First, let me congratulate outgoing President Bill Seaman on his recent retirement. The TSOA has made incredible progress under his tireless leadership. We have seen many victories in terms of protecting the rights of our membership and in enforcing the terms of our contract. I consider it an honor to have served alongside Bill, during these last 10 years. While he may be retired, he as generously volunteered to make himself available for upcoming hearings and as a source person, should we need him. I’m grateful for his continued counsel and assistance.

     Now, as to our future. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been a member of this executive board for almost 10 years, now. I’ve also had experience in negotiating the last two contracts and representing the TSOA in numerous grievances over that time. The TSOA executive board has many seasoned members on it. There will be some movement caused by President Seaman’s retirement, but not much. I will be looking to fill a position on the Board of Trustees soon. My hope is to bring some of the younger membership aboard to provide them with experience and to help move the TSOA forward, into the future.

     I also want every member of our executive board, including our trustees, schooled in representing our members. You will be able to approach any of our officers and have them competently represent you at an IA interview. They will also be able to answer any questions for you, as they relate to our contract, grievances or any other matters that relate to their union function. It is also my intention to make every member of the executive board and trustees readily accessible to you. We will ensure that we have phone numbers and e-mail addresses posted for you on the member’s only section. This website will be a central clearing house for information and resources. Lieutenant John Dehart has done a great job getting it up and running. Thanks, very much, John!

     I’m also looking forward to a continued good working relationship with our brothers in the PBA and President George Dzurkoc in particular. The TSOA and the PBA have never been closer in my 23+ years on the job. We have been filing grievances jointly, when we can, and providing our PBA brothers with expert testimony in the furtherance of their grievances at arbitration hearings. Together, we have prevailed many more times than not. The violations of our members’ rights have now cost this city in excess of a million dollars. Sadly, these violations continue. But we stand ready to negotiate in good faith, at any time or any place, to resolve any and all pending grievances with anyone from the city who has the authority to do so. We’ve had some success in this area recently, with the TAC schedule. And while I’m not adverse to a fight, I think it benefits everybody, the TSOA, the city and even the taxpayers when people behave reasonably towards settling our differences.

     Lastly, let me say that it is an honor to represent some of the finest men and women that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The TSOA will continue to represent each and every one of you fairly and professionally. We will do whatever needs to be done to make sure that your rights are preserved and your contract correctly interpreted. It will be done in same dignified manner, as it has been during Bill’s tenure.

     I thank you, the membership, for your continued support of the TSOA. It would not be possible for us to do our jobs as union officials, were it not for the support of the membership. Together, I anticipate that we will do great things for our membership as well as the people and the community we serve. Our future is bright!

Joseph G. Valdora

President