July 22, 2011
Unfortunately, none of the other candidates for Local President showed up to debate or answer membership questions; even though all have verbally committed to do so. The good news is, several members did come out and ask me questions on, what I would do if elected Local President. I was also able to share with those members, throughout the day, visual evidence disproving the alleged "facts" made by Mr. Hardrick. I imagine, Mr. Hardrick will continue to provide members with unsubstantiated slanderous statements as his strategy, what members may want to do is ask to explain how, he intends to run the Local if elected President instead.
Mr. Hardrick went out and told several members, that the debate was cancelled because it was a violation of the Department of Labor's (DOL) rules. There was no violation of any DOL rule(s) and his statement to the members were, once again, just his own short sighted assumption of the truth and not based on fact. Many members have told me, how they view his actions as "shameful in a union election". I imagine Mr. Hardrick will, continue to spread unsubstantiated statements about me, which appears to be his only strategy.
What I ask you to do is have him explain how, he intends to run Local 565 if elected President.
Specifically how does he plan to work midnight shift and administer the business of the Local Union office, attend Executive Board, Membership, and Shop Steward meetings, testify and present in member hearings and investigations, etc. Also, does he intend to be physically present at all the aforementioned meetings, during his term, or is he planning to just "phone it in" via Skype.
Mr. Stewart choose not to attend, his excuse was that someone might video tape what he was saying and he was not going to be a part of that. Even though, he was reassured by myself, there would be no video taping based on his opposition. The moderators of the meetings also told him there would be "NO Video Taping allowed". He took the high road and was a no show!
Mr. Talty, decided to work instead of attending and explaining his position on anything if elected the Local President. The choice to remain mute in this election seems to be Mr. Talty's strategy. If elected Local President, I hope Mr. Talty does not take the same stance with management and allow them to dictate policy to him.
Are these excuses acceptable from the people asking you to vote for them, as your,
Local Union President?
I want to personally thank all the members who took the time out of their day to come out and ask questions or just listen in on the answers. Overall, I think the day was a success and the time spent t together was informative.
