THE BURNING EMBER 29

BULLFROG SENT PACKING

I cannot describe how excited I am. The membership has made their voice heard. They spoke and have now shown bullfrog the exit. Isn't democracy grand? I love it. I have to admit that I had some apprehension as I waited for the results. Throughout the night I had several of my sources reporting to me on the counting. Surprisingly, bullfrog came in the back door just before the ballots came downstairs to be counted. He strutted around trying to look important. One of my sources who was there to help with the counting told me early on what the results would be, and he called it quite accurately. I was a bit taken aback by his great insight, but then he told me that after the ballots were opened he helped to put the general ballots into stacks of 25 and as he did course as he did he was able to see the votes. Though he could not make an accurate count, he could see the trend. He related that it was fun to be able to see that Mr. Dunsmore and Mr. Cogan were going to win before the counting actually started. Of course he kept that to himself as he did not want to spoil the surprise for bullfrog. As time passed, the bullfrog's mood started to drop off fast as the numbers began to stack up against him. It became keenly clear very early, almost from the start, that he was not only not going to win, but that he was not even going to get enough votes to even make the race for second close. He sat down on the podium pouting while the count continued. What was funny though was when the folks counting stopped to have some dinner about eight he left without a word. My sources told me everyone just chuckled to themselves and then went back to work. Since then no one has seen or heard from him. When the final count was done the mood in the room was one of elation. Finally, after three years of this moron and his ineptitude we will be free of him. I also want to point out that it was not just a majority in all except one race, it was an overwhelming majority. The bullfrog had his head handed to him on a platter. I just cannot help but say, "Stick a fork in them there frog legs Vern, I think they're done." As much as I hope that it is so, but there are a couple of things that concern me.

The first one is that some of the lame things that Stinson has done to harm the local in general and the Clerks in particular are just coming to light. Another source sent me a copy of an agreement signed by Stinson and Shear where he had Shear agree to send all correspondence to his personal P.O. Box, not the local's address. This little paranoiac power grab has lead to the local being unable to meet time lines on grievances. This has lead to the loss of Clerk jobs at the plant. Bullfrog just had to get one more stick at the Clerk Craft. I am sure that the local will take action to prevent future problems, however we cannot get back the jobs that Stinson has lost.
I just want to ask him, "Hey Greg, you incompetent boob, did you again not think that management would not tell the local what you did? Did you think they would sit on this and keep it secret?" I am constantly in a state of amazement when it comes to Stinson's stupidity. He just keeps on lowering that bar.

Another other thing that concerns me is what damage the lame-duck bullfrog is going to do between now and the day that the new officers that control. We have seen what damage he is capable of over the past few years. Everyone needs to keep their eyes open and watch for bullfrog appearances. When he is spotted question him about what he is doing. See if he can give an sort of an answer. Then go ahead and make a comment on this blog so that others can know and act if needed. We will have to work together to keep the damage to a minimum.

The last thing I am concerned about is what stunts he is going to pull to attack the election results. I just do not believe for a minute that this buffoon is going to return to craft without stirring the poop pot and flinging poop everywhere. It is the only thing at which he has shown any ability. I can imagine that he has called National APWU. He will probably try and challenge the election results with the Dept. of Labor. Then there is the lawsuits. I am certain that now that he is not on the executive board that he will try and sue the local, the other officers, and maybe some of the members. Again, he has shown some ability in this area also.

Now I do not want to be a wet blanket, I just want everyone to keep in mind that it is not completely over yet. I expect bullfrog to croak some more, we just need to continue to keep those pudgy little legs over the fire until they are good and done and gone.

Now as to the MVS race, one question comes to mind, what the hell were those MVS members thinking? Maybe they thought Stinson could win and that would keep him out of their area. Maybe they thought that they could Clinton like a pudgy little place holder for Stinson to take over if things went bad for him. Things though are not always as simple as they seem. If Clinton resigns there will have to be a craft election. Given Stinson's less than stellar results in the general election, I am willing to bet that he will not do any better there. If Clinton does not resign, well MVS will have a Craft Director who cannot even file his own grievances--a director with no experience, no contractual knowledge, and from all appearances no ability to understand anything without having someone draw him pictures with large crayons. I am also fairly certain that there will be no official union position, like assistant craft director or steward for Stinson once he returns to craft--folks are pretty fed up with his antics and they just want him to go away. It is possible that another election could be held for the MVS Director at a membership meeting. I just hope that those thirty or so MVS folks who did not vote show up with the rest and fix this problem.

THE BURNING EMBER 28

BULLFROG STILL MAKING A STINK

Well I was hoping that it was pretty much over; that bullfrog had made his last croak and was now safely in hiding waiting for the vote. I found out otherwise the other day, as I will explain. I was walking out to pick up my mail the other day and noticed a very strong stench in the neighborhood. At first I thought one of my neighbors was putting some compost or manure on their garden but as I approached the mailbox the smell became stronger and stronger and it had a familiar stink to it--something I had smelled before. As I could not figure out what could be making this horrible obnoxious odor, I began to walk faster so as to get the mail and return to my house as quickly as possible so as to get away from obnoxious smell. As I opened the door to my box the smell became stronger, almost nauseating so I quickly reached in and grabbed the mail, locked the box, and started back to my house hoping to get away from whatever was causing the stink. I noticed, however, that the smell was still close at hand, even surrounding me. I looked down at the mail in my hand to make sure that one of the neighborhood delinquents had not poop bombed my mailbox. As I sorted through the bills, ads, and magazines I found the source of the stench that was worse than a poop bomb; a letter with bullfrog's home address in the upper left corner. It had the same stink only a little stronger than usual. I was curious as to what he had sent me, could he possibly have discovered my identity and sent me a poop bomb to get even. I cut open the envelope and was almost immediately overcome with the stench. There inside were four pieces of paper; propaganda from bullfrog and his fringe group supporters. As I took the papers out I began to wonder what it was that he had put in there that had such a putrid, rotten odor and there it was; his typical regurgitated made up "facts." Well as I am always interested in what my opponents have to say I held my nose and started to read, hoping that I would find new information or maybe some explanation for his actions. I was disappointed though, as it was just the same old made up "facts" that bullfrog has put out for the last three years.

