STATEN ISLAND — Staten Island DDSO Local President Rondell Radcliffe recently stepped into his leadership role with a clear purpose: to protect the livelihoods, health, and dignity of CSEA members and their communities.
Radcliffe, a CSEA federal advocate who also serves as our union’s Metropolitan Region Treasurer, noted that his commitment to federal issues is deeply rooted in the understanding that national policy decisions—particularly those affecting Medicaid—have direct and often life-or-death consequences for the people he represents.
Radcliffe’s concern is personal and practical. A Staten Island native, he knows the borough has only two or three hospitals to serve its population. Cuts to Medicaid or hospital services would leave residents, including local members and their families, without essential care.
“We’ve already seen during COVID what happens when hospitals are stretched thin,” said Radcliffe. “For some people, those cuts could mean waiting days in an ER—or losing their life.”
His first official day as local president set the tone for Radcliffe’s leadership.
Standing outside the district office of U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis alongside other unions, Radcliffe protested proposed Medicaid cuts.
He was joined by CSEA Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett, local officers and other labor allies—part of a nationwide action targeting lawmakers across multiple states. The rally wasn’t just a protest; it was a statement of solidarity.
“It was powerful,” said Radcliffe. “For the new officers to see what boots-on-the-ground action looks like—it’s something we have to keep doing.”
Medicaid, which covers the elderly, people with disabilities and children, insures more than 1 in 5 Americans. In states like New York, California, and Louisiana, the ratio is closer to 1 in 4 people. Cuts could leave 7.8 million people nationally without coverage—a scenario Radcliffe calls “catastrophic.”
Radcliffe said he is committed to building a culture of participation and accountability among members—showing up for other unions’ fights, answering the call when events happen, and most importantly, voting.
“That’s where our strength comes from,” said Radcliffe. “If elected officials don’t serve our interests, we vote them out. It’s not about party—it’s about who will speak and act for us.”
Radcliffe’s goals include expanding members’ involvement in political action, strengthening relationships with labor allies and ensuring that federal policies protect—not undermine—health care access. Radcliffe said he is eager to learn from experienced leaders, collaborate across the labor movement and pass on those lessons to members.
“This is my first time being involved in anything political,” said Radcliffe. “But I know it’s going to make me a better leader. And when we’re called, Local 429 will be there.”
— David Galarza