PEP, February 2012: Letters to the Editor

Public Employee Press

Letters to the Editor

Congress: Investigate Bloomberg's contracting

I was so proud to read in the last PEP about our members of the U.S. Congress from New York City coming to a briefing by DC 37 leaders and skilled staff about Mayor Bloomberg's waste of federal funds. His administration takes taxpayers' money intended for schools and social services and is using it for contracting out public work to the rich private sector.

If the congress members are listening to us, it shows that our union and Executive Director Lillian Roberts and Associate Director Henry Garrido have become the real experts on contracting out.

I know Lillian Roberts has been fighting contracting out for many years. This persistence has led to increasing public interest in controlling this wasteful form of political and financial cronyism.

I hope the union's hard work on this issue is soon rewarded with eliminating this threat to our jobs as city employees and union members.

And now that they are better informed, I hope the congressional representatives will send federal investigators to see what laws the mayor may have violated in giving our money to his wealthy cronies. It would be great to see him in handcuffs!

—Sarah Green
Local 1549

She's part of the union fightback against cuts

December 13, 2011, was the first time I participated in the union's fight against cuts. I felt very proud to be part of the group. Everybody was very friendly on the bus and I felt very comfortable.

After traveling for a few hours, we arrived at our destination in Albany. We attended a meeting about Medicare and Medicaid. It was very interesting to listen to the discussion about changes that are being proposed to our jobs. The machines are management's first choice without thinking about what will happen to all of the workers that would be replaced.

Our union is trying to save jobs and make all of the arguments about why it is wrong to lay off city workers. But the union cannot save our jobs without our support. It needs us to participate in this fight to make our lives secure. So, participate and help save jobs!

—Evanthia Frangiskatos
Local 1549

Thanks for my meds

Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to the DC 37 Health & Security Plan:

I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the DC 37 Health and Security Plan drug benefits department for approving my Crestor medication.

The help I received from Mr. Parris Cole, Ms. Mary Redden, Ms. Cynthia Chin-Marshall and the appeals panel was very welcome. The outcome of the appeal has elevated my faith in the integrity and fairness of the Health Plan.

I hope members like myself, who have served the city for many years, will continue to be recognized as dedicated retirees who need your support.

—William Simon
Retiree