A quick reading of what the bullfrog wrote shows pretty much the same line he has taken for the last three years—he attacks the rest of the local Executive Board and states nothing of what he is doing to support the members. It is just amazing that he continues to following the same ideas that have produced nothing but upset and problems for the local. Things that have directed the anger of the members towards him. One has to wonder why he does it, if he is so fired up to go after management why does he not that, instead of going after stewards and local officers. He claims that he works at least forty hours a week; however he has not been seen at the office for almost a month, this time. He claims to be 100% committed, yet he only attended 5 of the 33 constitutionally required meetings this year. I cannot figure out how that is being committed, maybe he can explain. He claims he is available 24/7, however, one of my sources told me that he tried to call and e-mail Stinson over the last few days and he received no response at all. I have heard this from many other members, stewards, and officers. I guess he must mean that he is available to his group of 24 supporters for 7 minutes a day. As for the web site he spawned, what another poorly put together crock of steaming horse dung that is. You can only access the site if he gives you permission, like some elitist “Country Club” might do. What is fun though, is that without his knowing, several of the members have obtained access to his site and have shown me what is on his site; sure enough a lot of manure, the dog pound and the fire hydrant award to name a couple. Both of which are aimed at Union members, not management. He continues with his attacks on other members of the Executive Board spewing forth a bubbling cesspool of lies, misleading statements, and vague innuendos. He states that this is what our dues can buy. I am fairly well certain that myself and many other members would not want our dues paying for bullfrog’s own personal hate site. Along with his attacking members, the other major theme I found was his continual pointing out of his own flaws which he sees in others; projecting as it is called. He constantly accuses others of doing things like misusing the local’s funds, when he himself failed to account for his use of the local’s credit card. Furthermore, he states he has the membership's best interests in mind, but when the membership directs him to do something, produce some receipts, or reimburse the local he just ignores the members stating he does not have to do what the members tell him to do. That does not sound like the supporting the members to me, it just smells like more stinking poop. I would love to go on, but you have heard it before and the reek of his propaganda is giving me a headache—just like everything else he has done to the local and its members. I wish I had done what several members did, that is when they saw the letter was from bullfrog, the refused delivery and sent it back. That is almost as good of a message as what will be sent on Monday. I am so looking forward to Monday, it is going to be such a relief when the count is finally taken and the bullfrog is sent back to whatever stinking poop pond he came from. I am glad that there will be no more of his fetid lies stinking up my mailbox anymore.

Hey, want to have some fun? The questions that have arisen over the past few months of Stinson failing to be at the office, failing to attend meetings, failing to account for charges on the local’s credit card, along with all his other failings are still waiting to be answered. I have heard that a lot of members are planning to show up for the ballot counting on Monday so that maybe they can get some answers from the bullfrog. It would be so much fun to watch the count and bullfrog trying to explain himself. It just gives me goose bumps thinking about it.

Just a quick note, I have heard from two of my sources that vice-presidential candidate Randy Hammock after speaking with Joe Cogan has retracted his statement. He apologized for buying into Stinson’s lies without doing some research and offered a public retraction. Though I applaud his renunciation of his propaganda, the damage has been done and it is too late to undo what was done. Maybe there is hope for him.

THE BURNING EMBER 27

JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT !

As hard as it might be to believe we are now down to the last week of voting. I am not sure how everyone else is feeling, but the anticipation is killing me--I want this over with now. The only pleasure I have had the last few days is that the bullfrog seems to be doing a fine imitation of an ostrich or a ghost. There have been no reports of Stinson sightings. Some rumors have him sneaking into the Union office at night making copies of his little flyers, but he did not make it to the Plant for his Friday night "pass out the propaganda" event. You cannot blame him as he did not seem to have much success with the last time he was at the plant, though he did manage to give some of his stuff to one of the MDO's on Tour 1. I am not sure what that was about, maybe he does not know that she was an MDO he did not seem to know many of the people passing by. Maybe he was glad to have someone take his flyer and not question him about his absences and his failure perform his duties. I guess he hopes to get her vote or maybe campaign for him, though I am pretty sure that one she is not a member and two she would not support him even if she could. He is doing a good job of hiding though. One of my sources told me that he had sent an e-mail to bullfrog asking about what he agreed to with management about the reposting of Clerk jobs. My source told me that at least three different MDO's told him that Stinson had met with Lisa Shear about management's proposed changes to several duty assignments at the Plant. Of course bullfrog did not relay any information about those meetings to anyone else. For those who want to catch a glimpse of the bullfrog, he is planning a meeting in Labor Relations this Tuesday 2 Dec at 8:30am. It looks like he might be trying to interfere with some more Clerk grievances. It would be great if several members could meet him in the parking lot or even on the second floor. I am certain that he would enjoy answering questions about his credit card use or his absence from the office. It would be a great surprise.

The only surprise though, that I am looking forward to is the surprise on bullfrog's face when the last ballot is counted and he is sent packing. Though I am pretty sure that when he loses that he will not go quietly into the night. He will more than likely throw a whiny little fit and try to contest the election. He has probably been plotting his challenge out for some time. Maybe he already has some correspondence supporting his case and all ready to send out with his usual misspellings, misuse of capitalization, and excessive bold type, which he uses to really impress others. He reasoning for challenging is that he thinks that if the election is challenged that he gets to stay in office. Nice try, in spite of what he thinks, the election results will stand until any appeals are heard and a decision is made by the Dept. of Labor and even if the DOL decides to have the election run over the results still stand until the new election. We have been through this before.

Even if his appeal fails though, I do not believe that even that will be the end of it. I am sure he will probably try to sue the local or members of the executive board with whatever false accusations he can dream up. He has made the threat for years and he has a real talent for screwing things up. No matter what happens, and no matter how much dust he kicks up, the most important thing, is that through it all he will no longer be the local president. With that sweet thought kept close in mind, I believe I can make through the next few days.

THE BURNING EMBER 26

WHERE OR WHERE DID

BULLFROG GO?

In what has to be the most brilliant example of 110% dedication with 24/7 availability and working 40 hour weeks Greg Stinson has disappeared. He has not been seen at the office all week, nor has he been in contact with anyone who matters during that time. Just to refresh the memory he has also did not show to the Executive Board meeting over a week ago. This has to be some super secret campaign technique since no one can figure it out. Someone please help me understand his secret plan. Maybe he is just pouting after Evelyn Dalton made a mailing with one of his opponents Ken Piper. Who knows? Along that line be sure to read Burning Ember 22 and the comments on Burning Ember 25. These really shed some light on the lack of experience and dedication on these two candidates.

Something else to be considered, the business of the local has been kept running in bullfrog's absence, like it has for the last three years by the other members of the executive board and the local's office staff. Which clearly shows that we need to keep these people.

Please vote.

I cannot explain the sheer joy I felt when I marked my ballot, knowing that the local's nightmare will soon be over.

THE BURNING EMBER 25

BULLFROG STINSON

DISHES OUT MORE

UNEXPLAINED PROPAGANDA

The election is just around the corner and the propaganda is starting to flow. I just received a copy of Sinson's little flyer and it is just amazing how many unsubstantiated "facts" the bullfrog is slinging around. Aside from the misspellings, poor grammar, and improper word usage which though distracting, have become Stinson hallmarks, he throws out a lot of stuff that just seems to be him projecting. For those who do not know what projecting is it is when a person assigns or credits their feelings or weaknesses to another person--something that Stinson does regularly. For example, in the flyers that I received, Stinson makes reference to "the Country Club Executive Board." The problem is that the term is so undefined that no one knows what the heck is he writing about. He uses this inflammatory language in an attempt to defame the other members of the executive board, yet he fails to define or support his contention or even provide the smallest of examples to support it. Some questions do come to mind though that demand answers from him.

