May, 2005

Brothers and Sisters,

On May 25, 2005, the elected delegates of Local 1171 met in special convention with over 400 Union firefighters throughout California to make preparations to fight the anti-Union, anti-working families administration and special interests of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The elected representatives of over 30,000 California firefighters unanimously voted to fund the coming battles to save our retirement and our rights to participate on a level political playing field. No one disagreed that our political future, and our ability to maintain a fair and decent wage and benefits was at stake. Therefore a per capita increase of eight dollars per person, per month, for one year was established.

As IAFF President Emeritus Al Whitehead has told us time and again, “money is the mother’s milk of politics”. Even (especially) Arnold, the rich celebrity Governor, understands this as he has been traveling throughout the United States raising millions of dollars to use against us in these future battles for our political freedom and our economic benefit. The net cost to you, as a Union member fighting to keep what we have fought so hard to get, will be about $3.70 per pay period or the price of a fancy cup of coffee every two weeks.

But this news about Arnold and his merciless minions isn’t all bad. His blatant anti-worker, pro-corporatocracy actions have united all public employee unions as never before. PORAC, the CTA, AFT, CNA and IAFF to name only the police officers, teachers, nurses and firefighters have joined together to rise up and fight the lying, corporate puppet known as Arnold Schwarzenegger. The teachers have assessed themselves an ongoing amount of $30.00 per capita to defeat him and his special interest ballot initiatives.

But money is only the first step in defeating Arnold and his special interests. We will need to take action and hit the streets hard during the next two election cycles. The first will be the special election in 2005, and then the 2006 election. I know I can count on you all to inform your family and friends and to put your feet on the street when called upon to spread the word and tell our story to the voters.

Although, like you, I would rather not have to take my time to take this action, I know that if we do not respond to these attacks we will be defeated and suffer loss. We must make a commitment now to fight for our rights and fight for our future.

No Retreat! No Surrender!

Fraternally,
gary

December, 2004

Brothers and Sisters,

As 2004 rolls to a close we look forward to 2005 with a very familiar looking Executive Board and Board of Trustees. The Local welcomes a new EBoard Member-at-Large in Brother Delgado who continues his dedicated service to the Union, this time as an elected official. Brother Milton has been a mainstay in the life of the Union for many years and we are very fortunate indeed to have him as a Trustee for at least the next two years...until retirement maybe? But for however long we have them, I really look forward to working with Nick and Brendon, and I know they will serve the members well.

Congrats also (and many thanks) to Brothers Gaffney, Miller, White and Maciel who have put in many hours of work ensuring that the Union provides the high quality services our members have come to expect. Their continued labor as elected officers guarantees that the Local will benefit from their hard work and valuable insights into the future.

No one runs for and holds elected office without realizing that they have taken on a commitment to do their best on behalf of our membership. This was certainly true of Brothers Sorensen and Costere. I know all of us thank them for their diligence, integrity and commitment. Brother Costere was a fantastic resource as a Trustee, who helped guide us through some difficult issues and reach positive outcomes. Brother Sorensen was an extremely reliable and valuable member of the EBoard who served with distinction, especially as a member of the Negotiations Team. He put many, many hours in at the negotiating table and in researching the issues for the longest and most arduous negotiations in the history of Local 1171. On behalf of everyone, especially myself, thank you for helping to make the Local better.

Brother Soto made a good showing in his first run for Union office. Thanks Jerome and we look forward to seeing your name on another ballot in the future.

All of the ballot measures except one passed and that will allow us to update and improve our Constitution and Bylaws as well as to fortify our PAC. The binding arbitration assessment measure was defeated by seven votes out of over 80 cast, so apparently the membership feels strongly both ways and is evenly divided over this issue. This idea of ensuring participation in political action that benefits all the members is still in need of investigation. Perhaps what was defeated was the specific proposal re how to ensure participation. Then again, perhaps what was defeated was the idea that there should be any kind of mechanism or process to ensure participation. I don't think the answer to that is clear, and we will be discussing this issue together until we get a firm understanding of how we want to proceed. I look forward to the dialogue. Thanks to Brothers Dennis McDowell, Mike Herscovitch and Bob McDowell for taking the time to care enough about this issue to truly get involved. Their actions are all about what makes our democratic organization a success.

Thanks to Brother Ray who decided to re-commit for two more years. As a principle officer he is responsible for more than a few important things, one of which is to remind me about the things I tend to forget. This he manages to do almost always without mentioning my advanced years. A born diplomat! Which is one of the reasons he continues to be so outstandingly effective as a political activist for our Local as well as a conscientious and very organized Secretary. Fact is, working with JRay makes my job a lot easier. And for this I am most appreciative.

Finally, thanks to all of you for making our Union so great. Your thoughts, insights and efforts are second to no other Union that I know. It is a privilege and an honor for me to be able to continue my association with you all. May all blessings abound to you and your family this holiday season, and may it be your happiest and most fulfilling ever.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!
gary

January, 2004

Brothers and Sisters,

It is with both gratitude and a sense of humility that I assume the Presidency of Local 1171 for the next two years. I am honored that you would elect me to the office of President.

It has been my privilege to work with outgoing President Dave Rose for the last eight years, six of which he has served as President. The next time you see him, please tell him, “Thanks”. Over the last ten years he has given a great deal of his time in service to the members of Local 1171. Dave is one of the smartest guys I know, and one of the most experienced Executive Board officers around. We will miss his presence, and all that he brings to us as an elected member of the Executive Board.

Fortunately, Dave has accepted an appointment as the Executive Vice President for Political Affairs. His commitment is to be deeply involved in the political action of Local 1171. We will work together closely to ensure that all candidates and elected officials understand that firefighters are America’s frontline soldiers, not only in the City of Santa Clara, but at the County, State and National level as well.

Thanks also to all the current Executive Board members, and those who have recently been elected to office. No one person could do it all alone. I will be dependent upon the advice, knowledge and wisdom of the Executive Board as well as all the members of Local 1171, to achieve the goal of realizing our full potential as a labor organization and as a community service provider.

I believe that our Union should be run like a business that is based on sound management practices but founded on the principles of a democracy. Our Union provides important services to all Union members, as well as to the citizens of the City of Santa Clara. To this end, I pledge to work hard not only to preserve and improve our wages, hours and working conditions, but to ensure our credibility and stature as the most professional, and community service oriented labor organization in the City.

When I took office as Secretary in 1998, Dave and I agreed upon the fundamental ethical principle that we would “always take the high road.” This has been our commitment to always deal openly, honestly and fairly with everyone, with no hidden agendas. There would be no deals made without first seeking the direction of the Local. The interests of the members of Local 1171 always come first. This principle has served us well, and it will stay in place for the duration of my Presidency.

Anyone who is elected to Union office accepts a sacred trust. It is implicit in the oath of office. As officers serving the Local, we must tirelessly advocate for the good of the membership and work cooperatively for positive outcomes. We should always hold our ground for what is right. Officers should always be respectful and courteous, and practice the “high road” ethics of honesty, consistency, reliability, responsiveness, availability, and be open to change, correction and positive criticism.

As I stated earlier, no one can be successful alone as a Union officer. To accomplish our goals, and reap the greatest benefits, we must work together. I think that all members of our Local realize this. Therefore, we need everyone to participate when called upon. I hope to work with each of you during the next two years.

And finally to quote our General President, Harold Schaitburger, “This Union is every Firefighter’s Union.” I look forward to serving and working for you, because you are the best! And I mean that.

Thanks,

gary

09/14/06