PAnorama: January 2001
From the President's Desk
by Bill Perrotti
Welcome to 2001!
Here’s hoping it will bring only good things to all of us, our loved ones, and to MVCC.
Now after a fall during which many reached the political saturation point or boiling point (or both), I will dare to bring up politics once again. This time it is the Tip O’Neill version, namely, local.
President Schafer has approached me about creating "teams" of MVCC employees to talk to county legislators about the needs of the college. These teams would have a varied composition (Executive Committee members, other administrators, faculty, professional staff, classified staff). My assumption that this is something that, once begun, should continue as an approach indefinitely. In-house, I realize that new approaches suggested from above tend to be viewed with some degree of skepticism.
In this case, I think it worthwhile for those in the PA bargaining unit to view this more favorably and participate if approached. For some time now (at least two years), I have been advocating to anyone who would listen (President Schafer included) that the college’s persona at the county needed to be more than the CEO and a few high-level administrators. My suggestion was that the group should at least include the president of the college, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and the presidents of AMVA and the Professional Association.
I did, and still do, think that it is necessary for officials in county government to see MVCC not as just another county "department" or a collection of buildings in Utica and Rome but rather as a large collection of constituents. I thought the symbolism in such a group would do that. It is in the best interests of MVCC over the long term for us to be seen for what we are--VOTERS, and many of them, with families, friends and connections that could further magnify our impact or influence. As an institution, our motto should be:
We’re from MVCC, and we vote.
President Schafer envisions these groups being configured so that they will always include residents of the legislative district of those legislators with whom the group meets. My understanding is that these groups would be briefed beforehand so that members would have a consistent grasp of the facts that would ground the discussions that take place. I also assume that members of a group should feel free to share their perceptions of needs at the college.
This approach could accomplish two things that are positive for MVCC. It could increase the thoughtful, thorough discussion of issues between the administration members of the college’s workforce. It could also increase the college’s visibility at the county level in a way that is to our collective advantage, as a large constituent group. You all know that we need that.
One fear that has been expressed to me regarding getting involved in this initiative is that it may short circuit any plans the PA has for increased local political action. Not at all. Plans to develop and implement an active, ambitious PA local political action operation are underway and will continue. The PA will continue to establish and maintain avenues of communication and dialogue with the County Executive and members of the legislature while the college’s proposed plan gets underway. Both endeavors can coexist and the two efforts when fully engaged will only work to our advantage.
A number of years ago at a general membership meeting of the PA, I recall a discussion about local political action during which several members of the union expressed opposition to the idea of the PA becoming involved in any way in the local political scene. As a result, we didn’t make a real commitment in this direction.
Now, as you consider local political action, consider our compensation package compared to K- 12 educators in Oneida County. Consider also our compensation compared to other community college educators throughout New York State. Lastly, consider that in New York, community college tuition is sixth highest in the nation. Match that with the funding formula that, when established, intended that funding come from three sources: New York State, the sponsoring county, and tuition. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that if tuition is essentially at the statutory maximum, the other sources are lagging.
To sit by and watch and complain about the status quo is not the answer. We, ALL OF US, need to get involved for our own good and for that of MVCC.
Annual Spring Luncheon meeting notes by Bill Perrotti
The Annual Spring Semester Luncheon Meeting of the PA will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the College Center Snack Bar.
I hope that all of you will try to at least stop by for some part of the luncheon for two reasons. First, it’s a great way to begin the new year and enjoy some some good hot food with friends and colleagues. Second, we need you to be present to participate in the vote on the amendments to the PA Constitution and By-laws that are included and explained on the following pages. It would be helpful if you brought these pages to the meeting.
With a membership that is scattered over two campuses in multiple buildings, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gather together a group large enough to effect a change in our Constitution or By-laws. So, again, please do make every effort to attend. We plan to conduct this particular business at 12:10 p.m., probably while some of those present are eating. Not my preference but I don't think there is any alternative if we are to achieve the 2/3 vote that is required for amendments. I am also sending out a separate message to the members of AMVA explaining our special need this year. I am asking that they make a special effort to facilitate the attendance of as many of you as possible and that they not schedule any meetings that may conflict or interfere with your attendance.
According to the current PA Constitution and By-laws:
Amendments to these By-laws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the total Association membership eligible to vote. Amending legislation must be introduced and distributed to the membership at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the meeting at which the voting will take place.
An amendment to this Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the total Association membership eligible to vote. Amending legislation must be introduced and distributed to the membership at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the meeting at which the voting will take place.
In each of the proposed amendments shown below, proposed new language is shown in bold red Verdana type with the current unchanged language in plain type. Existing language that is being deleted is in bold blue Verdana type. A rationale for all proposed changes follows in italic type.
By-laws Amendment #1
ARTICLE IV: QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The President shall
A. Have completed at least two (2) full years of full-time employment at MVCC prior to the term elected to serve.
B. Call and preside over General Membership meetings, special meetings and Executive Board meetings.
C. Be the administrative officer of the Association.
D. Be an ex-officio member of all standing or ad hoc committees.
E. Charge the Audit Committee to perform its annual audit and request special audits.
F. Represent the Association before the public either personally or through designees.
G. Serve as the ranking Professional Association delegate to the NYSUT Representative Assembly and the AFT Convention.
H. Perform other duties and functions usually attributed to the office of President.
Rationale: The president is the chief administrative officer of the Association and serves as the official representative of the Association in all matters. It is therefore appropriate and advisable that the president serve automatically as the chairperson of the MVCC PA delegation to the NYSUT Representative Assembly which is the official governance body of the New York State United Teachers and at the American Federation of Teachers National Convention, which is the official governance meeting of that organization. This is also the strong recommendation of the NYSUT leadership as articulated at the 1999 New Local Presidents Conference held during the summer of 1999 in Albany and reiterated several times
since.