For example, is he speaking of the current executive board? Since he is on the executive board does he include himself? How is it that the executive board is a "Country Club?" What do they do that makes him think so? Just so you know, he is a member of the executive board and the only one who makes purchases with the union issued credit card and refuses to account for his purchases, things like extra airline tickets to Las Vegas. He is the one who was investigated by the Department of Labor for misuse of the union credit card at the National Convention in Philadelphia. He is the one who gets paid to be at meetings and fails to attend. At last count, he has only attended 5 of the 28 meetings so far this year. He is the one that sends letters to management that harm the local. He is the one who pulls grievances, sells out stewards, and makes backroom deals with management for his own benefit. He is the one who is being paid to do a job, however, according to my sources, he failed to even show up at the office all day last Thursday or Friday or explain what Union related business he might be on, though he might have been on union business, if you count campaigning for local office as such. These actions all seem to demonstrate a "Country Club" attitude more than anything else, yet he wants to project his "Country Club" attitude and behavior onto the other members of the executive board.

However, let me point out that eight of the ten executive board members work full time at the Post Office and have to give up time from work and families to perform their union duties. Someone needs to explain to me how giving up overtime, vacation time, and family time constitutes a "Country Club." Stinson needs to stop projecting his faults onto others. Stinson needs to answer and be held accountable for his actions, a real man would.

Some members are going to question him at membership meeting to get answers. It should prove to be an interesting meeting. You should be there to get answers as well--and then when you receive your ballot you should hold him accountable for his actions and send him away.

THE BURNING EMBER 24

ATTENTION APWU MEMBERS

BULLFROG FAILS TO FULFILL

CAMPAIGN PROMISE

Well the ballots are not even in the mail and Greg Stinson has already failed to meet one of his promises, that of being available 24/7 for members and that he would give 110%. I have just heard from my sources that again the bullfrog failed to perform his constitutional duties, that being attendance at the November 2008 Executive Board meeting. Of course he failed to answer his phone and that does not seem to being available 24/7 to me. So, again he gets his pay and does not perform his duties and continues to make empty promises. It is going to be fun watching him sweat and twist in the wind as he tries to explain this at the General Membership meeting, along with the questions that have gone unanswered for the past several months. It promises to be one hot meeting. There are some very angry members who have been waiting for Stinson, who purports himself to be "available 24/7," to answer some questions, such as why he still not has not reimbursed the local for the extra airline ticket to Las Vegas that he charged to the local's credit card without authorization by the membership and of course there are the other unexplained charges. It is amazing that he thinks that the members of the local are so naive as to believe his empty promises--promises that have no substance and meaning just a lot of hot air.

THE BURNING EMBER 23

ATTENTION APWU MEMBERS

AS PROMISED

THE TOP TEN REASONS

NOT TO VOTE FOR GREG STINSON

Ballots will soon be out. I already listed out those whom I endorsed for office. Bullfrog's misdoings have been numerous and therefore had to be summarized and listed. It is my opinion that in order repair the local and make it strong again we have to keep these things in mind when we vote.

1. Stinson completely ignores the will and direction of the membership.

2. Stinson refuses to be accountable for his actions to members of the local.

3. Stinson has, at the very least, misused local funds and refuses still to account for the use of those funds.

4. Stinson, either intentionally or in clumsy attempts to gain control of the local, gives tools to management to use against the local, that being letters changing long standing policy and procedure, giving management unprecedented power and say in the internal workings of the local. He is fast becoming management’s favorite tool.

5. Stinson kills grievances and enters into agreements secretly with management to the detriment of the interests and needs of the local members.

6. Stinson actively sought to have APWU National put the local under trusteeship, even to the point of begging. He admitted to doing so in several meetings. The trusteeship cost the local a lot of money. Stinson was seeking to take away the right of the local members’ to change the local constitution.

7. Stinson works mostly for his own craft, ignores maintenance craft, and attacks the clerk craft.

8. Stinson rarely shows to the union office, yet in a blatant double standard he insists that other officers be at the office on a schedule he dictates. He went after the local vice-president for allegedly not being at the office, yet he rarely makes an appearance himself.

9. Stinson continually violates the local constitution. He fails to meet even the most basic of requirements; that of attendance at the Executive Board, Executive Council, and General Membership meetings.

10. Stinson failed to meet any of his campaign promises. One in particular, he promised to “take an aggressive stance with management,” the only aggressive stance he has taken has been against union members, such as the other members of the local executive board and any member who supports them.

I have seen or have in my possession all the documents that support all of the above reasons. For further details, feel free to review the archived blogs on this site.

THE BURNING EMBER 22

ATTENTION PDX APWU MEMBERS
HERE ARE THE NOMINATIONS
AND MY RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR LOCAL OFFICES

Well the nominations are in and the ballots will soon be out. I attended the October meeting and I was surprised by some of the nominations for office. The word who came to mind as some of the names were read off. Maybe you will have the same reaction. I had to ask some of the other members who were there who some of the people were that were nominated. Several offices had only one nominee. I was pleased to see that at least four of the offices will be filled by some very good people and highly skilled members. These four also bring a wealth of experience. The contested offices also have some very good people running. I have made my choices and I am going to work hard to make sure they get elected in spite of the dirty tricks that the Stinson is already trying. It is going to be a tough campaign. Below is a list the offices and folks who are in the running. My personal endorsements for them follow. As far as the offices of president and vice president are concerned, it looks as though "Send in the Marines" should be the slogan, and they are a couple of tough, butt-kicking Marines when it comes to dealing with management.

UNCONTESTED OFFICES:

MAINTENANCE CRAFT DIRECTOR--Mike Jolly

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION--Kevin Fraser.

DIRECTOR OF ASSOCIATE OFFICES--Anna Smith.

CLERK CRAFT DIRECTOR--Bill Martin.

CONTESTED OFFICES:

PRESIDENT

--Brian Dunsmore

--Ken Piper

--Greg Stinson

VICE PRESIDENT

--Joe Cogan

--Diane Randall

--Randy Hammock

SECRETARY-TREASURER

--Debbie Battle

--Evelyn Dalton

DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION

--Patty Olson

--Deborah Morton-Hamlet

EDITOR OF THE POKER

--David Baldwin

--Louis Deoca

MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES

--Ralph McEvers

--Steve Clinton

My recommendations: (In bold type)

PRESIDENT

Brian Dunsmore is the only choice. He has demonstrated time and again all of the qualities needed by a local president. He has stepped in as president repeatedly over the last three years. He brings a wealth of knowledge of the contract, union, and issues affecting the members of the local. He has demonstrated the skill needed to deal with the issues. He puts in the time needed to give the members the best representation possible. He does his best to make certain that the stewards are supported. He has also been instrumental in seeing the local through the problems brought on it by Stinson. Making any other choice for this office will mean a continuation of the problems that have plagued the local and its members.

