First I would like to thank all of the Executive Board Members (20) who voted for me to be your local president. I will not let you down. For the nine that voted for the other two candidates that was your right and I also would like to thank you for coming to the Executive Board Meeting and voting. Our Local constitution provisions works. Twenty-nine of thirty-two Executive Board Members were present representing the vast majority of our local.
We have received the names of twelve members interested in the position of vice president. My main consideration is union experience & knowledge and someone who can effectively work with Secretary Treasurer Mike Stinson and me.
In accordance with our Local Constitution an appointment will be made at the January 7, 2006 Executive Board Meeting.
Two of our standing committees – Budget and Constitution will have more elected official input than the previous committee. The reason is elected officers are involved with the expenditures of the local and work under the provisions of the Local Constitution.
Secretary Treasurer Mike Stinson will chair the budget committee. It is critical to have our chief financial officer involved with the budget.
Since I assume the position of local president we have paid our back dues to the state. We were using the expertise of state union officials but not paying our dues. The Southwest Coastal Executive Board approved a motion to pay our full state due.
We have processed our taxes – both were delayed this year.
The Department of Labor has five years worth of financial records. They have not informed us of any problems. This investigation began as a result of the campaign issues during the 2005 Southwest Coastal Area Local Union Elections.
Secretary Treasurer Mike Stinson was returned to full time status. His work days are Tuesday through Saturday and he will work a later shift. This will enable the local to provide full time union official more hours in the day and week. In addition Secretary Treasurer Mike Stinson will become our main trainer and we will offer steward training regularly on Saturday. Additional week day or evening training will be scheduled.
Per the recommendation of the Southwest Coastal Executive Board the local vice president and secretary treasurer will be full time. Our members also sent a clear message they want this as well.
My main goals will be representing our members, assisting stewards and officers. As during my previous term as local president I had a very active role in the grievance procedure. In addition, I will try my best to unite our local.
I would like to thank each one of you and the stewards in your area. The stewards and officers are the backbone of our local and union.
