve since he was labeled a hooligan. Steve still has that rebel in him but for a good cause. As an FMLA instructor there is no equal. We're going to need this dynamic duo more than ever. Steve is ready, willing and able!
Joyce Robinson - our powerful union sister! Joyce often carries a big stick but anyone who knows Joyce knows she has an even bigger heart. We served as local presidents and a part of the NPC as it was developing. Joyce has never lost her union spirit!
Sue Carney - I actually didn't think Sue thought much of me, but I learned she is just an earnest individual with a strong personality. But Sue knows her stuff and she is a staunch advocate for the ill, injured, and our veterans. Sue is for us all -- even me!
Judy Beard - she may be the hardest working retiree of our lifetime. A relentless unionist with such soft temperament that can explode into a frenzy of activity all for the betterment of our great union. If ever I retire I hope she is still the Director -- can't wait!
Pat Williams - my fellow local sister! I love Pat, pure and simiple. Qualified to lead the craft but having the fortitude to know when to step back for the good of the Union, this lady is also a Godsend. Pat's continued service will only get better -- bank on it!
Lyle Krueth - dang I wish I had a Lyle in my region. Things will only improve in the clerk craft. Congratulations galore!
Lamont Brooks - not only will Lamont bring great work ethics and super knowledge to the clerk craft, but style, too! Congrats!
Steve Raymer- We often go head-to-head but as they say, two heads are better than one! Maintenance is blessed. Steve knows his stuff!
Gary Kloepfer- He can easily be director but his ethics permits him to serve his craft as assistant. But what quality service it is!
Greg See - a non-intrusive representative who likes being associated with the members. But, he should know he can't help but stand out!
Idowu Balogun - my local union brother. Our Union, indeed America, is better off for having him a part of us. I love the man!
Bill Manley - when it comes to taking care of the support services, no one, and I mean no one, cares like Bill does! What a guy!