A JOB WELL DONE — PEF's political action team gather in Albany for a reception after spending months on the campaign trail for SEIU. They are Grace LaMacchia, Meg Daniels, Natalie Williams, Eileen Spence, Emma Reynolds, Dennis Anderson and Pat Lavin.
— Photo by Deborah A. Miles
Activists gear-up for the next ‘big one’
Members gain insight, solidarity on campaign trail
By DEBORAH A. MILES
PEF’s political action “heroes” all agreed it was “an opportunity of a lifetime.”
They were referring to the months in 2004 on the campaign trail for the Service Employees International Union, knocking on doors in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire and talking about national issues with potential voters.
The majority of the union-endorsed candidates were victorious with many first-timers getting the vote. But the election results left supporters of John Kerry stunned, as George Bush won a second term by a 2 percent margin.
At a reception in Albany in November, PEF President Roger Benson honored each hero with a plaque and “relaxation gift basket.”
The recipients were Dennis Anderson, Mary (Meg) Daniels, Grace LaMacchia, Pat Lavin, Emma Reynolds, Eileen Spence and Natalie Williams. Norman Parrish, Neil Tallon and Lynne Tillotson were unable to attend.
“These individuals spent significant time away from their families,” Benson said. “And some spent six months to a year in advance arranging leave credits and their lives to do this.
“Emma, our youngest hero and daughter of PEF Trustee Robert Reynolds is a recent cum laude political science graduate. She explained the election outcome as an ‘enormous disconnect’ between how people voted and what they actually felt,” Benson said.
He said an example of this disconnect theory is people casting their ballots for someone who engineered the most massive use of tax cuts to line the pockets of the wealthiest while ignoring the economic interest of the working class.
“We learned there was no rational connection between how people think and how they vote,” Benson said.
Staying positive
Lavin, PEF Division 265 council leader, said, “I am profoundly touched by my experience as an SEIU hero. I am amazed at the dedication of all the people and the power of a unified effort.
“While I am devastated by the election results, I remain committed to doing whatever it takes to bring health care, a living wage, quality education, affordable housing, and quality, defined retirement benefits to working people in the United States,” she said.
Kudos to SEIU
Lavin and the other heroes also thanked PEF leaders for sponsoring their participation in the campaign program.
The program conducted by SEIU taught thousands of activists how to run local political campaigns aimed at defeating the Bush administration in its bid for a second term.
“The leadership and vision of the SEIU training was magnificent,” Lavin said
PEF’s heroes said their training provided a grassroots approach that guided them in meeting potential voters face-to face, and getting them to listen to the issues.
“The training was inspirational. We wanted to change the world,” said McDaniels, a retiree. “We learned, and the next time, we will win.”
The
Communicator May 2005
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