The Union Democratic Caucus is the competent, progressive, and visionary choice for the March 2004 elections.  I am privileged and humbled to have been asked to head this team.

 

President Norm Swenson stated in a letter to the membership that “great leadership must be based on a solid work ethic, extensive leadership experience, superior communication skills, commitment to Union solidarity, and loyalty toward fellow members.”  This description of great leadership is embodied in the members of The Union Democratic Caucus whose credentials have been detailed for you in the enclosure.

 

These credentials and experience speak to the capabilities of the Union Democratic Caucus.  They also stand as testimony to the fact that the Union Democratic Caucus has evolved from the rank and file and has been there for you through critical situations and under normal circumstances.

 

In 1999 I was selected to complete the term of Judge Watkins for Vice President of the City Colleges Division by Norm Swenson because of my experience and record as a Chapter Chair.  You supported his choice by electing me to the position and reelecting me in 2002. Your confidence in me was not misplaced.  I have served Local 1600 with integrity, loyalty, accessibility, and hard work.

 

However, many concerned and involved members have urged me to head the Union Democratic Caucus.  I have chosen to undertake this challenge because our union needs new ideas and new strategies. We need to build on the past, not live in it.  Four other current officers from Local 1600 share these beliefs and have chosen to be a part of the Union Democratic Caucus because in their words:

 

• Marie Caronti, Legislative Chair “Officers are not included in any decisions nor are they consulted.”

 

• Gail Wiot, Vice-President, Suburban Classified Division “As a newly-elected officer, I was disappointed that the elected officers do not meet regularly to discuss union matters together. Leadership should encompass ALL the elected officers and their concerns.”

 

• Richard Fritz, Treasurer “I ran with Norman Swenson in the last election because he promised to revise the constitution, to hold officers’ meetings, follow modern financial procedures to protect the union's money, and to encourage and develop a new generation of union leaders. These commitments were not kept. Our slate will keep its commitments and adopt sound financial procedures.”

 

• Stu Sikora, Vice-President, Suburban Faculty “I pulled out of the Swenson/Buckley ticket so I could fulfill my campaign promises for change, training and activism. Currently my hands are tied. We will break from these past practices and encourage activism.”

 

The Union Democratic Caucus believes in fairness and cohesiveness and is committed to honesty, and accountability. We believe in a well-run Union that works for all the members.  A Union that promotes leadership, development and provides services and information as a right to the total membership and not as favors to a few.

 

The Union Democratic Caucus will continue to vigilantly follow labor legislation and keep its hand on the pulse of City, State and National government to ensure that what we have gained is preserved. We will aggressively take action to bring a mature professional presence to the negotiating table to move our Union forward.

 

Under my leadership we will bring our union into the 21^st century and address the needs of new and continuing members.

 

Vote for Unity, Democracy, and Change

 

Vote for the Union Democratic Caucus in the March 2004 election.

 

 

In Solidarity,

 

 

 

Judith Daylie Armstead, Vice-President, CCC Division