Presidential Guest Speaker – President Brynien addresses members of PEF’s Hispanic Committee prior to PEF’s annual convention held in Lake Placid in mid-October. Photo by Richard Dillard

Successful election effort good prep for ’07 budget, contract

By KENNETH BRYNIEN
I would like to thank all of our members and retirees who participated in our many campaign activities for PEF-endorsed candidates.

This election represents PEF’s first step in formally integrating our mobilization efforts with our political action program. Scores of PEF members were involved in campaigns across the state, working to elect candidates who understand and believe in the importance of the state’s public workforce.

This year’s election saw nearly 200 of PEF’s endorsed candidates win election November 7th, with 11 of our 12 priority candidates for the state Legislature winning. Additionally, our grassroots efforts in races for the U.S. House of Representatives led to three surprise victories, helping to put in place a Congress that will be more worker- and labor-friendly.

Our efforts on behalf of candidates who support our issues increases our ability to positively influence budgets and legislation that will affect our members over the next two years. It has continued our progress building on the foundation of member mobilization, putting membership muscle behind our political action program.

Our ability to mobilize for the election not only helped us help our friends in the Legislature, but showed we can effectively organize our membership to take action on an issue.

PEF’s efforts to organize scores of members in campaign activities was a dress rehearsal for next year’s challenges as we prepare for the issues in the state budget and contract negotiations. The projected budget deficit and commitments by the governor-elect will place tremendous pressure on next year’s budget, and we must work to ensure the needs of our members are addressed and do not fall by the wayside.

As this year draws to a close and we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities we will face in the new year, we can all take comfort in the knowledge that our own members are our best advocates. With your effort and involvement, we increase the chances of success in any challenge we face.

On behalf of myself and all of PEF’s officers and staff, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Communicator Dec.06/Jan.07

Features
PEF activists help candidates win
Go Public: Facts vs. myths
DOT  hires more engineers...
Changes needed at OMH

Departments
President's Message
You Said It
Member Mobilization
Legislative Action
Point-Counterpoint
Retirees In Action
Getting To Know PEF
Member Highlights
Membership Benefits &Travel

Union Matters
Union scholarships here
PEF Trustees Report to the...
2007 Calendar
Notice to agency fee payers
2006 PEF Audit
2 E. Board vacancies filled
Bernard Fineson members...
PEF pr earns national awards

Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
Member Communicator Feedback
Prefer The Online Edition?
How To Advertise with PEF
The Communicator Staff

Questions on this site?
Email the Webmaster

Clarification: A photo caption in the November issue of The Communicator should have said PEF Vice President Pat Baker and Regional Coordinators Dee Dodson, Vernetta Chesimard and Jemma Marie-Hanson coordinated the PEF Sept. 11 memorial service in New York City.