March proved to be another busy month for the State Association.  First thing was all the candidates that contacted us to support them in the upcoming elections.  Just in March, I had either in person or telephonic meetings with candidates for US Senate Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow, candidate for US House in the 7th district Bridget Brink, candidate for the 10th district Christina Hines, candidate for Michigan Governor Jocelyn Benson, candidate for Michigan Secretary of State Suzie Shkreli, and candidate for Wayne State University board of governors Shereef Akeel.  I will be discussing with the state board exactly how we want to proceed with support for primary and state candidates - both areas that we haven’t been active with in the past.  I spoke with John Beaumont at National about whether there are restrictions on how we can participate in new and innovative ways with non-traditional races (for NALC) and we will be sure that we follow the appropriate guidance from National Headquarters.  We will also be sure that we comply with the Hatch Act as well as OLMS guidelines.

      A benefit that we have already garnered from our contact with the candidates is that State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Huntington Woods) introduced Michigan Senate Bill 844.  SB 844 is the companion bill to HB 5483, which was introduced earlier this year by Rep Joey Andrews (D-St Joseph) which adds letter carriers to the list of public servants protected from violent crime by enhanced penalties.  There will be more to come on this issue - we need to get this passed in this legislative year.

 

      Internally, it was a busy month as well.  Your executive board met on March 31st to audit the books.  They ensured that all of our documentation was in order.  Thanks to Chair Tonya Casey and members Ben Dixon, Beth Bays, Ohio Walker, and Jen Rake for their diligent service in what is a very tedious task.  Sadly, I have to report that Treasurer Pete Palmer has decided to step down from his position.  I am personally sorry to see Pete go and hope that his future is as successful as the past year he’s spent serving the state and the membership.  I have appointed Nicole Wheatley from Branch 4374 to fill the remainder of the Treasurer’s term.  Her appointment will be effective when Pete leaves and she’ll be formally installed at the board meeting in April.

 

      Finally, it’s state newsletter time!  Look for it soon.  As of the end of March, it’s in final galley, so it’ll be sent to the printer any day.  Should be in your mailbox by tax day.   Special note for those of you who live in Michigan Senate District 35 - you have a special election on May 5th.  Please make a plan to vote.

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Here's a list of handy contact points:

Facebook group: NALC Michigan

Facebook: Ronald S Zalewski

Email: rszalewski@aol.com

State Office: 734-999-8080

Cell/SMS: 586-206-3770

Mailing Address: MISALC / PO BOX 794 / TAYLOR, MI 48180

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