Public Employee Press

Take back America 2004
Volunteers and victors party at DC 37

The DC 37 Political Action Dept. had lots to celebrate Dec. 5 at its annual party for union volunteers. Hundreds of DC 37 members, local presidents and activists braved the season’s first snowstorm to mingle with elected officials who stopped by to thank DC 37 for its support in the 2003 elections.

“You are the absolute best,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. She commended the members and retirees who worked tirelessly on Election Day Nov. 4 and preceding weeks. The volunteers placed phone calls and distributed literature at work sites and in the streets to defeat charter change proposals and elect union-friendly politicians.

The party brought together politicians like State Sen. Eric Schneiderman of the 30th Senatorial District, Kings County Democratic Party Chair Clarence Norman, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller and others, with rank-and-file union members who had voluntarily campaigned and voted for them.

“New York City is the greatest city in the world because of DC 37 members,” Mr. Miller said. “We stood together to protect this city from detrimental charter proposals, and we won. And DC 37 was responsible for the defeat of Questions 4 and 5.”

Last September DC 37 launched an effective Get Out the Vote campaign for union-endorsed candidates and against the Charter Revision Committee’s attempt to change the City Charter. Three questions appeared on the November ballot that would have eliminated Democratic primaries, obscured how the city procures goods and services, increased mayoral authority and weakened government accountability. Despite a $7 million boost from the mayor’s own purse, the proposals were defeated by a 70 to 30 margin, thanks in large part to union activity.

“We all have a responsibility to make this union work,” said DC 37 President Veronica Montgomery-Costa. “When people stand together, we win.”

Many of the celebrants agreed that volunteering with DC 37 was a way to give back and stay active in their neighborhoods. Community Association Chair Belinda Dixon of Staten Island rose early most mornings to hand out palm cards at the ferry. She said, “DC 37 is well known and respected in my neighborhood. Representing the union is a responsibility I am happy to have.”

“Politicians respect the power of our union,” said Elizabeth Luna, a Local 1070 member. “DC 37 keeps us more informed than the average person.”

Marilyn Stepes, a Local 1549 member and DC 37 volunteer, bused to Albany on Lobby Day to battle budget cuts and layoffs. “I met with my state senator and also pressed for street and traffic lights in Laurelton,” she said. This year DC 37 Political Action Director Wanda Williams and PAC Chair Leonard Allen honored Blue Collar Division Director José Sierra with the Chairman’s Award for going “beyond the call of duty” as a volunteer. Fourteen others also received awards (see box).

As a year of political activity ends and volunteers anticipate what is in store for 2004, David Low, a DC 37 volunteer and Local 1407 member said, “The mayor has taken a firm stance against unions, but if we do our part, we can win.”

— Diane S. Williams