As far as Ken Piper is concerned, to me he has not demonstrated the dedication that is needed by the president of the local. He rarely attends meetings and rarely participates in union activities. His only motivation for running is that he does not like the other candidates. He has sat on the sidelines for the last few years and only recently even started handling a few grievances. In my opinion, he lacks in knowledge and experience as well. Furthermore, I question his dedication to the union's causes in general as he shops and supports places like Wal-Mart which abuse their employees and actively fight against any their employees having rights. Supporting such places is decidedly anti-union and therefore Ken would not be a good choice as president.

As to Greg Stinson, there will be a blog about his abject failures during his time in office. In the meantime, read some of the previous posts on this blog to help refresh your memory. I have to laugh to hear that he even thinks he has a chance. I have even heard that he is going to challenge the election if he loses. His challenge will be on some technicality that he should already know. He is holding this like an ace up his sleeve. He thinks if he challenges the election that he will stay in office. He Greg get a clue--that ace up your sleeve is really the 2 of clubs. The Department of Labor says that any election will stand even if challenged. If the challenge is upheld, then the election stands until a new election is held. Nice try bullfrog, but it seems you cannot even get that right.

VICE PRESIDENT

Joe Cogan is the hands down choice for this office. He is the local's most experienced officer. He has the dedication, knowledge, and experience. He has negotiated several Local Memos. He has done and won numerous grievances. Has even done and won some arbitrations. He is so far ahead of the other candidates for this office in qualifications that there should be no doubt as to who should be elected.

Retiree Diane Randall, does anyone remember her and the problems she brought to the local. I have heard the horror stories and it scares me gray. I seriously question her dedication, as she has only been to three or four meetings in the last three years and then only to pursue her own interests. She did not even show up to the nominations in October. Now there is some dedication. She has not been active in union activities for quite some time and is lacking in current experience. She should not be given any consideration for office at all. If you think otherwise, ask someone who was here when she was in office, that should remove all doubt.

As far as Randy Hammock all I can say is who? No disrespect meant, only no experience, unproven dedication, and no demonstrated ability. He has also only been to one meeting, that one being the nominations.

SECRETARY-TREASURER

Debbie Battle is my choice for this office. She has proven herself and her dedication time and again. She has put in long hours, even in the face of some extreme personal adversities she continued to perform. She has made sure that the local's bills are paid and financial records are accurate and correct. She sacrifices a lot of personal time to do the job right. She is also a no doubt choice.

Evelyn Dalton is not the best choice. She has some experience and knowledge. I do question her dedication to union issues and her support Stinson in some of his blunders in the past brings her motivation into doubt.

EDITOR OF THE POKER

David Baldwin should be the only choice for this office. He has years of devoted service to the union and the local. He has fought for members rights repeatedly. He will bring great knowledge and skill to the job. He also has the experience as he currently is the editor of the Oregon Stater, the Oregon APWU's newspaper. No question here.

Louis Deoca I laughed out loud when this name was nominated. Really, I thought this was a joke. This man lacks dedication, he has only been to three meetings in the last four years. He lacks knowledge as demonstrated by the grievances that he files. He lacks skill and his only motivations are purely selfish and self-serving. Furthermore, in my opinion, he does not even have a basic grasp of the English language, as also demonstrated by his grievances. I would fear for the future of the Poker if he were elected. The Poker is read and respected by many on the national level, Louis' lack of ability would not only mean the loss of respect, but also would probably mean the end of the Poker as a means of information and connection from the local.

DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION

Patty Olson is the clear choice for this office. Along with years of experience as an officer and a steward, she has kept in touch with issues that affect the members of the local both directly and indirectly. She would be a great asset to the local in this office.

Deborah Morton-Hamlet no real experience, little knowledge, no demonstrated dedication to the union or the union's issues. I doubt she would look out for local's or the members of the local interests.

MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES CRAFT DIRECTOR

Ralph McEvers should take this vital office. He has served his craft well. He has worked hard to make sure that his craft and the local's interests are served. He has put in the time and effort to learn the job and to do it well.

Steve Clinton, no experience, no knowledge, no skill, no way. Steve continually demonstrates all of the best qualities of a minion in that all he knows or does is what Stinson tells him.


That is it. My choices for the contested offices. The people I support have demonstrated that they will serve the member's and the local's interests. They will bring the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to fix the problems of the past few years so that Stinson and problems that he has inflicted on the local will become a sad, but dim memory. Most of the other candidates are only Stinson's minions who want to take control of the local and turn it into their own personal Country Club. I strongly endorse my selections and I will do whatever I can to see that they are elected. Let's get with it. Look for the posts on my reasons not to vote for Stinson coming soon.

THE BURNING EMBER 21

ATTENTION APWU MEMBERS
YOUR LOCAL PRESIDENT BELIEVES
HE IS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU

Well the report is out. An audit report from the Audit Committee of the local’s credit card usage, conducted at the request of the membership, was presented to the membership at the last local membership meeting. I received a copy of the report earlier, but I have held of on reporting until after the Audit Committee made their report and to allow any person who might have used the credit card enough time to find and provide receipts. Well, enough time has passed and it is time that the findings are brought to light. The findings should cause all members of the local great concern. There were some items charged for which there were no receipts on file. Two of the items have been accounted for and receipts have been provided. The remaining charges, which were all made by APWU Local President Greg Stinson, have not. The following is a list of the unaccounted items.

A dry erase board that was purchased and is not at the local office, two airline tickets to Las Vegas for $280.00 and $412.00 both of which are Stinson’s name, postage $18.40, Hotel in Medford, OR $162.80, Radio Shack $19.90, Indentrus/Digital Signature $70.00, Office Depot $29.97, Best Buy $74.99, and Bardy Trophy $56.40. The Local Secretary/Treasure has requested receipts from Stinson several times and he has refused to provide any. The Audit Committee provided a list of the charges to Stinson and requested receipts or payments and he has refused to answer. The Audit Committee has offered to meet with Stinson; he however has refused to respond. The Audit Committee took appropriate action to protect the assets of the local. The credit card was canceled and recommendations on how to avoid future problems were made for the members’ consideration. I found it not the least bit surprising that prior to the audit he refused to authorize lost time for the audit committee for the regular annual audit. Makes me wonder what else he is hiding. Although this petty misuse and failure to account could be seen as embezzlement, my concern though, is the same one that has been on going for the entire time that Stinson has been in office, that being his blatant defiance of the local membership—his thinking and acting as though he is above the members.

He has continually done things in his time in office, most of which have been brought to light in this blog or the General Membership meetings. Every time that the members have asked for an accounting of his actions or have made motions to direct him to do things he has refused. His continual attacks on members of the local along with his incompetence and inability to take charge are what have caused the local to not be as involved with other unions in the community and the community at large. He has been an abject failure when it comes to community involvement. His only focus has been what he can do to benefit himself personally or what grievances or issues he can become involved with that will get him the most political gain; his egocentric actions have indeed hindered the local. If not for the individual efforts on the part of some of the officers on the local executive board the local would have faded to complete anonymity during his term. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for those who have continued to work, whether stewards or officers for the local during this time.

