Political Action in Suffolk County – 3/15/18

We need to keep winning elections

We’re all aware that public education, labor and in particular public employees unions are facing serious threats to their very existence.   What has empowered our enemies is that we lost too many elections in the early part of this decade.  But starting about a year ago we began to see a change — last May we won a special election with Christine Pellegrino, this fall we demonstrated the clout we could bring to the polls with the overwhelming Con-Con win.  Around the country we’re seeing progressive candidates doing better than we have seen in years.
 
If we’re going to defend labor’s rights, we must keep up the momentum.  That means winning more elections.
 
Our next chance is another special election on Long Island on April 24. NYSUT has endorsed former County Legislator Steve Stern for Assembly.  Win this, put another friend in office.
 
We’re not going to ask you to do a lot.  Everybody’s got a lot on their plate.  But with a just a little help we can win an election and continue to turn the tide.  We need only one day (see below), an hour or two from you and a few of your members.
 
As part of this campaign we’re going to be asking local leaders to contact members who live in AD 10, NYSUT will do some mailings, but we also need volunteers to make some calls and do some texting.  Below are the days and times for phones, let us know when you and your local can help either at the regional office, your office, or whatever works.  Please RSVP ASAP
 
Phone banking at regional office:
 
Monday          April 9             3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 10          Retirees starting at 10:30, everyone else 3:30 to 6
Wednesday   April 11          3:30 to 8 (dinner will be provided)
Thursday       April 12          3:30 to 6
 
Monday          April 16          3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 17          Retirees starting at 10:30, everyone else 3:30 to 6
Wednesday   April 18          3:30 to 6
Thursday       April 19          3:30 to 6
 
Monday          April 23          3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 14          Retirees starting at 10:30 to 5

The nation — once again — is mourning the senseless deaths of children due to another school shooting, the latest one claiming the lives of 17 students Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Many of our members are responsible gun owners. Some belong to the NRA. Voices across the political spectrum are coming together to say enough is enough.

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

NYSUT is joining its national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association — in supporting the Network for Public Education’s day of action on Friday, April 20.

In the wake of the Parkland tragedy, many local communities across New York State — and the nation — are planning candlelight vigils, rallies and school walk-ins for April 20 to send a strong message to state and federal lawmakers that their failure to act is inexcusable.

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

According to the Network for Public Education, more than 150,000 students attending K-12 schools have experienced a shooting on campus since the massacre at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.

It is past time our lawmakers address this national epidemic of school shootings.

In solidarity,
Andrew Pallotta
NYSUT President

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

On November 2, 2017, a few hundred retirees attended the Retiree Conference at the Watermill in Smithtown. After Continental Breakfast, NYSUT Vice President Paul Pecorale,VOTE/COPE coordinator June Smith and Regional Political Organizer Jeff Friedman spoke about the campaign against the Constitutional Convention and the operation of the phone banks. Suffolk Regional Office Director Peter Verdun gave an update on current issues facing NYSUT, including the Constitutional Convention and the agency fee court case, “Janus”, before the Supreme Court. The breakout sessions included a comprehensive presentation on long term care and other elder law issues, a discussion of proposed plans to expand Medicare, a presentation on the experiences of a Japanese-American in a World War II internment camp and an opportunity to make phone calls supporting a no vote on proposition 1 – the Constitutional Convention.  After lunch, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli discussed issues related to our pension benefit. In all, the day was informative, the speakers inspiring and the food was great. Thanks are due to Joan Perrini for all the hard work to make the event possible.

Peter Verdon addressing retirees.

Seven executive board members of the R-UTN attended the Retiree Council 23 Fall Luncheon on October 19 at Lombardi’s on the Bay in Patchogue. Attending were colleagues from the RC23 member chapters — Commack, Elwood, Harborfields, Hauppauge, Huntington, Kings Park, Northport, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Sachem, Smithtown and Three Village.  VOTE/COPE Chair June Smith gave an update on NYSUT’S phone campaign to defeat the Constitutional Convention proposition. Retiree services Consultant Joan Perrini highlighted the upcoming Regional Retiree Conference on November 2^nd.

RC 23 President Ellen Burke urged members to continue phone calls and to attend the “Pizza and Post Card” party at the NYSUT office.  ED 52 Director Rosemary Catanzariti emphasized the need to donate to VOTE/COPE and the possible financial impact of the current Agency Fee Supreme Court case.

Peter Verdon & Ed

Guest speaker Peter Verdun stressed the importance of getting the vote out on November 7^th. He also had a surprise in store for the Northport contingent when he related that he was a Northport graduate, and his guidance counselor, Ed Nostrand, was at the Northport table.

After a great meal and informative speeches, we held raffle of gifts donated by each chapter.  The lucky winners were Barbara Schubart, Kathy Hynes, Mary Kay, Rita Root, Judy Bensimon, Carol Crowley, Carolyn Bogart, Elaine Gish, Fran Martin, Joyce Duck and Ana (no last name) from Commack.