As we begin to prepare the online ballot for the 4Cs Statewide Officers election, you can learn about the candidates below! The election will take place online from April 3-22.
President
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Lois D. Aimé Norwalk Community College
Statement: If I were elected president of the 4Cs I would make the union more relevant to its members. Our system is facing an array of problems. The 4Cs needs to be part of the conversation on solutions to those problems. A response to a member that boils down to, you should be happy that you have a job, is not a response that encourages confidence in the future. What is happening in our system will negatively impact the way we do our jobs. We and our students will suffer the consequences. We need to stand up and be heard.
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Maureen Chalmers Northwestern Community College
Statement: The 4Cs union deserves a capable, forceful leader during this turbulent time. Many looming issues can affect our members, campuses and collective bargaining rights. I believe I have the extensive set of skills necessary to become the 4Cs president. I am active at a leadership level in a broad range of 4Cs matters. The union has invested in my union education and I willingly gave my personal time to master them. I do this because I’ve benefitted from the union protections. I want to be a part of keeping our protections strong for members now and in the future.
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Lisa 'Elle' Van Dermark Asnuntuck Community College
Statement: I believe the 4Cs should be leading the fight against consolidation. This is a fight for the heart of community colleges. It must be waged by those who understand the discrepancies between claims made by the system office and the reality of what consolidation means on each campus.
Every person who sees the problems with consolidation must be a part of this movement. If you want to see a change in leadership, mission, and the way the 4Cs represents you – then you have to be involved. I cannot do this without you. Facebook: Elle Van Dermark for 4Cs President
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Secretary
Steve Krevisky Middlesex Community College
Statement:
I seek to continue as 4C’s Secretary, as I am an experienced minute-taker, and provide the details of what transpires at our meetings, as our members seem to want. I have been involved in the 4C’s for many years, and wish to continue representing your interests. I feel that we need more transparency in the workings of our union, and we need to return to following proper procedures, including our own Constitution. The Delegate Assembly is the governing body of the union, and we need to restore that function as well.
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Vice President From Teaching Faculty
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Lorraine Li Gateway Community College
Statement: It has been my honor to represent our members for the last two decades. In working my way up from delegate and PT Chair to Comptroller to Finance Committee Chair to VP for Faculty to GW Grievance officer, I have shown that my experience and determination have helped improve the working conditions in our institutions. I am very proud of my accomplishments, especially in fighting for: PTers; gradually increasing PT pay parity; creation of sick leave bank; tuition waivers; and tuition credit at the State universities. I will continue to work diligently to better members’ work lives. Click for Education, Professional Experience/Activities and 4Cs Activities [/column] [column md="6"]
Seth Freeman Capital Community College
Statement: The 4Cs needs leaders who will establish progressive policies to support our members, students and communities.
As a member of the 4Cs Delegate Assembly since 2012, I have advocated for the full inclusion of members in contract negotiations and for standing strong to represent all members.
I made motions in the Delegate Assembly against having Managers on Promotion Committees, and against Students First. Despite passage, the Executive Board ignored the Delegate Assembly by secretly codifying changes to promotion procedures and relinquishing the fight against Students First.
Our slate will fight for you and bring necessary changes to the 4Cs.
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Vice President from CCPs
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Kevin Skee Manchester Community College
Statement:
It is time to restore more trust, truth and transparency to the 4Cs. Let the months of wondering what is happening with 4Cs Contract negotiations and SEBAC negotiations be gone. I will work to represent CCPs and 4Cs members diligently. I will work to have meaningful feedback be given to our membership, so we know what direction we all are heading in negotiations. Gone should be the contract surprises. Surprises such as the addition of management on Promotion Committees (especially when we didn’t even vote on it with the tentative contract!).
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Trenton Wright Middlesex Community College
Statement:
I opposed Student’s First Early & Often and Closing Any Community College! I’ve been helping professional staff members for over 19 years! I’ve helped create strategic partnerships with legislators, other unions, students, and non-profits my entire career. I’ve helped create Promotion, Tenure, and Sabbatical Workshops. I’ve represented staff on numerous grievances and “When Members Have a Problem—We Solve It Together! I chose the photo attached, taken at the LOB while waiting to testify in support of HB 7257, An Act Concerning Food-Insecure Students in Higher Education---to demonstrate our students can’t learn properly when hungry!
