Good morning, Rabble Rousers!
The campaign is over. Today is the last day to submit your ballots in order to have them counted. If you have not done so already, I implore you to check those Rabble Rousers boxes and send out your ballots as soon as you can.
When we began this journey, I thought I was just going to run for Steward/Delegate to make a statement. I had no idea that I would be involved in the overturning of an election, uncovering the severe misconduct of the incumbents. I had no idea that I’d use all of my PTO to visit Local 696 work locations. But most of all, I had no idea who Sharon Thorpe was.
It is Sharon’s leadership and guidance that has given us the strength and perseverance to get this far. No Local 696 election has ever been overturned before. No slate of candidates has had the strength to seriously challenge the rule of Bobby Davis and his crew before.
Sharon inspired us to be the best organizers we can be. Sharon has the experience and knowledge to guide Local 696 into the future, and she’s got the fortitude to get us there.
I am proud to work for Sharon Thorpe. If she could see me writing this right now, she would say that I am not working for her- that I am working for the members. And perhaps she’s right. That is her wisdom- the wisdom that 696 deserves.
I do not know what will happen on Thursday. Before the Election Committee gave us the date of the election, I had scheduled a vacation. Now that the campaign is over, I know that I truly need it. Executive Board Candidate Evelyn Flint, whom I am proud to call a friend and ally, will send out the announcement of the election results. I will be resting, but don’t worry- I’ll be back next week ready to fight.
Regardless of whether we win or lose, the Rabble Rousers will continue to fight. We will always stand up to bullies and cowards, and as long as Local 696 fails to deliver what the membership needs, we will always be here.
That’s right, Tony. Mark. Mary. Fatina. Bobby. I know you’re reading this. You will never be rid of us. We are the voice of a neglected membership, and we are here to stay no matter what happens. You can either benefit from us, or you can continue to divide our great Local into caricatures of high school cliques.
It’s your choice. I only warn you not to underestimate our willpower and resolve.
We are agitators.
We are troublemakers.
We are the Rabble Rousers.
In solidarity,
J. Matthew Catron
Candidate for Business Agent
P.S. If you were part of the June 20th/June 28th, 2023 orientation group, or know someone who was, please contact me immediately. I have many of your names documented already, but I know I have not reached all of you.