Power breakfast: Local leaders push for DC 37’s budget agenda

By DONNA SILBERBERG

More than 100 union members, retirees and local presidents met with City Council members April 6 over breakfast at union headquarters. The menu included DC 37’s budget agenda for the 2002 fiscal year.

Almost half of the City Council’s 51 members attended, including Speaker Peter F. Vallone, Finance Committee Chair Herbert E. Berman, Walter L. McCaffrey, Stephen DiBrienza, Michael Nelson, Margarita López and others.

DC 37 Deputy Administrator Eliot Seide reminded the elected officials that 85 percent of DC 37 members live and vote in the five boroughs. “Anything that helps our members is good for the City of New York,” he said.

Donald Afflick, president of Local 1655 and chair of DC 37’s Political Action Committee, noted that 2001 marks a turning point for the City Council, because the term limits law bars most members from running again. He and DC 37 Administrator Lee Saunders thanked the City Council members for their support over the years.

Deputy Administrator Zachary Ramsey pressed for the council to adopt DC 37’s budget agenda. He called for civilianization at the Police Dept.; $300 million to close HHC’s budget gap; hiring more permanent full-time employees, including Counselors at the Juvenile Justice Dept. and Sanitarians and Pest Control staff in the Health Dept.; and restoring cuts in libraries, culturals, parks, schools, CUNY and the Dept. for the Aging.

Local presidents had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with City Council members and discuss issues that affect members of their locals and all of DC 37.

Maf Uddin, the new president of Local 1407, was attending his first City Council breakfast. “This builds up the relationship between the union and the lawmakers. This shows DC 37’s people power in action,” he said.

This was the eighth time at the event for Local 1931 President Mario Braga. “It’s good to be able to put a name to a face. I want to let my members know how we’re working with the City Council,” he said.

Local 2054 President Joan Reed said, “CUNY finances have been cut drastically, and we need the City Council to restore funds. This lets me speak directly to Council members on this issue.” “You have to have face-to-face meetings with the people who have an impact on the budget and other issues that affect your members. You can’t just see them on TV and think you’ll have any influence,” said John Townsend, president of Local 1322.