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Vice President From Part-Timers (2 seats)
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Merja Lehtinen Asnuntuck Community College
Statement:
Merja Lehtinen teaches English and has taught writing to K through Graduate School as well as math. She has advocated for students and faculty for better education and compensation. She has served the 4Cs in good standing for the last 5 years and has been a member since joining the community colleges. The Fight for $15 is dear to her heart. [/column] [column md="4"]
Marcellus Edwards III Gateway Community College
Statement: Marcellus has worked at Gateway Community College for 9 years in the Engineering Department. He has taught in the Railroad Engineering Technology program, teaching a number of courses. Marcellus has also worked for Metro North Railroad for the last 30 years holding a number of positions. Some of which include; Transportation supervisor, Training Officer, and Assistant Chief Training Officer. Marcellus currently works as a Capital Conductor, interacting with outside contractors conducting numerous projects on Metro North’s property.
Marcellus is the Connecticut Legislative Representative for the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (A.C.R.E.), which represents roughly 2000 plus Metro North employees. [/column] [column md="4"]
Angelo Glaviano Middlesex Community College
Statement:
My name is Angelo Glaviano (MA Foreign Languages). I have taught for over 25 years at MxCC and am running for the Vice President of Part-timers position.
Why Me?
- I have a deep appreciation for part-timers’ crucial college role.
- I witness the continued unfairness adjuncts endure.
As the Part-timers Delegate, I have implemented:
- A Statewide Conference at MxCC
- Advising and Registration Workshops.
I also have:
- Successfully handled issues facing adjuncts.
- Actively participated on the adjuncts 4C’s Committee for six years.
When elected, I will:
- Promote 1-year contracts.
- Advocate summer unemployment compensation.
- Tirelessly champion on behalf of adjuncts.
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Patricia Burke Manchester Community College
Statement:
My mission is working with disenfranchised people to make their voices heard. From working with disabled people, to working with the part-timers of the 4cs, my focus has been to encourage, inspire and fight for the rights of others.
Struggle often emanates from the class divisions between the owner and the worker in society. I promote egalitarian decision making in the environments in which I work and live.
I strive to help create a more just and open society, and to work effectively with the 4cs to represent our contingent workers.
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Marcia Smith Housatonic Community College
Statement:
Marcia Smith has served as an adjunct in the Humanities Department at Housatonic since 1996. She is an advisor to the HCC NAACP College Chapter and serves as a board member of the Women's Center and the Alumni Association. She has worked in a variety of positions within state service for more 27 years. And is also a graduate from the CSU. [/column] [/row]
Diversity Officer
Minati Roychoudhuri Capital Community College
Statement:
Coming from a different socio-economic and cultural background I realize the richness diversity brings to our lives whether it be via music, cuisines or celebrations. Our colleges are a microcosm of the new global world and I want to showcase the 4C’s as an inclusive organization, willing to stand in solidarity with ALL people.
As a staunch believer in the strength that comes from diversity, I will encourage members from all cultures to join in making our Union even more dynamic and inclusive.
I ask for and appreciate your support.
Membership Officer
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Elizabeth Pisaretz Norwalk Community College
Statement:
In the post-Janus world, I will strive to reach out to new members with the goal of getting them more involved, and to increase the participation of our long-standing members in union activities. I firmly believe that a strong union will take us into the next generation. I hope to utilize training sessions, webinars, social media as well as other technological advances to reach out to and retain our membership.
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Waynette Arnum Capital Community College
Statement:
I am looking to become the 4c’s membership officer to keep our union strong, honest and transparent so that our brothers and sisters feel good about joining the 4c’s. As the membership officer I would make sure that all our members have a voice in helping shape the future of the 4c’s. I will work in conjunction with all 4c’s statewide officers to achieve the goals set forth to making our union the one that every union member would be proud to be a part of.
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Treasurer
Tony Scott Norwalk Community College
Statement:
I bring a strong background and high level of experience to the Treasurer position at the 4Cs. I am proud of the improvements we have made in financial reporting, streamlining the budget process and the resulting additional transparency and control provided in management of the financial activities of our Union. Looking ahead, we are faced with new challenges from the real potential of loss of dues income due to the Janus Decision, as well as the integration of members from the University of Hartford, our first successful private sector organizing effort. I am looking forward to helping meet those challenges.
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Legal notice: This web page contains campaign materials from candidates for elective office within 4Cs SEIU Local 1973. By distributing this material, 4Cs SEIU Local 1973 does not endorse any candidate for office and is not responsible for any of the content of any candidate’s message. All materials contained in the candidates’ messages were prepared by, and are solely the responsibility of, the candidates. Under applicable law, 4Cs is precluded from editing, altering or otherwise interfering with the candidate’s message.