As a proud Whatcom County resident, I would like to share my thoughts about this unique corner of this great state of Washington and the U.S. of A.  Nestled just below Canada, a couple of hours north of Seattle, and bordered by the Pacific to the West, we have some of the most lush and picturesque landscape to be found anywhere.  There are so many reasons why this area is such an incredible place to live, it’s hard to know where to start.

 

One of the reasons is the fact that the transportation system here, developed and implemented by Whatcom Transit Authority, is second to none.  Through the dedication, vision, and the help of their quality employees, WTA has created a system that serves the needs of a record number of passengers throughout the county.

 

I encourage each of you, as Whatcom County residents, to show your support for this service by promoting the goal of voting “YES” this coming April 27th for the proposed two-tenths of one percent sales tax increase (that’s 2 cents for every $10.00 spent locally on taxable goods).  Not only would you be instrumental in preserving Sunday and Evening bus service from being cut, but you would also be helping to save 50 local jobs from being eliminated and 50 of your friends and neighbors from the unemployment line.

 

Now a message to those of you who are employees of WTA; you need to have a little different approach.  As zealous as you may be for this vote to pass, you MUST REMEMBER, as employees of a public organization, that you are restricted by state law from promoting and/or soliciting votes while on the clock and/or in uniform.  There will be plenty of opportunities for you to help with the promotion and support for this vote, as Whatcom County citizens, off the job and out of uniform.

 

Contact your local ATU 843 Union officer to ask what you can do to make this vote a success.  Honestly, we cannot do it without you.  But, TOGETHER, we can all make a positive difference in the goal of preserving our current levels of service that our customers have come to expect and appreciate as well as help avoid the layoff of more than 50 of your brothers and sisters.

 

Thank-you for your support.

 

In Solidarity,

President Mark Lowry

February 1st, 2010

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Effective labor unions are still by far the most powerful force in society for the protection of the laborer's rights and the improvement of his or her condition. No amount of employer benevolence, no diffusion of a sympathetic attitude on the part of the public, no increase of beneficial legislation, can adequately supply for the lack of organization among the workers themselves. ~ J.A. Ryan

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