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From: John R. Hobbs IAM LL 2777
Warren Simmons IAM Dist..75

To: Membership IAM LL 2777 and
Attending Delegates IAM District 75

Subj: Florida State Council of Machinists Convention 21 & 22 Sept. 2002

Brothers & Sisters;

First let me take this opportunity for Mr. Simmons and myself to thank all who approved by their vote, sending us to this most important Convention. It is both our wishs to serve both organizations with respect and dilligence. The following is a short summary of the business conducted at the Convention:

Friday, 20 Sept. 2002

Our arrival was in just enough time to check in at hotel, and register at the Convention table in the lobby. The first meeting occured a short time later with us both in attendance, this was the MNPL Committee meeting which all delegates are a member. Brother William Lee, Council President greeted all in attendance and turned the floor over to the State MNPL Director Mr. John Gall. Mr. Gall's remarks were brief but very clear, this years election of a Govenor is being watched by all unions, not just in Florida and not just the IAM&AW. Our all out support and efforts were rewarded with the nomination of Mr. Bill McBride Demecratic candidate for Florida Governor. The entire focus of this meeting was devoted to encouraging all to fight hard for his election. At the conclusion of which Brother Lee stepped forward again and called the Preasident's meeting to order. This meeting is designed to allow local President's or designated rep. the opportunity to bring forward business that should be addressed at next day's business meeting. No one had any such business to be addressed so Brother Lee thanked all in attendance and adjourned until 9 A.M. Saturday.

Saturary, 21 Sept. 2002

Brother Bill Lee called the Convention to order, with the morning hours filled with introductions, roll call of Council Officers, and an explanation of the elections to be held on Sunday. Next Brother Lee read a letter from General V.P. Hooper, who wanted to appologize for being unable to attend this Convention personally. However, in his stead Brother Lou Brogna, Southern Dist. Rep. was in attendence. Brother Hooper went on to say that rumors had surfaced that in his Offical position, he was said to have "endorsed" Bill McBride for Governor. This is a false statement, by virtue of his position in this union, he is forbidden to endorse any individual candidate. This lead into the introduction of Brother Lou Brogna, who thanked the Convention for the opportunity to say a word or two. Brother Brogna reminded all that despite what you hear in TV adds " Governor Bush is NO friend to the working families in the state of Florida". Brother Brogna also reminded us that this election will be won by the Candidate who's party works the hardest to get people out to vote. He also reminded us of the entire Bush family's anti-labor policies, and that if union's in this country are to survive we must get everyone connected with us out to cast a vote for the endorsed candidates.
The next speaker came from the great state of Arizona, Mrs. T. Anzione the President of the IAM Arizona State Council. Her words were simple "Don't take anything for granted, work hard for everything", this coming from a Preasident who has seen her membership drop from over 6000 members to just under 1000 in only a few years. The next order of business was the credential call presented by Mr. Thomas Culbreth Secretary/ Treasurer, to which he reported 52 Delegates and 7 Council Officers for a total of 59 attendee's. President Lee than had Mr. Culbreth read off all the Council Committee's, their chairmen, and member's of each. After which Mr. Lee asked each chair to announce a time and place to meet, after which he adjourned for a 2 hour lunch and a reconvening at 2 P.M. for Committee reports. At the reconvention each of the 12 Committee chair's gave a brief report on it's activity's with only the By-law's Committee bringing motions to the floor. The first motion for a change to the existing by-laws centered on allowing unions meeting, and members living in Florida to pay Per Capita tax to Florida State Council even if the company's are based in the state of Georgia. It was reported that this was first cleared thru the Grand Lodge, and a motion was made and seconded to pass this By-laws change with the motion carrying unanimosly. The second By-laws change proposed by the committee centered on increasing the term of office for all elected Council Officers from 2 years to 4 years. A call for discuession brought many points opposing this change, after which a call was made for a show of hands vote which resulted in a two to one defeat of the motion. This brought to a close the days business, with a reminder by Brother Lee of the Banquet and social hour that evening from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M., which Brother Simmons and I attended. The main event of the evening was the Honoring of President William Lee for his many years of faithful service to the Florida State Council of Machinists, presentations were made by the Council E-Board of a Crystal Sculpture and a plaque with the Machinists logo and brass nameplate. A good time was had by all !

Sunday, 22 Sept. 2002

President Lee called the Convention to order at 9 A.M., with the first order of business being the nomination and election of Officers for the Florida State Council of Machinists. the President asked that the nominations and election of office of President and Secretary/ Treasurer be disposed of first, then each District could gather in a group and elect their own Vice Presidents, the general body had no objection so the process went forward. The following were the results:

President; nominations were Mr. Ernie Hartless and Mr. Frank Ortis with Mr. Frank Ortis winning by an uncontested margin.

Sec./ Treasurer; nominations were Mr. Murrey Hill and incumbent Mr. Thomas Culbreth with Mr. Thomas Culbreth winning by an uncontested margin.

The five V.P.'s elected were as follows: ( # denotes change in office)
District 1; Freddie Johnson
District 2; Bunny Baker
District 3; Debra McDonald #
District 4; Donald Morrow
District 5; Renee Garcia #
The gavel was turned over to the new President Frank Ortis who thanked everyone for their votes of confidence, he asked for any further business with none being brought forward. The President reminded all that the next Convention would be in Tallahassee March 21-26 at the Raddison Hotel. He than turned the floor over to Mr. John Gall for the final drawings for MNPL, which collected nearly $ 3000.00 for the entire Convention. The Convention was adjourned at almost 2 P.M. Sunday afternoon. This concludes our joint reports for LL 2777 & Dist. 75 respectively.

Fraturnally;
John R. Hobbs LL 2777 Delegate
Warren Simmons Dist. 75 Delegate

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