Look...the LEC works for everyone in blocks 2, 5, and 7. You get to vote for the block rep in each block. That's the system.

I just find it ironic that a guy would spend 3/4 of his intro letter boasting about his long association with the NC and Mike Arcamuzi, the current block 2 rep. Both gentlemen have a long record of doing a lot of great work for the union. IMHO...they also have a recent history of lip service to national on the age 60 issue and a horrible job on this LOA.

Want someone who plays nice with others? Cory was a P2P guy for a while. He's probably your man. Want somebody who who will point out this guy is boasting about being on a team that ushered an embarrassing substandard deal? Then pick me. Your choice. I just spent the last 4 hours teaching my youngest daughter to ride a horse around the ring. Not getting elected won't be the end of me--I'll be quite happy spending my free time pursuing my own hobbies and interests. But I'm not going to sit here and listen to guys complain about how the union failed us on these issues, then suggest we vote in someone because of their "union experience".

And by the way--I'm sure Mike Williams and the Anton gentlemen are fine pilots and great guys. The performance of the NC on the LOA, however, is an embarrassment. I'm not sure I want the guys who defended that POS calling the shots. We got 8 volunteers out of 4700 with their great deal...and a company now acting ulilaterally around the union to sweeten the pot. Is THAT what you want down the road?

Excellent!
 

Excellent post Albie! I'd vote for you twice if I could!

And along those lines...I voted for Vic. He's an outsider but has a big heart and some good ideas. I haven't "endorsed" him for fear some folks who don't like me will punish him in the frag pattern. However, I think he is the right guy for Block 2. However, if you vote Vic and Cory in or Me and Mike, or any combination (Tony is the constant as he is unopposed) I will work my darndest for everyone. However--love me or hate me--the job of a block rep is to represent the interests of his block, not the interests of the other MEC reps. Just because Vic has my vote doesn't mean we won't have some urinary jousts on some issues, but I am confident whoever wins the race will keep the big picture on the major issues ahead.

Thanks Albie your post was useful in helping me decide how to vote. Allowing people to vote outside their block has got to be one of the sleaziest ways to dilute true seniority representation. Now I understand the 11-1 vote.

Another lecture from a Captain who has listened to himself talk for so long and have people pretend to pay attention to him that he really thinks he does know it all.

Excellent response Albie. Go get em.

Couldn't disagree more with your point AA. If that guy is bragging on his record and the LOA is part of his record, then others should call him on it. Nobody elects these guys to sweet talk each other. A little critique here and there from others in the know keeps everyone honest. Get 'em Albie, and when you get there -- keep it up!!!

If the guy would not be a good candidate, I am glad Albie pointed it out! Now people can ask around a do a little research to find out about him. Thanks Albie.

Rock on Albie!:cool:

I just find it ironic that a guy would spend 3/4 of his intro letter boasting about his long association with the NC and Mike Arcamuzi, the current block 2 rep. Both gentlemen have a long record of doing a lot of great work for the union. IMHO...they also have a recent history of lip service to national on the age 60 issue and a horrible job on this LOA.]

I don't disagree with any of this. I'm not in any of the these blocks and am not voting. I agree with most of your comments, and even though I don't know your opposition, I'd vote for you if I was eligible. I just don't think it's good form to bash another candidate (who is not running against you). Let his competitor do that, or someone else. There's a reason Tony has all but disappeared from this board. As for your rah, rah , go get 'em sycophants, all I can say is WOW, I'm hurt!

Again...I think our LEC design has some outstanding qualities. Having a system with a cross section of members SHOULD make for a well rounded organziation with a wide cross section of inputs. That design can work to everyone's benefit. With a strong cabral of block reps at either end of the spectrum, however, it can, as LAG pointed out, dilute the effect of a particular seniority block. (joke disclaimer here...) I'd like to help dilute the senior block, thank you very much...

But in all seriousness, the fact is if you are in block 7, Tony Cutler in block 5 and Vic, Mike, or (first name?) Anton will ALL have a direct effect on you. You notice I have never have been too critical of the current block 7 rep...if you go to the web you'll see why...I've gotten zero letters/emails from him. While I'm sure he's available if you call for info he doesn't PUSH info out individually for block 7. Instead, the LEC 22 letters are signed by all 3 guys... So--from my perspective, Arco and Tony have 2/3 of the pull on issues affecting my block, good or bad. Hence--I'm pestered poor Tony probably a LOT more than he deserves on some issues--especially the LOA vote earlier this year. (Also--let's remember he had a whopping one day in office before it got presented to the membership...)

So--in my mind--Arco's positions and record, Tony's positions and record, and the previous positions of anyone seeking blocks 2, 5, or 7 are all fair game. It ain't a personal attack--look--these guys AT LEAST stepped up and have tried to do what they thought was best. I just happen to vehemently disagree on a few points on HOW to get the best deal for everyone down the road. I also will point out I honestly do think ALL of those guys DO want a solid package for our expat pilots. How we get them that, however, is where the urinary jousting takes place.

Now--another point. Worst case for me is I am the ONLY new blood on the MEC and eveyone else is an incumbent or party line successor. So what? In a fighter debrief, if mistakes are made--they are (generally) addressed honestly and with the emphasis on lessons learned for future battles. Saying the MEC "missed its sort" or "hit the wrong DMPI" is needed to fix things before Contract 2010. A bad mission doesn't mean we rip a guys wings off--it means we go back and fix things. Sometimes, however, a new IP or flightlead in the mix can improve everyone's performance. That is what I am after. I don't want to burn down the house. I don't want to embarrass anyone or make this a vendetta. This is about fixing a few things and getting back on track.