Everyone knows it takes more courage to step forward and make the effort than it does to sit on the sidelines and complain and point out perceived failures. I see and hear a lot of whining sideline sitters. They are entitled to their opinion; my suggestion to them though is to step up. The time for change is at hand; become involved in the local whether it is the first time or a return to action. The October General Membership meeting on October 19 is the place to start. All members should attend and do two things. One is to question Stinson about his failure to be accountable to you the member and two to nominate someone for or step forward to be nominated for local office. Yes, the job is not always fun; things will not always go your way, but you cannot change anything if you are unwilling to be involved. The time is coming when Stinson and his self-serving blunders will become nothing more than a dim memory. I plan on being at the meeting if nothing else, but to get some answers from Stinson so that I can pass his answers or his failure to answer on the members. I for one will be glad when Stinson is out of office, if only to set my sights and focus on the misdoings of management. Until then I will continue to shine the light on the bullfrog’s blunders.

In the meantime, contact Stinson to see if you can get answers, or at least get him to the October meeting. He seems to be hiding a lot or maybe he is in some secret meeting with Lisa Shear. You can call him on his cell at 503-819-7298 or you can email him at

orbulldog1@verizon.net or gstin29803@aol.com

THE BURNING EMBER 20

THE AMAZING

DISAPPEARING PRESIDENT

PART 2

Well, it happened again, the bullfrog again failed to perform his required duties and show up to the all of the local meetings that he is required to attend. He has been almost a complete no show at any meetings since April. It seems as though he is trying to avoid being held accountable for his actions over the last few months. One might think that with nominations for local offices coming up next month Greg Stinson would not miss an opportunity to try and perform some political maneuvering. However, his fear of having to answer for his failures and blunders it seems is keeping him from showing his face in public. He rarely even says anything, although one my sources forwarded a copy of an e-mail that Stinson sent to several members of the local executive board implying that they were mentally ill; another personal attack instead of working together for the good of the local. I guess he senses some degree of security hiding behind his computer screen or his caller id, where he does not have to face people who are seeking answers. His fear of being held accountable keeps him in hiding. Along with this fear he seems to have great contempt for the members of the local. Let me explain. The membership is the highest governing body of the local. Stinson was directed by the membership to not come into the office a couple of mornings a week in order to allow the office secretary and the local Secretary/Treasurer time to do their work without being harassed by Stinson. Well, in recent days the bullfrog has decided he can do whatever he wants—completely disregarding the direction of the membership. My sources relayed to me that Stinson did show up at the local executive board meeting last week; the first one in months. When questioned by other members of the local executive board about his failure to abide by the directives of the members his response was that he was not going to let the membership dictate when he could come to the office. Wow again, he acts in complete defiance of the directives of the membership, though he does not have the courage to state this in front of the membership meeting. This single act alone is a far more serious than any of his other blunders. Even his messing with the stewards list, his sneaky video recording of people in his office, his underhanded agreements with management, and his failure to perform his required duties as local president all pale in comparison. By refusing to do as he was directed by the membership he is stating that he can do anything he wants as local president and can completely ignore any oversight by the members like some sort of petty dictator. Well the time to start making changes is fast approaching. The first step will be the nominations of people for local offices. The nominations will be held at the October General Membership Meeting. That meeting will also provide another opportunity to hold Stinson accountable and to get answers to questions that have arisen the last few months. One only needs to review the posts on this blog prior to the meeting in order to refresh the memory. After the nominations are made then the political campaigning will start. I am certain that the bullfrog will continue to skulk about the plant as he has done the last few weeks in a vain attempt to gather votes. Maybe he can use some of his old campaign literature; I have some copies, where he promises to go after management to protect the rights of members. Members need to keep in mind though that Stinson has failed to go after management and has instead inflicted numerous problems and blunders on the local since he has been in office.

In the meantime, join the other members at the October meeting and start supporting the good candidates the will come forward. You can also come and demand that Stinson account for his misdoings; I doubt that you will get any intelligent answers. You can call on his 503-819-7298.

You can also e-mail him at orbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@aol.com.

THE BURNING EMBER 19

MEMBERS STILL SEEKING ANSWERS,
BUT NOW LOOKING FORWARD

As the September meetings draw closer, the number of members who want answers continues to increase. These people want explanations for the bullfrog's past blunders so that fixes can be made. Some members are looking into contacting the Dept. of Labor so that an investigation from that agency can be made into Stinson's failure to provide accountability for his use of the local's funds. I have heard that one of the other executive board members is looking into contacting the County D.A. to file possible charges for invasion of privacy and illegal recording of conversations being done by the bullfrog at the local office. All of this is being done in order to contain the bullfrog and minimize the damage that he has done to the local. As I have stated before, I will continue to report his blunders and failures so that members are made aware of what he does so that necessary actions, including motions at the membership meeting, can be made to keep him on a very short leash. I personally want to get to the business of reporting on management's stupidity. Along with seeking answers and making efforts at damage control, many members are now anxiously looking to the October meeting when nominations are made for local offices, knowing that that will be followed by the election, finally giving the members a chance to put the bullfrog behind them. We have already seen some names pop up for the various offices. I am pleased at the names I see coming up--I hope to hear more. It would be great if the problems of the past few months shakes the members from their collective complacency and causes more members to become active in the running of the local. The bullfrog will quickly become a faded memory, if we put good folks into office. It will take a lot of work and effort to get the word out. I would like to hear more from any candidate for any local office. If any, and I mean any candidate, wants me to put something up about them they can pass the info on to almost any steward. Most of the stewards know how to get a hold of me. So, let's get to it already.

THE BURNING EMBER 18

BULLFROG SUPPORTER
MAKES A FEEBLE CROAK

I just love the comments that pop up sometime. I do not agree with some of them, but usually, I just let them go, but one of the comments on the last post deserves a little attention. It seems that we have an individual who elected themselves to speak on behalf of the whole membership. I would be curious as to how this person came the conclusion that the whole membership is sick of the “old timers” I wonder if they did a mail in ballot or just a phone poll—whatever the case it sounds as though someone is angry that the bullfrog has failed to perform and wants to blame the rest of the local executive board for bullfrog’s failure. Fact of the matter is that for the most part all of the other members of the executive board, especially the local vice president, secretary/treasurer, and Poker editor have gone above and beyond the call in regards to making sacrifices of time and energy in the attempt to correct the bullfrog’s gross errors and to keep the local functioning. Business has been getting done and will be done in spite of the bullfrog’s bungling ways. I have continually pointed out specific things that he has done. Other members of the executive board have not called for trusteeship, other members of the executive board have not involved management in the affairs of the local, and other members of the executive board have not used the local’s funds without accountability. It amazes me how anyone could be so naïve as to assume that the problem is the rest of the executive board when all of those folks have been able to disagree on issues, yet they come together and support the cause even if it is not what they had wanted.

