One very important point you guys are skirting around is that ALPA WILL elect a new president this October. What could be done or what should be done is certainly the responsibility of each member to discuss and key to making positive change in our union, but still, October = new president.

Having watched 20+ years worth of national elections, I appreciate a candidate who announces his candidacy early in the election cycle to be vetted and understands issues important to each MEC. My preference is to have time to vet a candidate and provide input to my council officers.

In contrast I've seen candidates hide in the shadows, garner back room deals and count votes, then announce their intent to serve at zero hour during the BOD meeting. Pay attention this year, you'll see it happen. It's sickening and it's the epitome of closed door politics and takes the membership completely out of the equation.

I'll be the first to admit that ALPA is not perfect, I have my own hit list of things I think should be changed but I realize it's impossible to change them by October. As an organization, ALPA moves untenably slow but throughout our history we do good work. So this October we'll be electing another figurehead to lead an organization that moves to slow. Fact. I'm not marginalizing the job of ALPA president, it's vitally important and as much as we malign each incumbent, they do (have the potential) to do good work.

Regarding Jay Heppner's candidacy, look at his track record and vet his background, it's solid.