Why Chapter Chairs Support the UDC

“I believe our Local will be best served by Judith and her slate because she has hands-on experience at the negotiating table, is familiar with the day-today operations of the local, and has developed a strong relation with IFT leaders as Vice-President.  Her additional involvement in the community gives her access to several key legislators in Springfield.  The slate of officers she has assembled brings a wide range of experience and furthermore, is already a cohesive team who will fight for all of us.”

Maggie Hahn Wade, Triton College Faculty Chapter Chair

“I am supporting the Union Democratic Caucus because I believe the slate of Candidates will give our Local 1600 energetic, experienced and excellent leadership.  They will develop a relationship and offer resources to the faculty and support staff at all Chicago and Suburban chapters.  They will not print false statements. What they will do is inform us about their exciting ideas, show respect for the support staff members, and most importantly build for a great future!”

Berdyne Kuiken – South Suburban College Support Staff

“I am supporting the UDC caucus for a number of reasons.  When I first started attending the Executive and House meetings, everything was “Chicago City Colleges” and what was happening with them.  The classified staff has been the “stepchild” for too long.  As a unit, we are over 1,000 members strong.  Finally, last spring there was a Union leadership training that included issues for classified staff.  This came about only because Judith fought for us and has promised to continue to do so.”

Alice Barnhart, Oakton College Classified Chapter Chair

“Judith has demonstrated and proven her dedication to the ideals of our Union through the years of service as Vice-President.  I support her desire to lead us effectively, efficiently and with goals that embrace the concerns of all the membership. Judith has demonstrated through many years of committed service that she has knowledge, respect and the following of our membership to lead our Union.”

John Harris, Olive-Harvey College Chapter Chair

“Local 1600 has to look beyond the obvious goal of a strong contract if it is going to meet the needs of its members.  It must look to expand its numbers and work with other unions and organizations to meet the new challenges of privatization and administrative attacks. It needs to mobilize members from the grassroots up. I am running on the United Democratic Caucus slate because, under the leadership of Judith Armstead, we will address those needs and become a stronger union.”

Anthony Johnston, Truman College Chapter Chair

“I am supporting the Union Democratic Caucus because they have more experience collectively in unionism.  This is a critical time for unions and therefore we need individuals at the helm who have acquired critical skills needed for negotiations, representation and leadership.”

Jeanette Williams, Kennedy-King College Chapter Chair

“I believe the following individuals will be able to give a VOICE to our legitimate issues that will strengthen the institutions in which we work and will promote democracy.”

Alta Williams, Malcolm X College Chapter Chair

“At a time when Local 1600 needs new leadership, Judith’s strength of character, knowledge, experience and openness to the ideas of others will help to make our union stronger and more dynamic.  We are fortunate to have candidates as qualified as Judith and her entire ticket.”

Randy Southard, Moraine Valley College Faculty Chapter Chair

“We need a united Local and one that addresses the needs of all its members.  I believe Judith can provide the leadership to accomplish this.”

Linda Oltmann, Morton College Classified Chapter Chair

"I am supporting the UDC slate and Judith Armstead for President of Local 1600 because she represents the grass roots Union democracy ideals I feel we have needed for a long time. Her team is experienced and connected deeply to the members of their Chapters.  Judith is open, efficient, politically astute and consensus driven."

Mike Ruggeri, Harold Washington College Chapter Chair

“I have decided to endorse Judith and her slate of candidates because of their "Vision" for the future of our union!   These candidates are all truly committed to recruiting and training new leaders in order to keep our union strong.”

Rose Sakanis, Moraine Valley College Support Staff Association, Chapter Chair