Laurie Reid for Secretary-Treasurer
Experience
I am asking for your support to continue my work using the strength of our union’s financial position to fight for our members. Over the past 5 years I have represented the members of the OEB as Local Vice President as well as serving on the Society Executive Board. With my experience in Society operations on the Board and on both the Pride & Solidary and Standing Finance Committees, I was privileged to become one of the two Board representatives on the Executive Committee. During this time I have worked with our Principal Officers on decisions for the operation of our union: relating to our assets, budgeting and financial controls, as well as the growth of our union through organizing. And now I am asking for your support to put my experience to work on your behalf as Secretary-Treasurer.
Campaign Statement
Goals
The Secretary-Treasurer needs to build on our past achievements. First and foremost, we have to recognize that the assets of the Society belong to the members. Their purpose is to provide member services: pursuing grievances, supporting bargaining, and enabling the work of the local committees in each of our employers. Our union has taken advantage of opportunities to support our member organizations and gained financial advantages in the process.
This next term for the Secretary-Treasurer will not be without its challenges. We know that our share from Bruce Power equity, a significant source of revenue for us, will drop considerably. The tax implications of the Trust also need to be managed. More construction at Yonge and Eglinton will create opportunities and difficulties. The ongoing loans for Hydro One shares and the financial implications need tough decisions. It will be especially important that the Secretary-Treasurer maintains our prudent fiscal practices as we work through these challenges.
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I intend to continue the work started by Michelle to improve internal operations and the functional running of the Society central. My job will be to build on the work of the Society’s leaders for steady growth, planning for known obstacles, and creating contingencies for the unknown. As a recognized union of excellence, the Society will grow by continuing to organize within new employers.
Endorsements
The Secretary-Treasurer must have the confidence of the members of the Executive Board. At this time, I am proud to be endorsed by leaders from the Executive team including: President Michelle Johnson, Joe Fierro (OPG), Martin Hastings (IESO), Elan Thomas (Kinetrics), Sharon Archer (Aboriginal Legal Services, Kosta Lykos (Toronto Hydro) and Morgan Koch (Pride & Solidarity). Please see www.LaurieReid.info for their reasons.
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This continues to be an exciting time for our union with political and financial challenges ahead. Working together we can make the Society stronger and build on our past for a successful tomorrow. I am asking for your support in achieving that success.