By-laws Amendment #2
ARTICLE V: STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. The standing committees of the Association shall be the Political Action /Outreach Committee, the Community Outreach Committee, the Internal Communications Committee, the Research and Records Committee, the Negotiations Committee, the Grievance Committee, the Member Services Committee, the Education and Training Committee, and the Audit Committee.
Section 3. The Political Action /Outreach Committee shall
A. Be composed of eight (8) voting members of the Association. Four (4) members shall be elected by the voting membership and four (4) members shall be appointed by the Executive Board. The chair shall be elected by and from the membership of the committee on or before May 5th.
B. Formulate mechanisms to encourage, promote and support the goals of the Association through the political process within the College and at the local, regional and state levels.
C. Expend VOTE/COPE funds with Executive Board approval.
D. Seek active support of Association retirees.
E. Plan and recommend Association outreach efforts.
F. Plan media coverage of Association goals and activities.
G. Submit any activities to the Executive Board prior to implementation.
Section 11. The Community Outreach Committee shall
A. Be composed of eight (8) voting members of the Association. Four (4) members shall be elected by the voting membership and four (4) members shall be appointed by the Executive Board. The chair shall be elected by and from the membership of the committee on or before May 5th.
B. Plan and recommend Association outreach efforts.
C. Seek active support of Association retirees in outreach activities.
D. Plan media coverage of Association outreach activities.
E. Submit any activities to the Executive Board prior to implementation.
Rationale: I recommend this change because the range of activities for the Political Action/ Community Outreach Committee as it is now structured is fractured into two distinct areas: the political arena and the social activism arena. There is certainly more than enough work to do in each area for a full-fledged committee. Also, those members who might be attracted by the thought of political activity may have no interest in the outreach agenda. Likewise, those who are interested in social activism may have no interest in or even be put off by the political process. Two separate committees will accomplish the broad goals of the Association and at the same time encourage more involvement by giving members committee choices that are not inherently competitive.
By-laws Amendment #3
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Association, the Chair of the Grievance Committee, the Chair of the Negotiations Committee, the Chair of the Political Action/Outreach Committee, the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, the Chair of the Research and Records Committee, and the Chair of the Education and Training Committee. The immediate Past President shall be a non-voting member.
Rationale: This is necessitated by the By-laws change which separates the Political Action/Outreach Committee into two separate committees.
It's a Strike! (No, not THAT Kind!) The holiday charity bowl-a-thon proves great fun and a great success by Cynthia Villlanti
The PA’s holiday charity event, the bowl-a-thon at the AMF Pin-O-Rama on December 16, 2000, was great fun and an even greater success.
The PA collected numerous items to donate to local charities. Using wish lists from Hall House and the Rescue Mission, members of the PA and their families and friends collected a huge box of items to give to the less fortunate during the holiday season. In addition, we raised $172.50 for the organizations. The money was split evenly between the two charities.
The event was organized by the Outreach Committee, which is chaired by the energetic, indomitable Kathleen Salsbury. Many contributions of ideas, time, organizational skills, and energy came from committee members: Kevin Hinkle, Patricia Hirsch, William Hysell, Debbie Otis, Bernie Raynor, Cynthia Villanti, Jean Wagner, and Barbara Wilson.
Participants formed teams and bowled like Y2K was going to happen this year (the REAL millennium). Bowlers and contributors included the following PA members and non-members alike:
Fritz Barns
Tricia Collins
Paul Cruskie
Marie Czarnecki
Sam Drogo
Barbara Evans
Ron Foster
Arthur Friedberg
Jacqueline Fuller
Steve Getchell
Paul & Barbara Halko
Christi Harrington
William Hysell
Lynn Igoe
Karen Kuznia
Caroline Lewis
Julie Lewis
Bill & Mona Perrotti
Jacqueline Pirnie
Beverly Quist
Dennis Rahn
Bernie Raynor
Kathleen Salsbury
Cynthia & Anthony Villanti
Jean Wagner
Jacqueline Womack
and other kind (but anonymous) donors.
As President Perrotti put it: Helping others who are in need just fits with the PA philosophy.
PA makes its voice heard: on the web and through NYSUT by Cynthia Villlanti
Your PA is proud to announce its new, updated and upgraded website, available at www.dreamscape.com/mvccpa. Note: If you're reading this on our website, you're looking at it! ;-)
The website results from much work and discussion by the Internal Communications Committee. The PA envisions the website as a means of both internal and external communications. The site offers a way to communicate not only within our membership but also with other locals and with the greater Utica/Mohawk Valley community that we serve.
The site is structured in two sections: the main PA website offers such features as orgranizational information and our contract and is maintained by Deb Otis. The PAnorama website, maintained by me, will include an on-line version of the monthly issues of PAnorama along with other oft-changing information.
Also, did you notice other PA voices being heard throughout NYSUT?
First, last November 10-12, the PA raised the banner in support of the Jamestown Community College Faculty Association at the 22nd annual NYSUT Community College Conference.
Second, PA member George Zook and President Bill Perrotti both are quoted in the December issue of New York Teacher, the publication seen by the nearly 40,000 members of NYSUT. George’s quote addresses the need to get more people involved in union activities. Bill is featured in the article featured is titled "Mohawk Valley local reinvents itself," in which he shares how the PA has evolved during the past few years. Check it out! You can see the articles on the NYSUT website (www.nysut.org) by clicking on the New York Teacher link.
