I have recently had my character attacked by a member of the Ohio Senate.  Senator Bob Hagan called me on the telephone last week and asked me to help him.  He then wrote a flyer endorsing a political candidate with MY name attached at the bottom.  I then informed him that I didnt approve of the use of my name on a memo he wrote.  He then accosted me for not being a "team player" because of my political affiliation.  My opinions and beliefs are mine and mine alone.  Under no circumstances should I have to be attacked because my opinion is different then his.  I simply would not allow my name to be placed on a letter that I did not write.  Suddenly, in his opinion, I am derelict in my duties as your LR. 

     After informing him that it was not in the by-laws for me to further a political agenda, he informed me I wasnt acting in the best interest of you as members.  I want to make sure this is very clear.  My job as a Legislative Rep is to enforce federal laws as it pertains to the Safety and Sanitation of our membership.  The only political reference in the constitution towards an LR is to educate the members on the political process.  Political process and political agenda are two separate things.  I do this by educating the membership on the use of Political Action Committee money.  The PAC money is used to further political agenda, not union dues.  As a division LR I primarily represent us in matters concerning safety and sanitation.  The political action takes place at the State level under the Ohio State Legislative Board. 

     I want to make sure you all understand that I will not further the agenda of any candidate under the title of the Legislative Rep.   It is not stated in the by-laws for me to do so, and I believe it is essential that we focus on matters concerning our safety rather then the agenda of a politician.  If any of you wish to become politically active for a candidate that is not only acceptable that is encouraged.  I strongly believe in the American Political Process, but I wont further an agenda I disapprove of unless it is required by me to do so.  Frankly, if it were required of me I would no doubt resign.  Understand, I am not willing to overlook my morality.   This job is not intended to be campaign management for one candidate.  It is to secure our issues as it pertains to safety and sanitation.  If I wanted to pursue a political agenda I would run for Ohio State Legislative Chairmen. 

     I hope you all see the point Im making here.  I would do anything needed to correct the issues at our local level.  I will not go outside the duties of the LR when it comes to furthering a political agenda.for either candidate.  That is in no way an injustice to you as members.  I have furthered our cause all the way to Washington DC.  To say Im not serving us locally is preposterous.  I look forward to hearing your opinions on this matter.  Please use the message board to discuss this issue, and for those interested in aiding me in the fight against the arrogance of this State Senator feel free to email me.  

     Senate Bill 40 is coming up soon.  This man is so partisan in his beliefs that nobody from the other side of the aisle will break party lines to support a bill sponsored by him.  I think it is a great thing that this man showed how poor our representation is in the Senate.  Believe it or not.he is supposed to be one of our biggest supporters, yet his arrogance, and closed mindedness only shows how much we as members need to do to see this bill through.  Do not assume your representatives are doing their part.  If you as an American feel SB40 is a needed addition to law in Ohio.we must pursue those senators who support us, and gain support from both sides of the aisle.  Continuing to place your support in a man who has no respect for the opinions of others is a lost effort.  We must come together and fight this together.  I need all of your help.  I need you, your spouse, your children, your mom and dad.  Everyone who cares for the safety of you and your co-workers to get motivated, and get ready to help.  If you would like to help me organize things for this battle contact me anytime.  Im looking for a handful of motivated members to help brainstorm and determine a path to take for this bills passage.  If we wait any longer then it will be for nothing.  Again I look forward to hearing from you all soon.