The 59th biennial Convention of the New York State Association of Letter Carriers was held 7/6-7/8 2011, at the Saratoga Hilton of  Saratoga Springs, New York…. 243 delegates representing 20 New York Branches, and the 2 Branches of Puerto Rico(total representation of 25,529) and 16 elected State Officers attended the event..
National Officers attending were Executive Vice President Tim O’Malley, Vice President George Mignosi, Director of Health Benefits Brian Hellman, NBA Region 11 Dan Toth, NBA Region 15 Larry Cirelli, and RAAs Ron Adams, Mark Camilli (Region 11) and Tom Matthews (Region 15) Jeremy Goldberg, our RFC was also there, along with our good friend Joe Antal, President PSALC, Retired NBA Region 11 Bill Cooke, and retired RAA Region 11 John “PeeWee” Walsh. Morning training classes were given by both NBAs and their respective RAAs, and a CDL/Colcpe Coordinator program was given by RFC Jeremy Goldberg. All classes were extremely well organized and attended. The Convention was greeted by CLC Capitol Region President Mary Sullivan and AFL-CIO State Fed. Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs Suzy Ballantyne, who thanked us for our support and major influence on the special election in NY’s 26th CD success. All resolutions were passed, including a motion for National to stage a day of informational picketing nationwide, in support of H.R. 1351, after Labor Day, but before the end of the USPS fiscal year. An in-depth presentation by the national officers followed, detailing NALC’s positions regarding USPS and the current political climate. RFC Jeremy Goldberg set our legislative goals, and SSL/Director of Legislation Bill Cook gave us an update on NYS legislation. Bill also commented that both Representive Tonko CD 21 and Senator Gillibrand’s office would be addressing the delegates, while Representative Gibson CD 20, one of only 5 NY Representatives who are not cosponsors of HR 1351, would not respond, even though his office is across the street from where we are meeting. After a motion from the floor that passed unanimously, it was decided that we all would demonstrate in front of Gibson’s office on Friday morning, prior to the start of the general session, Over 270 strong carried signs and chanted “Sign the Bill” for nearly an hour. It was a terrific show and we did receive some positive news coverage. My personal thanks to Bill Cook and his dedicated officers, who were able to get the permit and create the signs for the demonstration. The second day of the general session was highlighted by the installation of officers which was conducted by brother O’Malley, assisted by brothers Mignosi and Hellman.
My special thanks to all NYSALC officers and Executive board members, for their help in making our convention a success; to host Branch 358, for their extraordinary effort and dedication, and a special mention to Credentials chairman Bill Shay, and committee members George Sarvis and Rich Hansen, for a great job..