Letters to the Editor
Depressing the Vote at '372'

To the Editor:

In a recent New York Times article, President Veronica Montgomery-Costa of DC 37's Local 372 voiced no intention of changing the voting system. Why is Costa, who heads a local of 27,000 members, content with only 600 members voting?

It is plainly clear with only 2 percent of the members participating that this system needs change. Why would Costa prevent us from voting by mail-in ballot? Costa told the Times: "Local 372's constitution permitted the system of voting at union headquarters on a single day."

What Costa failed to tell the reporter was that our constitution also allows mail-in ballots like other locals. It in fact states in Article VII Section 5 in the constitution: officers shall be elected by secret ballot vote and the balloting shall be conducted as to afford to all members a reasonable opportunity to vote.

Expecting 27,000 members, whose titles disperse them throughout the five boroughs and whose schedules are already stretched to capacity with myriad responsibilities to go into Manhattan to vote is not reasonable.

Smaller locals in DC 37 have mail-in ballots, which result in a far greater percentage of members exercising their right to vote.

Costa states: "One problem with mail ballots is the cost - about $2.50 per union member, or $67,000 for Local 372."

It should be asked of Ms. Costa then: How much did it cost to send 300 of your loyal supporters on annual shop steward weekends? Local 372 membership dues footed their two nights and three days at the Rye Hilton Hotel for a weekend of filet mignon and shrimp cocktails. Couldn't that money have indeed gone to mailin balloting?

Ms. Costa: Why do you fear mail-in ballots? (Ignoring your disingenuous arguments about cost.) What have you got to fear if you, as a union leader, have done your best for the membership of Local 372? If the membership is satisfied that you have done right by it, the mail-in ballots will do nothing but validate your tenure as president of Local 372.

Ms. Costa, trying to justify why only 600 members out of 27,000 get a chance to vote smacks of corruption.

We must stop the abuse.

TONY VEGA, Supporter, Mail Ballot Slate