11/20/2024
With the Election just 2 weeks away, it’s time to respond to some things that are being said…..
First of all, from the very beginning I have stated that once I was challenged for my position as Recording Secretary of Local 820 I would keep my campaign strictly about me and the job I have done the last 4 years and would only engage if misleading information about me was being said.
The main question, especially in Meadowlands Garage, seems to be “who is Chris?”
-I am, and have been your Recording Secretary since 2020. I have been to Meadowlands and the PABT many times but unfortunately not during peak times when everyone is around. There are comments being made that it’s because “I am a Fairview guy and only care about Fairview” and “the members of Meadowlands do not matter.” There could be nothing further from the truth…… as a matter of fact, I have assisted many members from the Meadowlands Garage by answering questions and giving correct information over text message or phone calls over the past few years. I also am a Administrator of our Local 820 page and posts a lot of information for our members on a regular basis. I like to think our members are the most informed in the State.
My opponent is riding the wave of that I am not in Meadowlands Garage representing the members there. He even represents himself on his campaign poster stating:
“My promise is to remain honest, represent all members fairly, and diligently work at all 3 locations (not just the garage I’m from).”
But the truth in the matter is that in January 2021 Local 820 Pablo Gonzalez said he wanted the Local to have better coverage and to be more efficient. He then assigned each Local 820 Officer a responsibility……
Local President Pablo Gonzalez would oversee the entire Local and PABT
Vice President Carlos Gonzalez would be assigned to oversee the Meadowlands Garage
Financial Secretary Manny Colon would oversee the Locals financial services
Recording Secretary Chris Whisten would be assigned to oversee Fairview Garage
He also said that all 1st Step hearings should be held by location Delegates/Asst. Delegates, with the assigned Officer only holding hearings in a as needed basis. Each Officer has been assigned additional duties, such as 2nd Step and 3rd Step hearings as well as Arbitrations along with their primary Local duties (i.e President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary)
President Pablo Gonzalez’s vision of complete Local coverage and efficiency has proven to be a major success, with Local Officer availability being an asset to our locations and Delegates. That is what true leadership and direction is…… representation for all on a moments notice, not having to wait hours or days.
I respect being challenged for my position of Recording Secretary and actually look forward to it, because I see Election Day as my personal report card on the job I have been doing. But I also feel that someone running for a Local Officer position should be involved….. not just showing up for the 6 meeting requirement only in the Election year cycle. Here are some questions I would like to pose to the membership when considering your choice:
1. I (Chris Whisten) was appointed as Local Recording Secretary in 2020 by the Local 820 Executive Board, which was outside of the Election cycle. My opponent was in the position previous to my appointment. The question is, why didn’t he complete his full 3 year term and why was I appointed to Recording Secretary to complete the term?
2. There was an issue the last Election with campaigning and a way campaigning was done in Fairview Garage. That campaign issue triggered a response from NJT, all the way to the Director of Transportation and the Director of Maintenance. I shouldered the burden of that…… but there is a text message my opponent feels he needs to show people from me to him, which he is using to attempt to damage my character. The question is, what happened to trigger such a message?
3. There seems to be words used descibing me that I’m not sure if he understands the definition or difference between the words…… I’ve heard from members that I am being referred to as “cocky”……… I believe he is confusing the word “cocky” with confident, because I am confident in the job I’ve done and continue to do for our members at the Local, State and International levels on a daily basis. I’ve also heard that I am “selfish”……. another word I believe he is confusing with the word selfless, and there are many Union officials and members who would undoubtedly vouch for that!
Being a Union Representative is an honor that can not be taken lightly. One should demonstrate core values such as integrity, honesty, passion, professionalism, confidence and selflessness….. something I have proven in all my years as a Union official. I question my opponent’s intentions and values of being a Union Officer, and you should too.
I am a firm believer in the Election process and trust in our members. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, December 3rd for Local 820 Recording Secretary!!
