Retirees In Action

Our PEF Retiree Chapters continue to grow and become more effective because of the strong leadership we are fortunate to have in all regions. Jim Carr, president of PEF Retiree Chapter 2, stands out.

Jim believes in our union. As a former PEF regional coordinator and political action committee chair, council leader, division health and safety committee chair and steward he has demonstrated his dedication to good government that works for the common good.

In the three years since state retirement, Jim has energized his retiree area, initiating regularly scheduled chapter meetings, greatly increasing membership involvement and establishing an effective communication system. Jim has recruited a strong team of officers: 1st VP Ted Specchio, 2nd VP Paul Titus, Treasurer George Hooper and Secretary Douglas Turner. This team is the capable unit that will keep our members mobilized in the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes area.

Jim is a well respected member of the PEF Retiree Executive Board and he chairs the Health Care Committee.

His great passion is health care reform. Jim understands a basic responsibility of a democratic government is providing measures of security such as health care to its citizens. He understands our health care system is basically flawed and is a monumental drag on the fiscal stability of our country. It upsets him that 47 million Americans are uninsured and another 57 million struggle to pay medical bills.

Mahatma Gandhi stated, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That is Jim’s mantra. He asks, what good is it, if you are frustrated or angry with something, but do not work for a change.

To that end, Jim has extended his work beyond PEF and is active within the Chemung/Schuyler Area Labor Federation. He chairs the retiree groups and works with them in protecting our benefits and rights and promoting senior respect and dignity in that area.

Jim also has made a significant contribution to our political action efforts in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes area. In 2008, he worked tirelessly for the PEF-endorsed candidate in the 29th Congressional District, Eric Massa, who had lost the race in that district in 2006. In 2008, Massa won.

The PEF Retirees has a great team in Chapter 2. We invite all our members in Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties to unite with Jim, Ted, Paul, George and Douglas as they work to preserve and enhance our senior and union rights and benefits.