‘I always want to support our union any way I can’
WHITE PLAINS — Martin Santangelo has sought out ways to step up as a CSEA activist in recent years, getting involved initially as a shop steward and committee volunteer while a Westchester County Unit member.
Later ramping up that involvement to include an appointment to the Westchester County Local Political Action Committee and serving as a delegate to the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body, it made sense for Santangelo to accept the invitation when he was asked to serve as a CSEA federal advocate.
“I always want to support our union any way I can, so I jumped at the opportunity when I heard there was a need for federal advocates,” said Santangelo, now a recreation supervisor and City of White Plains Unit member.
Santangelo noted the harmful impact the recent sweeping federal cuts will have on our communities’ most vulnerable residents.
“Cutting Medicaid is going to hurt the elderly, our hospitals, and people who are at or living close to the poverty line,” said Santangelo.
That’s a message Santangelo has shared with U.S. Rep. George Latimer while representing our union as a federal advocate. While some federal advocates have the challenge of connecting with members of Congress who supported cuts, Latimer is on the same page with CSEA.
Latimer has a longstanding strong relationship with our union, most recently when he served as Westchester County Executive.
“We feel like we have someone in the 16th District who has our back,” said Santangelo. “He hears our voice and echoes it when he has a chance to speak on the House floor. We couldn’t have a better congressman.”
While confident in Latimer’s support, Santangelo said it’s important to keep the lines of communication open and relationships strong.
“George has always been a friend to our union, he’s always been with us, and has an open-door policy,” said Santangelo.
— Jessica Ladlee