Public Employee Press

Letters to the editor

She gives thanks
The following is a saying to share with fellow humans:

No aches, no pains
No gripes, no complaints
Give thanks for your blessings —
The air, water, the sun, the stars, the sky, the moon,
The trees, the grass, the flowers and the colors,
All free — Give thanks.

—Etta Dixon
DC 37 Retirees Association

Democracy in action
One of the reasons I became a Librarian is because I love helping people. But when I needed help or had a question,
I was always told, call the union.

I try to provide the best service to my customers, but my co-workers at Queens Library are also important to me. I wanted to be able to help my co-workers and be there for them. So I was excited when I heard I could run for Vice President of Librarians in our Local 1321.

Four other members ran, so I had my work cut out for me in a tight race. Queens Library consists of over 60 community libraries. I visited as many as I could on my days off. I had a great time campaigning. I met many Librarians and listened to their concerns and ideas. I also gave out lollipops everywhere I went, which brought out smiles.

On the day the results were announced, I was very nervous. It turned out that I tied for first place. There was a run-off, and I visited even more libraries. December was freezing, but I got out there and let people know what I stood for. In the end, I won by two votes.

It’s a great privilege to serve in the union and help my co-workers. My installation was the same day as President Barack Obama’s, Jan. 20. Hope is real.

Now I look ahead to giving back and helping out, just as I was helped. I am lucky to be part of such a great union!

—Kacper Jarecki
Queens Library Guild, Local 1321

Let the billionaire pay

It is reported in the April issue of the Public Employee Press that the net worth of the city’s mayor is a cool $16 billion, according to Forbes magazine, making him likely the richest resident of the richest city in the world.

Now it must have occurred to some readers that a man of such pecuniary worth would be just the kind of man worthy enough to shoulder the city he professes to adore, the city in which he made his fortune, the city which elevated him to the mayoralty.

For him to assume the debt of the city would not in the least jeopardize his financial security. And in so doing, he would assure himself and the family name of a lasting fame of a philanthropic altruism so unique as to be unprecedented in the annals of recorded history! Its admirable effect would refurbish even the tarnished image of an avaricious out-of-control capitalist.

—James C. Gancher
Retiree

Homesick for “the family of DC 37”

The following letter was e-mailed to DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts:

I am a former DC 37 member who misses my old union dearly.

My wife and I never stop talking about DC 37. We used to come to Saturday classes together, we would bring our family to the member appreciation picnics, I used to take out labor books from the union library, and I took some great educational training classes.

All unions, councils, and affiliates could learn a thing or two from DC 37. My wife and I wish we could still be part of the family of DC 37 that we were once part of.

DC 37 had a positive impact on me and my wife and nourished seeds of the labor movement within both of us that are blooming into flowers and slowly spreading seeds of their own.

“Homesick in NYC”
—Jose Zuniga
Former Eligibility Specialist 2

Editor’s note: Lillian Roberts’s reply said, “Your note brightened my day. I am glad that you and your family are doing well. My staff and I are encouraged by your e-mail.”