My Vision for Leadership

My vision for leadership is anchored in transparency, collaboration, and accountability. I believe in honest communication and inclusive decision-making that values every member’s voice. Open dialogue and clear reporting are essential, so all members are always informed. By restoring our union website and creating representative committees for Bus, Mechanical, Rail, and Clerical, I aim to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and heard. Union leadership goes beyond contract negotiations; it’s about building community, preserving dignity, and driving progress together. This commitment shapes my actions at every meeting, negotiation, and initiative.

Solidarity thrives when everyone participates. The standards we expect from members must be equally upheld by union leaders. When members are called upon to attend and engage, it is vital that leadership sets the example. Officers who neglect their duties or fail to show up during crucial moments undermine our principles of accountability. That is not my approach. I am present every day—physically, mentally, emotionally, and strategically. To inspire commitment from our membership, we must first embody it as leaders. Respect is rooted in responsibility, and true responsibility means consistently showing up—not just during elections, but all year round.

I understand that each union dollar reflects the hard work of our members, and I am committed to safeguarding those resources. I will not squander dues on unnecessary perks or personal ventures. Instead, I promise full transparency and rigorous accountability. Every dollar will be directed toward protecting jobs, improving working conditions, and securing a strong future for our union. Union funds are a trust, and I will honor that trust. With me as President, our finances will always empower members—not diminish them.

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Commitment to Accountability and Representation

To strengthen our union’s leadership and ensure proper representation, I will appoint a member to fill the nine-year vacancy on the NFTA Board of Commissioners. Additionally, I will reestablish the By-Laws Committee, which has remained dormant for over a year. These issues have been raised at recent board meetings, but it is time for decisive action.

Transparency in Financial Practices

Transparency is vital for the trust between leadership and membership. The CAR log serves as an essential tool for maintaining financial accountability, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and aligning with our collective priorities. By making the CAR log accessible to all members, we reinforce our commitment to responsible stewardship of union funds and strengthen the trust between our organization and its membership.

Accountability in Expenditures

Expenditures that fall outside standard practices must be discussed openly with both the Executive Board and the Membership. This ensures that every financial decision aligns with the values and priorities of our union.

Restoring Regular Newsletters

The last union newsletter was published on December 11, 2024, marking the beginning of a three-year decline in communication. This lapse is not a collective oversight but a direct result of ineffective leadership. Relying on personal social media accounts for updates does not provide genuine transparency, especially when many members lack equal access. I am committed to reestablishing monthly newsletters, ensuring that every member stays informed about the important developments within our union.

Professional Communication Platform

I will implement communication via text messaging using a professional platform so that all members are included. Currently, more than two hundred members are not receiving communications because they have not been selected to participate—this is unacceptable, and I will ensure full inclusion moving forward. I will demand at every membership meeting professional engagement from both Executive Board and general membership by bringing issues to a vote like our By-Laws state. Rules need to be respected and followed.

Ensuring Democratic Process and Accountability

To foster a culture of professionalism and shared responsibility, I will require that the Executive Board and general membership actively participate in every membership meeting. Key issues, such as the status of our By-Laws, will be brought forward for open discussion and put to a vote by the members. It is imperative that our rules are respected and consistently followed, reinforcing the integrity of our union’s decision-making process.

Financial Transparency and Reporting

When it comes to expenditures, especially those outside standard practices—two fundamental questions must always be addressed: the cost involved and the relevance to ATU Local 1342. Every time a member attends a convention, caucus, or any meeting representing ATU Local 1342, I will ensure that a detailed report is prepared and formally presented to both the Executive Board and the general membership. This commitment safeguards our union’s resources and guarantees that every financial decision and activity is fully accounted for.

Leadership Development and Training

If elected as your President, I will prioritize expanding training opportunities for our leadership team. This enhanced training will encompass crucial areas such as arbitration, grievance procedures, and contract negotiations. By investing in these professional development initiatives, we will strengthen our leadership’s ability to advocate effectively for our members and uphold the principles of our union.

Political Accountability through COPE Expansion

To further strengthen our collective influence, I will expand our Committee on Political Education (COPE) initiatives. By holding accountable the politicians responsible for deciding our budgets, we will ensure that the voices and interests of our members are represented and respected at every level of decision-making.