Local 308 Officer Candidates (Official)

It's official. These will be our choices for the various officers in Local 308. Unfortunately, the Delegates are not posted. Hopefully, it will happen before the election (I will update this blog if it happens). 

Due to the utterly stupid, undemocratic "meeting attendance credit" requirement, many more qualified and experienced members will never be on the ballot. 

To say the least, I am very disappointed—especially that my position will go to an appointed steward who is extremely unpopular and a straight-up sellout. However, I also knew it would be this way because that is the nature of a business union.

I humbly implore all members to attend membership meeting in order to obtain credits need to run. Thankfully, if I win president, that will be very easy to do for those who attend virtually.  

I am recommending an ABSTENTION on every position except the following (do not give a vote):

Equipment Maintenance (Shop): Michael Garcia
He is bold warrior who took hits to defy the worst Rail Maintenance mismanager at the worst Rail Maintenance Shop in the system and defeated him in arbitration and in court. He is new at the CTA and in a union, but his HEART for justice is rare to find among any elected person. He is the complete opposite of the disgraceful, pro-CTA mismanagement unopposed candidate who will be replacing me. He deserves a chance be our servant and warrior. I trust him. I believe in him. I am inspired by him like no other.

Janitor: Edward Thirston and Tanya Harper 
Brother Edward is dedicated to helping janitors enforce the Contract. Without a doubt. He's a thinker and moves like a chessmaster. Although I believe that Brother Edward has to build up his confidence and take more initiative, he is humble and a listener. Working hard is not an issue for him. Sister Tanya gives a damn about her coworkers, has not uttered any anti-strike, business union bullsht like I hear from the others. Give her a chance.

Rail North Asst (Flagmen, Towermen, Switchmen, Motormen): John Brockway
I bear witness that Brother John is not a business unionist in the least. He was a CSA and Janitor. He always refers back to his CSA days to remember how much they suffer. He preaches direct-democracy for the members, has led efforts to make virtual membership meetings, help members fight the mismanagers and is unafraid to associate with militants like me. In him I see our next president, vice president, or future secretary-treasurer. 

Rail O'Hare Asst (Flagmen, Towermen, Switchmen, Motormen): Claudia DeLeon
Sister Claudia is a class act. But she has the love for organization like a veteran schoolteacher. She scrutinizes the Contract, helps anyone and has created the best union bulletin board in the system. She clearly understands that communication and sharing of information is critical to maintaining a union. She has agreed to consider working her magic system-wide after we are sworn in. I will admit that I was flattered that she kept my fliers posted at O'Hare Terminal. 

Rail North (Flagmen, Towermen, Switchmen, Motormen): Greg Scott 
Brother Greg and I go back to when I was a motorman at Howard Terminal. But most importantly, he is a new steward who is curious and wants to learn. He is also humble. I have never heard him tear up the members or attack them like the other candidate. She also exhibits pro-CTA mismangement tendencies in our secret board meetings. I don't trust her at all. Give Brother Greg a chance. 

Second VP: Thomas Morgan
I get mostly good reports about Brother Thomas. However, I have received some disappointing ones and disagree with his motions to not arbitrate cases. That doesn't overshadow the complaints and pro-CTA, business unionist loyalty exhibited by the other candidate. We have had our public spats. But that's actually healthy for a union. I think if he is more humble towards the members, he will be very successful. Surprisingly, he never went along with Mark n Pennie's false charges against me. Another thing I like about him is that he is NOT endorsed by the "Top Officers." Yes, I am intending on helping members eliminate the Second VP position. However, neither one of the current First VP candidates are worthy of holding the position and will meet the consequences of their actions after I am sworn in. 

President (Member's Agent): Basir
Ain't nothing to say but give me a chance to help you liberate Local 308 from CTA control. I believe I can do it and you will be satisfied. I will be working for you and seeking your approval. No one elses. 

As you can see, Brother John Brockway is the only one with a blog besides myself. If you are candidate who would like to promote your run or rant and rave about this article, feel free to do so in the Comments section below (I found this posted on a bulletin board at Midway Shop on October 19th). I will also update your name with a link if you have a blog or other website.