THE CHIEF-LEADER welcomes letters from its readers for publication.
Correspondents must include their names, addresses and
phone numbers. Letters should be submitted with the understanding
that all correspondence is subject to the editorial judgment of this
newspaper. Letters can be e-mailed to: RSTEIER@RCN.COM or
mailed to: Richard Steier, Editor, 277 Broadway, Suite 1506, NY, NY
10007.

Brits Out of Local 100

To The Editor:

Few times in my many years in Transit and as a member of TWU Local 100 have I found myself as outraged and enraged as when I came upon a photo on Page 1 of the March 27 edition of The Chief.

The photos was of a man with his arm around the shoulder of TWU Local 100 shop steward John Samuelsen. According to the caption, the man's name was Bob Crow and he was an official of a union of transport workers in Great Britain and was endorsing the candidacy of Mr. Samuelsen for the presidency of Local 100.

Could John Samuelsen state what possible knowledge of the internal affairs and personalities of Local 100 Bob Crow possesses to justify his insulting insertion into a private matter for members of the local to discuss, debate and decide?

By accepting and probably actively seeking the endorsement of an outsider, Mr. Samuelsen has exercised pitiful judgment and shown himself disrespectful and contemptuous of what is the exclusive sovereignty of the members of TWU Local 100 in governing themselves.

Shame on John Samuelsen! He has hardly begun his campaign and already he has shot himself in the foot. The next time he feels the need to solicit an endorsement, he ought to have the good sense to select someone who resides in this city for more than a few days and has at least the elementary knowledge of our transit system and equilibrium to find his way from Times Square to City Hall without becoming hopelessly lost.
RICHARD LAURIE
Conductor, NYC Transit