By LILLIAN ROBERTS
Executive Director
District Council 37, AFSCME

Making our country live up to its democratic ideals has been a long fight. The majority of Americans - working people, minorities and women—have only won the right to vote through sacrifice and struggle. But this sacred right means nothing unless we use it.

I know how busy you are just making a living and caring for your family. But it is essential to take the time to register and to vote. Voting gives us the power to choose the leaders whose decisions affect every aspect of our lives, our jobs and our communities.

If we vote wisely, we can elect lawmakers who understand the hardships of working families, officials who will do the right thing when deciding on the budget and how the government is run. We can elect government leaders who will really speak for us.

The economic policies of our elected leaders control whether we have jobs or massive unemployment, whether our communities are crime-ridden slums or great places to live and raise a family. Their budgets determine whether our children get the education they need to advance in life or have the door slammed in their faces. They decide whether public agencies provide public services and offer all working people an equal chance at the American dream—or whether public dollars are funneled into private profits.

Here in New York City and New York State, we are facing massive economic problems. Some resulted from the 9/11 catastrophe, but our elected officials have created more.

Current officeholders eliminated the stock transfer tax and the commuter tax. Now budget deficits loom. They squandered city, state and federal funds in tax cuts that went mainly to business and the wealthy, leaving too little for the needs of ordinary people. While millions of New Yorkers get no health care, funds for this purpose go to curry political favor and buy votes.

This year, our representatives in the United States Congress, the entire state Legislature, the governor and the comptroller are all up for election. The voters have an opportunity to make some positive changes.

When you elected me in February, I promised to fight to protect your jobs and benefits—but I cannot do that alone. I need you to stand up for yourself and make your voice heard by voting.
I am committed to making the hard-earned right to vote a reality for more New Yorkers and more union members than ever before. Our Political Action Department has begun an ongoing voter registration drive that will reach into every workplace and community in this city.

If you are not registered, DC 37 will help. In this PEP, you will find a registration form. Just fill it out and mail it in. The union will file it for you. Remember: If you have moved or changed your name recently, you must re-register. To vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, you must register by Oct. 11.

The Sept. 10 Democratic primary for governor is a critical race for the future of our state and of state aid for New York City. One of the candidates grew up in a poor family himself and truly understands the needs of working people—H. Carl McCall. I do not tell union members how to vote, but on page 7, you will find information to help you make up your own mind.

Carl McCall has delivered for us. Now it's our turn!
I do feel strongly about Carl McCall. I have known him personally for decades. He cares deeply about public employees and has earned our support. He has marched alongside this union in demonstrations and he has fought for our needs at the highest levels of government. As president of the Board of Education, he worked for better schools for our children and better jobs for our members. As comptroller, he helped us win pension COLA.

On Sept. 10, we all need to get out and vote for Carl McCall. Please urge your neighbors, friends and family to join you. And I am asking members to volunteer for our phone bank and the Election Day get-out-the-vote effort. Just send in the coupon on page 6 of PEP or phone (212) 815-1550.

Carl McCall has already made a difference for us. He can do a lot more as governor. But first, we need to make a difference for him on Sept. 10.