E. Board deals with political endorsements, professional conduct at August meeting 

At its quarterly meeting August 12 and 13, 2004, in Albany, the PEF Executive Board reviewed recommendations and endorsed many candidates for political office in the November elections.
Board members also adopted a policy on professional conduct and established a Professional Conduct Committee to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct.

The board approved the appointment of five members to the committee. They are Susan Kent, Karen Pellegrino, Ron Vero, Adam Sumlin and Eric Lindemann. 

Board members heard an appeal of the Ethics Committee’s ruling in the matter of Fuentes vs. Sweet. After hearing presentations by both the appellant, Evelyn Fuentes, and the defendant, Priscilla Sweet, the board voted to overturn the committee’s decision to dismiss the charges.
The board voted to adopt the proposed PEF agendas of state and federal legislation for the 2005 sessions. The agendas were referred to the PEF Convention for a final review. The board also approved sending a proposed amendment to the PEF Constitution and Bylaws to the 2004 convention delegates for consideration. The amendment would make division stewards automatic delegates to PEF conventions.

The board approved extension of the current collective-bargaining agreement with Oswego County.

PEF President Roger Benson reported on the passage of the 2004-05 state budget and the continuing struggle to keep three state correctional facilities open. He also spoke about the PS&T contract, political campaigning, changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the problems presented by contracting out and shadow agencies, and mandatory overtime issues for nurses. 

And the president reported on parole issues related to the Public Employment Relations Board.
PEF Secretary-Treasurer Jane Hallum reported on the PEF budget and finances, and the board approved her proposals for amending the budget. She also announced that PEF is now offering direct deposit of expense reimbursements to members and staff.

Jay Gallagher was sworn in as a new board member representing members at the state Office of Mental Health.

The board observed a moment of silence in recognition of the death of Robert Stonehill.
— Linda Rubin and Sherry Halbrook

The Communicator May 2005
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