The Oregon public employe., June 01, 2002, Page 3, Image 3

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Leadership Column
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—-------------------- by Kathie Best
SEIU Local 503, OPEU President
Speak with One Voice
Dear Fellow Members,
For those who are on the downside of advan­
tage, the fight sometimes seems too large, the
sacrifices too great and the victories just not
They have the ability to create, change and
move legislation that can either enhance
Oregon and the quality of life her residents
Union members and union households have the
numbers effectively to influence the outcome of our
General Election in November. Don’t be complacent.
measurable enough. It has been our experi­
ence at SEIU Local 503, OPEU that even
with the knowledge that all these things can
be true, it is ALWAYS worth the struggle,
whether the victories are large or small.
enjoy, or they can pass legislation that under­
mines the values of Oregon residents, as well
as the values of our members and working
people throughout the state.
The difference we can make is to VOTE IN
Whether we’re fighting to increase the mini­
mum wage, to improve healthcare delivery
and access in this state or to retain the ser­
vices we provide, We’re fighting to protect the
interests of all Oregonians, many of whom
cannot speak for themselves.
Our Union has many individual members who
are good activists and leaders, as well as staff,
dedicated to the advancement of working
peoples’ issues. But it’s our collective ;
strength, our collective voice and our collec­
tive VOTE that can make the difference we
REALLY need in our lives.
The legislators and elected leaders at the local
government level who are chosen by Oregon
voters can have immeasurable influence on
our lives. We cannot underestimate or take
their power for granted because our future
and that of our children’s often depends on it.
Oregon, is just one step toward turning our
vision into action. Our Union has also recom­
mended many candidates at the federal, state
and local government levels. In addition to
the statewide candidates, there are sure to be
several in each of our communities needing
our support. Protecting our right to be in­
volved in politics and to influence the political
process by using our collective voice, contri­
butions and strength is imperative. But, at
least one measure on the November ballot
could affect even this basic right. Advocating
on behalf of the services we provide and the
clients we serve is not only important; it’s
good for Oregon.
There is so much we can do to promote and
ensure our success in elections, in moving
pro-worker legislation and in bargaining.
The legislators and elected leaders at the local
government level who are chosen by Oregon voters can
have immeasurable influence on our lives.
NOVEMBER. Union members and union
households have the numbers effectively to
influence the outcome of our General Elec­
tion in November. Don’t be complacent. As
we’ve seen in past elections, every vote
DOES count and we need to vote collectively
to secure our future.
DON’T BE FOOLED into thinking that
voting isn’t necessary or important, that it
doesn’t make a difference or that someone
else will do it.
Electing pro-worker, pro-healthcare candi­
dates such as Ted Kulongoski, the SEIU-
recommended candidate for Governor of
In Strength and Unity,
Our success begins by speaking with ONE
voice in November.
THE OREGON PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PAGE 3