AFSCME re-elects three officers

Amanda Garrett

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 153 re-elected three of its four officers yesterday.

Ray Davis, who will begin his second term as president, said his goals for the union include enacting the new contract and making sure all the employees were represented fairly.

Vice President Dave Schuckert and Treasurer Saundra Leasher were also re-elected to three-year terms.

The only new officer was Marci Gaskins, who traded her old position as chief steward to become secretary.

Gaskins, who has worked at Kent State for 16 years, said she volunteers her time because AFSCME is valuable to the employees.

“The union provides protection for employees,” she said. “It’s the avenue for employees to make positive changes in the work environment. It’s the only voice for the working people.”

Davis and Schuckert ran for both the president and vice president position. Both Leasher and Gaskins ran unopposed.

The meeting also elected three executive board members and three trustees. Dave Brannon, Karen Harper and Ann Seadler were chosen to join the four AFSCME officers on the executive board.

Debbie Abbe, Karen Harper and Ann Seadler were elected as trustees. The trustees, who are elected to staggered terms, meet twice a year to help the treasurer oversee AFSCME’s finances. Abbe was elected to a one-year term, Harper was elected to a two-year term and Seadler was elected to a three-year term.

Contact academic affairs reporter Amanda Garrett at [email protected].