As far as the Greg this and Greg that, well maybe Greg and his puny cluster of supporters should look at the things that have been brought to light and come to the realization that maybe the problem is Greg. Now, I am not sure, what the commenter meant by “old timers,” but most of the executive board have not been in the positions they are in very long, maybe one term in office is an ‘old timer.’ The bullfrog however has been on the local executive board for more than five years, I wonder if that makes him an “old timer.” A closer examination of the make up of the local executive board would reveal a very divergent group of people—many different backgrounds and levels of experience and a wide range of years as stewards and officers. Yet they get the job done. However, the few people who support the bullfrog say that the rest of the executive board is the problem. Hey, wake-up and do the math. A person only needs to ask why is it that nine other people are always wrong and one person, Stinson, is always right. It makes no sense that such a diverse and experienced group of people, along with an overwhelming majority of the membership, would be wrong and Stinson would be right time and again. Let it be noted, however, that broad generalizations such as “old timers” without any specific definition is just a weak-minded way of poisoning the well and in reality makes a pretty feeble stab at those who are doing the job. Along with that, stating that we need new blood is also just another generalized pathetic argument used to attack others when a person cannot identify specific facts to support their arguments.

Now, as far as cleansing and purging the local of its mentality, again we have another generalized attack without specifics or facts; using a term like ‘mentality of the local’ is just a bombastic generality. No, definitive points are made only an indiscriminate attack on others without any supporting arguments. The beauty of such a mindless attack is that a person does not have to think of anything to support it; just toss it out there and hope the stink sticks. As far as “purges” are concerned, over the last two years Greg Stinson has been identified as the only weed in the garden, I do not believe that we have to burn down the whole garden just to get rid of one weed—selective hoeing works quite well. As a final thought, the current assortment of executive board members gets along very well, with one notorious exception, and they have done a super job keeping the local afloat in spite of Stinson's blatant attempts to scuttle it.

THE BURNING EMBER 17

BULLFROG ATTACKING YOUR PRIVACY

Here we go again. Having failed numerous times to find any misdoings with which to attack other members of the local executive board and the members of the local who oppose him, the frustrated bullfrog is trying other things. So now with all the forethought a of blundering lummox Greg Stinson is once again ineptly reaching into his bag of slimy tricks in what will prove to be another vain attempt to attack members of the local. This time though his ham-fisted actions are putting the privacy of all members of the local at stake and exposing the local to criminal and civil action. Now it is bad enough that he has taken personal information from the local office for his own use, but now he is stooping to a new low of treachery and deceit. Going back to something he tried to do before and failed at; he again has placed video and sound recording equipment in his office.

The last time he tried this charges were filed against him, however the National APWU intervened and prevented him from being properly disciplined. Now, in spite of a lack of continued support from National Officers, which was clearly demonstrated by the snubbing he received at the recent National Convention, the bullfrog has somehow become emboldened and is trying again to make video and audio recordings of members in his office.

Keeping in mind that he seems to be a very slow learner, one might ask how anyone would know that he has set up his spy gear; my sources have again been most helpful. Other than the fact that he was seen rummaging around in the vent openings, allegedly chasing a mouse, maybe it was Mickey or Minnie, the answer came from his own mouth. When a member, who was in his office, asked if he was recording her he said yes and when she asked him to turn the recording off or step outside to discuss an issue he refused. Well now there is a surprise—the bullfrog again showing no regard or respect for the members. Aside from the fact that it is against the law to electronically intercept or record a conversation without the consent of the person being recorded, this appalling action is a complete violation of the trust and privacy of the members, furthermore who knows where else in the office he has set up equipment.

A steward could be in the conference room discussing something with a member and not even know they were being recorded. They could be discussing discipline or even a serious personal medical, FMLA, or FECA issue and they end up being recorded for whomever to see. No one knows who has access to the recordings; there is no control. Members and others who come to the office have a right to expect a reasonable level of privacy; that is gone. Now, if I were to go to the local office, I will not discuss anything until I know that all covert recording equipment was removed. All members should likewise be concerned.

Maybe we need to purchase some spy gear detection equipment or interference devices and have the office swept clean. I believe we need a new president. All of this is because the bullfrog is looking for anything he can use to attack other members of the executive board and the stewards and members who oppose him. The members now need to hold him accountable. We need to show up to the September membership meeting and seek answers and direct him to remove all recording equipment. More importantly, we need to become active in the local elections this fall. We need to actively discuss the issues that have affected the local over the past years and support openly and actively the good members who will step up and will work toward strengthening the local. I have my eyes open and I am looking to see who is nominated in October. For those who wish to know I will share with you the names of those who I will be supporting.

In the meantime, join the other members at the September meeting and demand that Stinson account for his misdoings. You can call him on his cell at 503-819-7298; be aware he will probably record your conversation. You can also email him atorbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@yahoo.com.

THE BURNING EMBER 16

BULLFROG TAKING THINGS AGAIN

Local President Greg Stinson is falling back on his old tricks in a vain attempt to find ways to attack the local. Given the changes that management is inflicting on employees, his time and energy should be focused on management. Instead Stinson, the bullfrog, is attacking on other members of the local. Now we know that in the past, Stinson snuck into the local Secretary/Treasurers office took documents containing member’s personal information and made copies of those documents. He then told other members that he had “evidence” of misdoings on the part of the executive board. He stated he had copies of documents in a safety deposit box and he was going to file charges with the Department of Labor. The membership directed that an audit be held and one was conducted. Stinson, in his typical spineless, cowardly fashion failed to show for the audits, failed to produce any evidence, and failed to return the personal information he had stolen from the local. Furthermore, his attempt to file charges with the Department of Labor blew up in his face. Instead of going after other members the Department of Labor turned on the bullfrog like a heat seeking missile, which he narrowly dodged by lying last fall. So you would think that after the powder burns healed he would have learned a lesson. Nope not the bullfrog, he is once again up to his juvenile skullduggery.
This last week the bullfrog was again skulking about the office and snooping in other’s desks he found a packet of papers. One of the things that were in that packet was information and checks left to take care of business while the local Secretary/Treasurer Debbie was away on vacation. Well, hallelujah, the bullfrog thought he had found the “smoking gun,” wrong again Greg. One can only guess what the bullfrog did with that file—yep he stole it. He took all of the information and checks that the local Secretary/Treasurer left, including lost time checks for the members who attended the national convention and to pay the local’s bills. He stole everything, including the new credit card number, now that is scary, which was given to the local secretary to keep the local operating for the three weeks that Debbie is going to be gone—things such as purchasing supplies and paying bills and the information needed to process checks, including her pay and benefits checks. Just so there is no misunderstanding, this is the procedure that is followed whenever the Secretary/Treasurer goes on vacation—the local secretary is given the information and resources necessary to make sure things continue to run. Stinson it seems does not know this, of course if he showed up to do the job the members want him to do he might have known. Now you might wonder how anyone knows for certain that Stinson has these papers. Well again, in his dim-witted manner he admitted to doing having the papers in e-mails to other members. The editor of the Poker, who is also the Oregon State President, Anna Smith, has repeatedly tried to get these items back from him to no avail. The local secretary, with no other recourse, has contacted the Department of Labor and her union in an attempt to get her earned pay and benefits. Stinson is once again flailing about causing the local problems in an ill thought out attempt to hold the local hostage until he gets what he wants.
Turns out, one of the things that he wants is his paycheck, I have no problem giving him his unearned salary, if it keeps him from doing more harm to the local. Of course he seems to forget he was out of town when the checks were cut. More importantly he has failed to turn in his time sheet even though Debbie and Anna have repeatedly asked him to do—more things to seek answers for at the September meeting.
You should get a hold of him and insist he return the things he took. Call him on his cell,503-819-7298, or email him at orbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@yahoo

l.com.

