"Quiet steel" is back at District Council 37
We are glad to see that the "Tigress" - Lillian Roberts - is now back and at the helm of DC 37 as executive director.

In January, 1979, about 23 years ago, she was honored at the Astoria Manor in Queens by more than 1,000 women leaders. Gov. Hugh Carey at the time issued a proclamation in her honor, and an article was published in the Daily News (Jan. 9, 1979), which I saved.

The article cited a commissioner who called Ms. Roberts "quiet steel." It quoted her saying that when she worked as a Nurse's Aide, and when she had to drop out of college, "I had the same frustrations, so I have a close identification with my members. Given the opportunity, I could have been a doctor or a nurse. Here at DC 37 I am able to multiply the dreams and aspirations of others."

PRABHAKAR V. BOPARDIKAR
Local 375

Praise for Lee Saunders and Lillian Roberts
Let's give credit where credit is due. Lee Saunders' initial achievement was perhaps his most significant one. He decisively cut DC 37's ties to the "apron strings" of Mayor Guiliani. Remember Stan Hill and his "sweetheart" arrangement with the then mayor? Lee Saunders did away with that. Almost immediately upon arriving at our union, he set us on a militant course.

We should remember and thank Lee for what he did.


Voice of the rank-and-file
I am thrilled that Lillian Roberts is back as our executive director. I remember well how she gave voice to the needs of the rank-and-file members of this union when she was associate director in the 1960s and '70s.

Now that Lee Saunders has cleaned out the crooks, I believe Lillian Roberts will make DC 37 more principled, progressive and powerful than ever.

SOL GORELICK, VICE PRESIDENT
Retirees Association