6_2015 Page 13

June_15_WF

‘Meet and greet’ boosts communication ALBANY — Creativity counts as CSEA Albany County Local activists reach out to elected officials. Recently, 75 CSEA Albany County Local members joined 12 local elected officials for a forum organized by local officials, during which local members chatted in a ‘meet and greet’ format with elected officials about issues of concern to their communities. Among elected officials participating were several county legislators, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and elected municipal officials, including City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “The group that is assembled here today is the direct result of years of relationship building on the part of Albany County Local President Jack Rohl. These are relationships built on trust and respect,” said CSEA Capital Region President Kathy Garrison. “The event gives legislators a chance to learn more about their constituents and what is on the minds of county employees,” said Albany County Local 1st Vice President Vicky Miller. “It also gives employees a chance to gain insight into the issues legislators are confronting.” Elected officials spoke of the important work members do and how that work makes their jobs easier. “Thank you for helping the neediest constituents in my district,” said Albany County Legislator Alison McLean Lane. “I know a call to an Albany County agency means I will have help for them.” “Human services that county government delivers is absolutely essential,” said Albany County Legislator Tim Nichols. Elected officials also noted the value of CSEA members’ work to their communities. “I often think of CSEA members and how I can always rely on them,” said Colonie Town Judge Peter Crummey. “In the winter, when the roads are bad, there is a CSEA member clearing the snow, making the roads safe. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, left, greets CSEA Albany County Local President Jack Rohl at a recent forum at which CSEA Albany County Local members spoke with local elected officials. When the bus pulls up and the door opens, it is a CSEA member there to greet the kids, and once they get to school, I know if I need anything I can pick up the phone and get help from a member of CSEA.” The local had previously hosted state legislators in a similar forum, which led to the local government event. “The Capital Region’s Political Action Committee has prioritized the involvement of more members in the political process,” said Capital Region Political Action Committee Chair Ira Bethea. “This event aligns directly with this outreach initiative.” — Therese Assalian Housing authority privatization threat spurs larger campaign WHITE PLAINS — Federal plans to privatize public housing in White Plains has led CSEA and community allies to fight for affordable housing. The U.S. Department of Urban Housing and Development is including White Plains Housing Authority properties in its plan to privatize up to 185,000 public housing units nationwide, a move that concerns CSEA members, including those employed by the White Plains Housing Authority. The concern isn’t just about workers’ jobs, but the need to shed light on the plan’s broader implications of public housing privatization. “There is no transparency at all,” said City of White Plains Unit President Joe Longo, speaking about authority Executive Director Mack Carter’s oversight of the Rural Assistance Program in White Plains. Plans were already underway before expansion of the federal program for a private developer to build new mixed-use housing downtown that would replace the aging Winbrook public housing. Officials have told authority residents, many of whom are CSEA or other public union members, that they’ll still have housing, but the housing location and long term expectations for residents under privatization are still unknown. Reaching out Longo and other CSEA leaders are now joining the conversation on the need to create and preserve affordable housing in Westchester County, which has one of the most expensive housing costs in the nation. “Our goal is to make sure the residents that are being promised a home have one,” Longo said. “I just want what’s being promised to be followed through.” Longo and CSEA activists are regularly attending authority board meetings and have reached out to authority residents to inform them about HUD’s Rural Assistance Demonstration program and plans for authority properties. The program is expected to fully privatize White Plains public housing. CSEA is also helping representatives from WesPAC, a local progressive group, coordinate an upcoming affordable housing forum. “We are part of the community and need to use our voice to help our neighbors,” said Westchester County Local President John Staino. “The availability of affordable housing is something that should be a concern to all of us. We’re part of the community, and that means we address issues that are not just union-based but community-based.” Demanding accountability There is no question that union leaders are enthusiastic about protecting authority workers’ jobs, but Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo said the accelerated push for privatization in White Plains’ public housing has allowed CSEA to join the conversation about inequality. White Plains has seen gentrification in recent years, with upscale condos and other development pushing some residents out. “We’ll never apologize for fighting to retain good, middle-class jobs, but we need to be involved beyond that so affordable options are there as a safety net in an expensive county like Westchester,” Riccaldo said. “HUD may be moving this project ahead at full steam, but we can still demand better transparency and accountability along the way.” — Jessica Ladlee June 2015 The Work Force 13


June_15_WF
To see the actual publication please follow the link above