Candidate for Vice President
Mark Gronso
A goal of mine as OPEU vice president would be to
help take the internal organization of our union to the next
level. We need to work hard for more member activism. I
see our union as a “mobilization” model today we need to
help ourselves become a more truly organized model and
we must reduce the percentage of fair share payers ex
plaining to them the union needs them.
Our standard of living would not be where it is
today without the union. We must fight to keep it that way.
I present myself to you as a candidate in this race to help
champion this fight.
The largest hurdle we face currently is defeating the anti-worker ballot mea
sures on November 7. It is absolutely essential we get each and every one of our
members and the populace to mail in their ballots with resounding no’s on 92, 98, 91,
and 8. Please vote yes on ballot measure 99 to build OPEU a stronger framework for
the future giving home healthcare professionals the dignity they deserve and our par
ents and grandparents quality care in their own homes.
As your vice president I pledge to be available and listen to your questions and
concerns. If I can’t answer them I will do my level best to help you with them. By
listening to you, I know that together we can strive to make this a more member
driven organization.
I have worked for ODOT 19 years as an electrician. My leadership roles in
Local 730 have included being a picket captain in 1995. I have been a worksite stew
ard. In 1996 Bruce Nobles spot as District 12 chief steward became vacant. I became
a chief steward at that time. In 1998 I was elected ODOT statewide vice president and
appointed statewide chief steward. In May of this year I retained these positions.
Participation in ODOT District, Region and statewide labor management committees
has always been a top priority of mine.
Training for our stewards must remain paramount on our agenda. I have