THE BURNING EMBER 15

BULLFROG CHARGES ON

Well, less than a week has passed since the National Convention and the bullfrog is back in Portland and up to his tomfoolery—splashing around in the mud and making attacks on the rest of the local executive board and other members. It is of course understandable considering how he was continually snubbed by APWU National Officers. He must be so frustrated after having the National Officers treat him like the pariah that he is. It seems they are content to only let the bullfrog stay in office for the rest of his term and nothing else. He was real distressed when the National Secretary/Treasurer set him straight on his alleged charges. Maybe bullfrog will get the hint that national wants nothing to do with him, I think not. Now he is back in Portland, and if must cause him a great deal of angst to know he must now face the membership and be held accountable for his ham-fisted handling of the stewards list and his letters and deals with management, without National’s support. One might wonder why with all of that why he would want to add to his list of bone-headed blunders but he did.

It seems that the bullfrog believes that the local’s credit card is his own personal card in that he can charge things and not account for the expenditures. The local’s Secretary/Treasurer alerted the membership to a possible problem and the membership directed the audit committed to investigate the usage and accountability of the local’s credit card. The audit committee did so on July 20, 2008. The entire audit committee was there as were some other concerned members. Greg Stinson was invited, but in keeping with his usual duck and cover avoidance tactics he failed to show. The audit committee found some things that are very disturbing.

It seems there are several charges to the card with no receipts for accountability. The total of those charges is about $1068.00. The other two people on the card accounted and provided receipts for their items, which leaves only Greg Stinson as the person using the card. He was asked by letter to provide receipts, but has refused to do so. Another letter was sent asking him to explain why the local had to pay more for his travel to Las Vegas than for other members, he has failed to respond. I guess he believes that his is above accountability for his charges. His use of the local’s funds without authorization or accountability equates to theft and embezzlement, albeit petty theft. Now in typical bullfrog fashion he is splashing mud around in an attempt to cover his gaffes. His moronic response is that the local cannot prove who made the charges. Problem with that is that two of the charges are for airline tickets in his name, oops. I wonder who he is going to blame for those charges. Fortunately the audit committee cancelled the credit card in order to keep the bullfrog from charging on and to protect the local. Now, we have more members who now want him to explain this new issue along with the other issues that he has failed to explain. His time is coming.

The local membership meeting is coming September 21. I strongly urge all members to show up and get some answers for all of his misdoings, shenanigans, including his failure to account for his use of the local’s funds. Regardless, it is going to be fun to watch him sweat, stutter, and stammer as he tries to explain himself. I expect him to use typical evasive and mud splashing tactics, of course that is what the bullfrog is good at, wallowing in the mud.

If you wish you can call him on his cell, 503-819-7298 or email him at orbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@yahoo.com.

THE BURNING EMBER 14

DIFFERENT TOWN; SAME BULLFROG

Just a quick report. It has only been a few days at the National Convention and the bullfrog is showing his colors. After leaving a day early, have to avoid actually being on the same plane as other executive board members, and staying at a different hotel, again to avoid having to be with the Portland Area Local or Oregon State delegations, the bullfrog immediately began seeking meetings with National APWU officers in another attempt to bring National into the local's affairs. Of course when he does bring himself to speak with anyone from Oregon he puts on his good ole boy front acting as if he is not about to stick you in the back with his knife. Fortunately, the rest of the folks from Oregon already know what he is about and they tend to avoid him also. It is fun to watch him as he ususally sits all by himself as no one wants to be around him. He has become the epitome of a pariah--both with local and, what he does not realize, the National Officers as well. They put up with his tantrums only because he is still in office and look for the day when he is not. Of course he would not be the same bullfrog if he did not vote against at least one motion supported by the local. Anything that the local supports he opposes, as usual. If anything new comes up, look for it here.

THE BURNING EMBER 13

KEEPING HIS TIES WITH MANAGEMENT

Nothing changes; the bullfrog continues his odious dealings with management. This time he is attempting to use management to attack my good brothers and sisters in MVS. Before I get to that, there is something I wish to address. I have heard from some members that they would like to see this blog address issues other than those of our local president. They seem to want the issues with the bullfrog to go away. Yeah, I would love to focus my attention full bore on things that are happening here with stupid supervisors who discipline people for getting cancer or with double-dealing senior plant managers who expect employees to believe how much he cares about them, yet he refuses to lift a finger to help them. The list is long, however, we will not be able to effectively address the issues and deal with management as long as we have the bullfrog, Greg Stinson in office. He has continually done and continues to do things to the local that have undermined years of efforts, attacks on other executive board members, attacks on stewards, letters to management weakening and eroding the local’s strength. At the beginning, some members of the executive board tried to help and guide him so that the local would continue to be able to protect and help the members. Those efforts were wasted as the bullfrog continued to go off and do things that he wanted—things that harmed the local from sending letters to management to begging National APWU to put the local into trusteeship. I am one who cannot sit by and pretend that everything is fine, especially since the bullfrog continues to do things that are harmful to the local. I am going to make certain that his actions are brought to light, things such as letters to management, like the ones he sent to the Senior Plant Manager, Kim Anderson, on July 30, 2008.

I have in my possession copies of letters that were sent by the bullfrog to management. In those letters he attempted to interfere with MVS Director Ralph McEvers’ efforts to negotiate consecutive days off for MVS drivers. I have a real difficult time in understanding why bullfrog would want to prevent truck drivers from having consecutive days off, maybe he likes having split days off, but I do not and I am certain that most, if not all, drivers would like to have consecutive days off. Aside from that, the real problem though is that again, the bullfrog is going to management in a dull-witted attempt to control the local and we know that this is not the first time, nor will it be the last time. Fortunately this time the Senior Plant Manager saw this for what it was, a possible violation of the National Agreement and refused to be a part of bullfrog’s dirty deed. Myself, however, as long as he continues to be in office I am going to watch and report on his every misdoing. I am still tempted to go over to the Flamingo Hotel where he is staying and try to get some answers.

For my MVS brothers and sisters not at the convention, maybe you can call at the hotel or on his cell, 503-819-7298, though I expect he is going to be trying to meet with National Secretary-Treasurer, Terry Stapleton in an attempt to get the local in trusteeship again or at the very least to file spurious charges against other members of the executive board. You can also try to reach him at orbulldog1@verizon.net gstin29803@yahoo.com.

