A Vote for Toussaint

To the Editor:

I read your article with great interest on TWU presidential challenger Barry Roberts on the Rail and Bus United Slate (Sept. 22 issue) several days ago and I felt compelled to write to you. I have been a Bus Operator with the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority for 24 years, and I must say that I find it almost insulting that Mr. Roberts and his posse have decided to choose Rail and Bus United as their campaign slogan.

I recall almost 6 years ago as a Bus Operator at Hudson Pier Depot when Roger Toussaint won his first term against then-president Willie James and additional challenger Eddie Melendez, the MaBSTOA regime began petitioning to separate themselves from the Local 100 leadership of Roger Toussaint. The plan was to give birth to Local 100 A. The powers that be wanted nothing to do with our fellow members on the Rail side. Roger Toussaint's victory was strongly decided on the Rail side, so what better way to prevent this from happening again than to start another local?

Trust me: those who are guiding Mr. Barry Roberts in his quest for control of this union are those same individuals who wanted nothing to do with our fellow Brothers and Sisters on the rail system. Is that ironic or what?

I appeal to my fellow Brothers and Sisters of Local 100: if you truly want to have unity and integrity in this great union of ours, please re-elect Roger Toussaint for President of Local 100. Do not elect a Sonny Hall puppet.

ALEX BORRERO, Bus Operator