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FLOYD SPINNING TALES

Floyd Spinning Tales

To the Editor:

Please allow me to set the record straight regarding some of the comments made by Gregory Floyd in your April 13 issue on his selection as the new President of Teamsters Local 237.

Although he apparently talked at length about "his" plan to build affordable housing and make mortgages available for union members, that plan was established some time ago by the New York State AFL-CIO. Former President Carl Haynes and his hand-picked successor Floyd failed miserably at what was obviously their job: to let Local 237 members know that this plan existed and was there to be used. They failed so badly at that task that Floyd now feels free to present this plan as if it were a new idea.

The plan is so firmly established that the New York City Employees' Retirement System in 2001 invested millions in the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Fund specifically for that purpose. Other unions, led by more capable people, informed their members about the availability of these benefits so that they could apply for them. Haynes and Floyd failed to do so.

Floyd also claimed that he spearheaded the Hospital Police Firearm Pilot Program. Barry Feinstein first started the ball rolling on that program when in 1992 he attempted to make HHC officers a uniformed force and give them the right to carry firearms. Floyd was not even employed by Local 237 at that time. Carl Haynes became president in 1993 and hired Floyd because Floyd convinced him that he would win the right for the pilot program to continue for all Health and Hospitals Corporation officers; Floyd failed. The program was terminated by HHC.

Floyd also stated that he was disappointed with the state's budget because it did not appropriate adequate funds for the Housing Authority. He should know that the Federal Government funds over 90 percent of the HA budget and the State and City only contribute a very small amount, which really does not impact their operations. It's no wonder Floyd waited to be selected president by six of Carl Haynes's puppets rather than take his chances in a general election.

As a member of our great union for over 18 years, I will continue to fight to make Local 237 the truly great union it should be.

EUNICE RODRIGUEZ, Level III, SSA

Editor's note: Ms. Rodriguez is a former candidate for Local 237 president.