I am a proud member of the APWU Leadership team and I hope everyone do the right thing and VOTE for the team as a whole. I have worked with each of these individuals and I can truly say that they have the membership's best interest and this is not the time to make a change. We know what these officers can do for our Union and members and the right thing is to keep these officers. What about you? Are you going to do the right thing?
It is with honor and pleasure that I accept the Assistant Director ‘A’ Position, as unopposed. I want to assure you that I do not take this honor and blessing for granted. As I have pledged in the past, I will strive to continue to do no less than my best in performing the duties of my elected position. I am proud to say that I am a member of the Leadership Team and I support the entire slate.
I have worked at the Headquarters Level as Assistant Director since 2001. Since that time I’ve gotten to know the work ethics of my fellow Clerk Craft Officers: James McCarthy, Mike Morris, and Rob Strunk. Based on my years experience working with these officers, I would say
that they possess the attributes necessary for the representation of our Craft and Union. They have worked unceasingly for the betterment of our organization and craft. I know that when elected as Director, Rob Strunk will not only carry on the hard work of Jim McCarthy, he will
also bring to the table his humane attitude and deep understanding of Clerk Craft issues.
I support Rob Strunk for Clerk Craft Director, and as a sincere friend, a tireless and inspiring leader. He has always been in the top rank of those who have guided our Union at the Local and National Level. Rob served the Clerk Craft as an Assistant Director and without any doubt he served you ably, honestly, and capably. These along with seniority are the attributes that he will bring along with him as our Clerk Craft Director. Rob has more than an outstanding ability; he has a sense of compassion. The two together give him his distinction. They explain his sense of kinship with our Craft and with him. Make the right choice and vote for Rob Strunk, Clerk Craft Director.
This election’s large number of Unopposed Resident Officers such as: Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Powell, Secretary-treasurer; Mike Morris, Industrial Relations Director; Myke Reid, Legislative Director; Steve Albanese, Assistant Legislative Director; Joyce B. Robinson, Research & Education Director; Susan Carney, Human Relations Director; Judy Beard, Retirees’ Director; Bill Manley, Support Services Division Director; Regional Coordinators: Sharyn Stone, John Dirzius, Mike Gallagher, and Omar Gonzalez; myself, Lyle kreuth and Lamont Brooks as Assistant Directors Clerk Division; Steve Raymer, Director Maintenance Division, Gary Kloepfer and Greg See, Assistant Directors Maintenance Division; and Idowu Balogun, National Representative-At-Large is a reflection of the quality of leadership you have had over the past years. I have interacted with each of the above cited officers, as well as, with Cliff Guffey, Greg Bell, Bill Kaczor, Robert Pritchard, Michael Foster and Rob Strunk, and I have firsthand knowledge of what they have done for our Union and membership. I know when re-elected they, too, will continue the quality leadership as in the past.
Sisters and Brothers, we are facing issues today we have never dreamed of facing. In the midst of these struggles our union is struggling to maintain jobs, better wages, working conditions and benefits for our members. This is not the time to risk losing good leadership. This is not the time to sacrifice the wealth of knowledge, skills and experience we have in the officers. We need leaders who are aware of our needs, our strengths, and of course our weaknesses. We need leaders such as the Leadership Team that has demonstrated time after time what they can do; how they will do it, and who they are doing it for. We must start with Cliff Guffey as President and Greg Bell as Vice President. While it is going to be sad and a great loss to have President Burrus retire, we will have Cliff, who has worked by President Burrus side as Vice President. We also have Greg Bell who has served this membership well as Industrial Relations Director for many many years. They both worked at the National Negotiating table along with President Burrus, negotiating our Collective Bargaining Agreement. What more can we ask for at a pressing time as this with the upcoming National Negotiations. When elected as President Cliff will be at the forefront addressing the issues of our membership. Behind every successful President there should be a strong Vice President, Greg Bell is the one. I have personally worked with Greg as a National Business Agent from 1995-2001, and as Assistant Director from 2001 to present. I have the utmost respect for Greg and have always known him to carry himself in a professional, dignified and honorable manner. I have learned a lot from Greg and I have enjoyed working with, and at times, for him. Knowledge and Experience is what we need. Do the right thing and Vote for Cliff Guffey, President and Greg Bell, Vice President.
