CHAPARRAL

As the holidays quickly approach, I am reminded that this is a time of giving thanks.  With that in mind, I will make this my thank-you column for the holidays.

      First, I want to thank all of those who have taken the time not just to read what I write, but to respond either by phone, in person when you see me, or via e-mail.  It is heart-warming to know that you appreciate and value my attempts to inform you.  I hope that you will continue to give me feedback on my efforts.

            Next, I would like to thank all of you classified professionals who take the time to serve on campus shared governance committees.  The representation you provide for the classified staff helps to insure that our needs and concerns around campus are known, and our issues are addressed.  This is especially valuable now as the campus community deals with the budget reductions, staffing reductions, and ever-growing student population with their diverse needs.  If you have not had the opportunity to serve the campus in this way, please contact Arlene in the Governance Office and volunteer to be appointed to serve on a committee.  There are still several open positions for the current year, and CSEA is always looking for new and enthusiastic volunteers to help represent the classified point of view on committees.

            Next, I would like to thank the CSEA negotiations team and the labor rep provided by CSEA for all of their effort and help over this past year of difficult and trying times.  We lost one of our team members to the layoffs, Kellilee Williams from the Cafeteria, and two of our members have retired, Merle Slack and Pat Beggs, so the makeup of our team is ever changing.  Merle has consented to stay with the team (with excused absenses for fishing trips) and also works tirelessly on our Spirit of 76 Newsletter to keep you informed.  The other members of the team are:  Samir Abou-Rass from Campus Police, Gretchen Smart from A & R, Mike Nevieus from Facilities, Maria Shufeldt from the English Lab, Nance Spray from Financial Aid, and Linda Watkins from Payroll.  Without their hard work, dedication, and knowledge our contract would not be as strong and viable as it is.  I truely appreciate each and every one of them and the help they provide to the negotiations process.  A special thanks also to D'vora Mayer, the Labor Relations Representative for our chapter from CSEA staff.  Her expertise and knowledge have been of immeasurable help during these difficult times.  The negotiations team depends heavily on D'vora for her past experience and willingness to investigate issues she is not familiar with as we work for your rights and benefits.

            No thank you would be complete without a BIG thanks to the other members of the CSEA executive team.  Vice President Linda Watkins, Treasurer Abe  Barakat, and retired Grievance Chair Merle Slack, along with our laid-off Secretary, Kellilee Williams, have made my job easier.  They were all there to fill in for me during the time I was off with my back surgery, and have continued to do all that was asked of them and go the extra mile for all of you, so, MAJOR THANK YOUs to them all!

            And, finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement over the past year.  We have struggled with layoffs for the first time, budget cuts that affected every one of us in one way or another, and finally, a pay reduction that in the past would never have happened to our college family.  Each of these individually would have been frustrating, but when you pile them on top of each other, the weight can at times be almost unbearable.  I serve you as your chapter president with pleasure, because you all make the effort worthwhile.  I serve you as a job steward because of the need to fight for the rights we all deserve and have earned over the years.  Thank you all for the faith you have placed in me in the past, and hopefully, will place in me in the future.  I look forward to continuing to serve as your chapter president if you choose to re-elect me in December.  I will do my best to earn your faith and trust.

            Enjoy the up coming holiday season, and keep up the good work. &

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