Elections, resolutions highlight Fall DA

UUP President Phil Smith presides over the 2012 Fall DA in Buffalo. Nearly 300 delegates attended the meeting of the union's policymaking body Oct. 12-13 where they voted on a dozen resolutions, special orders of business and constitutional amendments.

In a special election, the delegates chose Edison Bond, Jr., Downstate Chapter VP for Professionals, as interim Membership Development Officer.

Bond replaces Bob Rees of Alfred, who was selected by the UUP Executive Board as interim MDO following the resignation of Ed Quinn in August. Bond will serve the remainder of Quinn's term that expires May 31, 2013.

Bond's election as MDO created a vacancy on the UUP Executive Board. Delegates elected Stony Brook Chapter President Arty Shertzer to assume Bond's seat. Shertzer was elected without opposition.

Delegates approved a constitutional amendment to enable associate membership in NYSUT to members who are non-renewed or whose positions are retrenched. Delegates defeated another constitutional amendment to hold chapter elections every three years instead of the current two years.

Delegates also honored the five SUNY students who received UUP scholarships and three members who received outstanding achievement awards.

A complete report on the 2012 Fall DA will be featured in the November/December issue of The Voice. Minutes of the meeting are posted on Leadernet.