Elections – Does our microcosm reflect something larger? The national presidential election was almost 50-50, our gubernatorial election was 50-50, and in our local elections, the two top presidential candidates tied, and there was a dead tie on E-board between Mike and Tyrone. One thing is certain, votes count, and there is no better system than choosing your own leaders. We thank those candidates who ran and didn’t win. It takes courage and strength to put oneself through peer discussion and rejection. Everyone who offered their services helped us. Without these candidates, we would be deprived of choice. Please thank them for stepping up to the plate on your behalf. Whether you voted for them is immaterial.

Operator 4-10s – 1/3 of the Operators voted on this survey (one assumes that 2/3s were willing to go with the flow, no matter which way it went). 2/3s of those voting, voted to keep the pilot project moving. The next step is for the President to select a negotiation team to negotiate the pilot changes required, and then the Operators to vote on these changes. Because the President does set tone and direction, we will await the election outcome to move forward on this project.

New Pierce Transit CEO – I am on the Selection Committee with the Board of Commissioners, interviewing final candidates. Having our Union President on the Selection Committee is a strong statement by the Board to the Candidate, and our Members, that they value working together. Rest assured we will not be getting an anti-Union CEO.

One of the more difficult parts of my job has been working for you, but not knowing you. It’s awkward to walk up and begin small talk. Fortunately, the Problems you encounter are not as shy. I do know them, and take consolation in knowing that by reducing them, I’m helping you. I’m sorry there are so many of you that I don’t know.

We all appreciate the holidays off between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and wish you a warm, comfortable holiday season to compliment them.

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“Season’s Greetings”

Isaac O. Tate
Vice President/A.B.A.
V.president@atu758.org

This is probably the most hectic time of the year for everyone. Even though there may seem to be lots of things that need to be done, do what you can. Individual’s mannerisms range from joviality to downright rudeness. Take it all in stride as best you can, as we ourselves are not exempt from these feelings or mannerisms. Be safe in all you do, January 2, 2005 is just around the corner

Happy Holidays!

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Election Committee Chair and Recording Secretary
Sonya Ogden

Twas the night before elections, I was doing my run and thankful that everything was set and ready to go for the next day election on Nov. 18th. I received a phone call from E-Board Officer Joe Digiulio who was responsible for setting up the tent for the voting to take place in (I waited for my next break to listen to message, do not answer your cell phone or talk on it while driving a company vehicle). He has advised me that there is a storm moving in that night and there was no way that the tent would hold. He was looking for a decision as to what I wanted done. I called him back for his advice. He had already taken it upon himself to call Retiree George May, to see if we could use his motor home for Election Day. George was not at home, so a message was left that we needed his motor home at 4 a.m. the next morning and to call if it was available. As a back up, Joe had also made arrangements thru Pierce Transit to use a low floor bus if motor home was not available. I had to finish my run that night and wait till the next morning at 4 a.m. to see what was available. Retiree George May did bring his motor home that morning and Joe was there at 4 a.m. to meet him and to help set up. George was there from 4am to almost midnight that night, about a half an hour longer than I was. I am so grateful to Joe and George for coming together and working as a Union member should. I am also thankful to the retirees who came in on their own time to work: Walt Waisath, Tom Knust and Lynne Proctor. The Election Committee members who came into work: Wanda Cornwell, Deborah Brown and again Lynne Proctor. I want to thank Marcia Linville, who is also on Election committee and was in our thoughts and hope she gets better soon. At 7 p.m. that evening the voting was closed and counting has begun. It was a long process, it took us almost 4 hours. E-Board Officer Ginny Stevens stopped by to check up on us and was generous with her own time to come in and help with the counting. That whole day and night reminded me what a Union is supposed to be. We all came together and acted like one, in Solidarity. I do hope that after the coming runoff elections, we all come together and support all incoming Officers. We as members need to support the Officers that were voted in that day and the Officers that will be voted in on the upcoming runoff election.

The following is the counting results of that evening.
President B.A.: Peter Altmann 216, Joe Digiulio 110 and Isaac Tate 211.
Vice President A.B.A.: Lane Chase 315 and Jose Villahermosa 213.
Financial Secretary/Treasurer: Don McKnight 295, Cathie Parker 129 and Barbara Strong-Nelson 102.
Recording Secretary: Sonya Ogden won (no official count).
Transit Operator Position I: Lamarr Bond 230, Willie Ragin 57 and James Rainey 34.
Transit Operator Position II: Mike Delano and Tyrone Ross tied with 156.
Transit Operator Position III: Larry Marks 93, Kathy Schaefer 105 and Trina Skirko 117.
Mechanic Position II: John Hoheusle 69.
Administrative Services: Virginia Stevens 21.
Service Supervisor: Joan O’Brien 48.
Longview Rep: Mike Cochran 7.

Due to the by-laws a candidate must receive 51% a majority, to win their position. If one candidate in a race with 3 or more candidates does not get at least 51% of the vote, then a runoff election must be held in December. The offices of President B.A., candidates Peter Altmann and Isaac Tate and Transit Operator Position III, candidates Kathy Schaefer and Trina Skirko will hold a runoff election due to one candidate not receiving 51% of the vote. The office of Transit Operator Position II, candidates between Mike Delano and Tyrone Ross was a tie, therefore another vote will be held for that position. All members are eligible to vote in the runoff election. It does not matter if you did or did not vote in November’s election. Please come vote.

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THANK YOU’S
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. The turn out to vote was tremendous and very encouraging. It was especially nice to see so many new faces step forward and become involved. The membership is now looking at the runoffs of three positions that will decide the final make up of the E-Board. The choice of whom you want to lead this Union is up to you. I committed to the membership during my campaign to try to bring unity to the E-Board, no matter who is the final winner. I have already spoken with Jose Villahermosa and express my thanks for a good campaign, and his dedication and interest in the Union. It is my hope and desire that he will continue to be involved and step forward for any position that may occur. Someone of his passion and drive is truly an asset to the Union. I want to thank John Hoheusle for filling the vacant Maintenance position and I look forward to working with him. I encourage you to talk with the finalists in the remaining races for open positions, and make the best informed vote that you can. I have been trying to make personal contact with as many as I can, and visit the many areas of work where our members can be found.

Fraternally,
Lane Chase

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I want to thank each and every one of you who voted for me and your loyal support on this recent election. I also want to wish all of you and your loved one's a rich blessing for this holiday season.

Lamarr Bond
Executive Board Officer

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I’d like to thank all of the members that voted for me for your support. Nothing is quite as humbling as being selected by your peers. For that I’m very grateful. To the rest of you, you’ve shown me that I’ve got a lot of work to do. My hope is that by this time, three years from now you’ll feel differently. Only time will tell.

I’d like to personally thank Cathie Parker and Joe Digiulio for their continued support and representation of the Maintenance Facility members. I’m very concerned and sensitive to the fact that this group is under represented. I would support Cathie and Joe’s continued representation in some form if they choose.

In Solidarity,
Don McKnight

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Runoff Election Notice

    DAY: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2004
    TIME: 7:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.
    PLACE: 627 14TH AVE, LONGVIEW, WA
        (Longshoremen's Hall)

    AND

    DAY: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2004
    TIME: 5 A.M. TO 7 P.M.
    PLACE: PIERCE TRANSIT, 3701 96TH ST,
    LAKEWOOD, WA (on the bus lot)

Any challenge to the runoff election must be received into the Union office within 30 days of December 16, 2004. All challenges must be in writing to the Election Chair, Sonya Ogden and submitted to the Union office by 2 p.m.

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