President Paul Thompson has responded by letter interpreting the International Constitution. Per this letter, Dan no longer holds any office of Local 161 or the Evergreen Trails Committee of Adjustment. Under direction of the International, your Vice Chairpersons have conferred, and Paul Schneider shall serve as General Chairman effective immediately.

In November of 2005, along with the elections of Local Officers, we  will hold election for the office of General Chairman. The elected officer will be installed in January of 2006 and serve for a term of one year. In November of 2006, a full General Committee election will be held with the newly elected individuals installed in office January 2007. Those terms will run four years and be on schedule with the International.

Again, all members in good standing are eligible to run for office. Those interested should begin garnering support for their campaign. The individual elected in November will sit at the head of the table for negotiations of our next contract. Now is the time for fresh ideas and new individuals to come forward and get involved in your union.