I would be remiss not to mention the other Leadership Team that when elected and/or reelected such as William ‘Bill’ Kaczor; Martha Shunn; Princella Vogel; Robert ‘Bob’ Pritchard; and Michael ‘Mike’ Foster, who at all times have championed the interests of the union and its members, need your vote. These individuals have dedicated an enormous amount of years for the cause of our Union. They have been the leaders that we looked up to and depended on. They need you to do the right thing.
William Kaczor - I remember Bill from when I first came into the Post Office and he was working in the capacity of Assistant Director of the Health Plan. My entire postal career I associated the name Kaczor with the Health Plan. He has always been there for the membership and the Health Plan. Kaczor has held our Health Plan together through good and bad times. Bill Kaczor is my choice for Health Plan Director, what about you? Let’s keep our Health Plan in place with the most qualified and dedicated Officer who is not afraid of challenges, vote Bill Kaczor for Health Plan Director.
Martha Shunn-King - Martha has served our membership at the Local and State level for many years. She has been actively involved in organizing at the local and state level and she knows what it takes to be an Organizer. Martha will serve our Union well in these days of downsizing and loss of membership. Martha is known for her faithful service and experience. She can fill the office as no one else can. Do the right thing and vote Martha Shunn-King for Organization Director.
Princella Vogel - is also a person I’ve known since the early part of my postal career. She has been my role model and the role model of many. Princella has never been afraid to stand up to the plate, to speak her mind, and to do what is needed. She has been responsible for one of the largest locals, and her profound knowledge and experience, sincerity and integrity have won for her widespread recognition and respect from APWU members and officers throughout the country. Princella is a leader of extraordinary vitality and great administrative ability. She is certain to be a source of strength to her Region as Regional Coordinator in the solution of its problems. Do the right thing and vote Princella Vogel for Regional Coordinator.
Robert Pritchard- I have been honored to work with Bob and Mike. They have demonstrated in more ways than one that we are not only responsible for our individual crafts, but for the membership as a whole. I have witnessed Bob and Mike in action strategizing and planning in advance their next move to take against management. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to work with Bob and Mike during our meetings, and planning sessions. I have observed the hard work that Bob and Mike have done in putting together training material and presentations for their workshops. I say to you as a Clerk Craft Officer, do the right thing for your Craft. Re-elect Bob Pritchard as Director Motor Vehicle Craft. Don’t put your craft at risk by making the wrong decision, Vote Robert Pritchard Director.
Michael Foster - has been the right hand Assistant Director for Bob Prichard and the Motor Vehicle Division. He has exhibited the energy, enthusiasm, resourcefulness and the skill needed of a leader. Mike has spent endless hours on the telephone addressing craft issues. I have observed the long hours and constant energy he has spent representing the Motor Vehicle Craft. It is an honor and delight working with Mike and Bob. Mike’s unselfish devotion to his craft and our Union has won for him the love and affection of the membership and officers of our union. Mike has earned the privilege of leading his craft based on his hard and unselfish and dedicated service. Mike has the rare quality of being able to unite all who work with him into a cohesive unit. This is the kind of leadership we need. I believe this because he has taken the time to know personally and closely all with whom he has been associated. His humane philosophy, his capacity for understanding, and his tireless efforts on behalf of his craft are the qualities which endear him to all. I know you will do the right thing at a time when we have so much to lose. I can personally say that working with Bob and Michael along with the Maintenance and Clerk Officers, we have been able to make a difference in working as a team. Do the right thing, Vote Michael Foster Assistant Director Motor Vehicle Division.
