Vacation periods are currently at their peak. With that, I hope everyone has or will have the chance to kick back, enjoy the weather and relax with family and friends of choice. YOU EARNED IT!

Nine years ago I had the honor and privilege to serve Local 387 UWUA after being elected Vice President. This role came subsequent to serving the Local in a number of other positions as Steward, Chief-Steward, Election Committee Chair and as Safety Committee Rep. I can honestly tell you I could not be more grateful for the career course that quickly followed.

Negotiations with BECo for the 2000 Contract became the first challenge as the NSTAR world started to emerge. That May there were some grueling days spent by both Local 387 and Local 369 with marathon sessions taking place at the Sheraton-Tara up to and including “Mothers Day”. From there things for both Locals shifted to third gear as “merger talks” between the various Locals representing BECO, Comm. Electric and Comm. Gas came to the fore front. As acting President for Local 387, I had the opportunity to participate and witness six Local Presidents leave their egos outside and workout a merger into one Local while the focus remained “what is best for the members”. Since January, 2001 we have been one Local. Nobody will deny that there have been “growing-pains” along our way, but the true focus for the purpose of survival is growth. Since the merge I have served as the Business Agent for District 3,OT&P, along with the honor to represent our members through several contract negotiations with various companies, numerous arbitrations, endless grievances, and a couple of disciplines.

This September elections for Local 369 Officers will occur. By choice I will not be seeking re-election to my current position. I would like to thank my fellow officers past and present for their endless support, encouragement, their loyalty and friendship. You can’t do this on your own!! To the Local’s office administrators, who you can’t do without, I love you! To my union brothers and sisters, thank you for the opportunity and the experience.