THE BURNING EMBER 12

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE

MY BULLFROG HAS GONE?

Last Sunday, Aug. 10, was the APWU Member appreciation picnic. This annual event is where the local executive board shows our appreciation you the members, both current and retired. Of this year’s event even I have to admit that is was a smashing success. The food was great. The weather was beautiful. The fellowship was warm and friendly. Those of you who were unable to attend were missed. I hope you are able to come in the future. There were some super prizes given out during the member’s and COPA drawings. The children’s games and drawings were fun. Myself, I enjoy watching the Safety Director, Roseanna Foster-Mikhail and our local Secretary-Treasurer, Debbie Battle moving about like a couple of mother-hens overseeing the children’s games and handing out prizes. I would never even think about getting between those ladies and their broods. Debbie should also be recognized for the outstanding job and unselfish efforts she put toward coordinating the whole event. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the other members of our executive board who put in a lot of time and effort before, during, and after the picnic. Local Vice-President, Brian Dunsmore, and Poker Editor Anna Smith among other things were continually moving about taking care of whatever needed to be done. Director of Associate Offices Bill Martin had arranged the food and MVS Director Ralph McEvers did a lot of the grunt work with trucking stuff to and from the local office and picnic site. Both also helped with the set up and take down of the event. All of the above officers did an outstanding job and sacrificed their own time to make the event as go off smoothly and be as good as it was. Their families also sacrificed time to help. Even the “Beer Garden” team of Kevin Fraser, David Baldwin, and Daryl Teckenburg did a super job in keeping the refreshments cool and flowing. The only notable absence was the local President Greg Stinson. The bullfrog was a complete no-show for any of the planning, preparation, or carrying out of the Membership Appreciation Picnic. He never even called to offer even the most piteous excuse as to why he was not there. Some of his supporters were there and probably wondering where the bullfrog was. I suppose that it is no surprise as he has continually shown that he only is concerned with a very small minority of the members of the local, his supporters. He also has not been to a meeting since May. Makes a person wonder why he fails to show as he seems to keep in pretty good contact with management; you know letters to Labor Relations and the Senior Plant Manager. Maybe he is just become a little shy. My guess is that he fears being held accountable for his appalling blunders over the last few months. I suppose he figures he can control the damage by limiting his public appearances. George Bush ought to try that. Got some news though, bullfrog can run, but he cannot hide. He is going to Las Vegas for the APWU National Convention. Even though he is leaving a day earlier and is staying at a different hotel, in an attempt to distance himself from the other executive board members, at a greater cost to the local by the way. I believe though that the delegates are going to seek him out and get some answers. I might even go to his hotel, introduce myself and see if he wants me to publish some of his excuses on this blog. That would be fun. As it stands he can continue to run, but his time is running out. If the answers do not come in Vegas, they will come at the September meetings. The members want answers. For those of you that are not going to the convention, I will try to submit reports as I can. It should prove interesting as he tries to avoid the rest of the local delegation in order to lick the boots and kiss up to the National Officers. If you want answers now, you can try to reach him at orbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@yahoo.com or 503-819-7298. Remember though, unless you are one of his supporters or an APWU National Officer like Terry Stapleton he will not answer, because he apparently does not appreciate you, the member.

DAYS LEFT

ONLY 138 DAYS LEFT UNTIL WE HAVE A

NEW PRESIDENT!!!

THE BURNING EMBER 11

BULLFROG'S PASTIME
ELECTRONIC CHARACTER ASSASSINATIONS

APWU Local President Greg Stinson, the bullfrog, just does not know when to quit. As I wrote before, he started attacking the other members of the local executive board right from the beginning of his term. He continues to launch his feeble personal attacks much to the dismay and disgust of many members of this local and others members throughout the country. One of my sources on the local executive board forwarded to me a copy of an e-mail that bullfrog sent to the other members of the local executive board and some members of the local. What follows is an excerpt from his e-mail. Bullfrog wrote,

“ I felt you the membership should be made aware of the true despicable nature of these persons who try to portray themselves as Unionist, who will go to ANY deceitful lengths of slimy behavior, legally or illegally. You all have my permission to past the email I sent to the E Board, around to ALL members so they can see what kind of despicable people they really are.” (All misspelling and capital letters were copied as written.)

I was appalled. Here he is making personal attacks on the other members of executive board. Now, in any organization it is normal for there to be differences—especially when the group is as diverse as our union. There will be debate, discussions, and disagreements, sometimes heated. Most of the members of the local realize this and treat it for what it is—just a fact of doing business. This is true in our local also. I have seen the members of the executive board disagree, discuss and then compromise in an effort to do what is best for the local. Sometimes one side prevails; sometimes the other—the discussions are never personal. Bullfrog’s attacks though are simply attacks on character of the other members of the local executive board. He makes those attacks for personal and professional gain.

In this case, he was angry that other board members did not respond to an earlier e-mail concerning a missing computer thumb drive. He accused two of the board members of stealing the device, without any evidence. Unable to get a response, he made an irrational attack on all of the members of the local board—a no fact attack. It was shocking enough that sent the e-mail to other members, but he had to go one step beyond; he sent the e-mail to APWU National Officers, other locals in the country, and even to people who are in USPS management, which causes me again to wonder why he involves management in the affairs of the local. One of the members of the local executive board, who is tired of bullfrog’s attacks, told me he even contacted an attorney in order to pursue a defamation suit against the bullfrog. Now, as if this character assassination was not enough, the bullfrog continues to make infantile and poorly thought out electronic personal attacks on the other members of the local executive board. I know I have seen and read the documentation that others have sent or given me.

I received a web site address and printed copies from the site from one of my sources. It is a site set up by the bullfrog. On that site he continues his pathetic personal attacks. It was just awful. He has a section on his site titled the “Dog Pound” in that he has listed the names of several members of the local. I was able to access the “Dog Pound” and I was shocked. There were things written there that were simply sad little personal attacks on good members of the local. There is also a section titled “The Fire Hydrant Award.” You can only guess what he means by that. In that section he makes a personal attack on one of the women members of the local board. The attack was personal in nature and completely irrelevant to any issue affecting the local. He makes attacks on union members, but never makes any statements about management. This is from a person who stated in his campaign literature that he would take a strong stance against management and who claims on his web site to be 150% for Union solidarity, though I have not seen it yet. Of course, when bullfrog found out that other members were reading what he had written he quickly tried to cover his tracks by changing his web site and denying access to it by others. I am wondering what the Union company that is selling the web space for unions to use would say if they saw that their site was is being used to attack union members.

The election is coming. We only have about 170 days until we get a new local president. The members of the local should keep in mind what the bullfrog has done while in office--attacking members and helping management, when the time comes to elect a new local president. In the mean time, the members as a whole need to keep the bullfrog in check, when he shows up at the picnic, the National Convention, or the next membership meeting he needs to be confronted by you the members as you deserve accountability and answers.

For more immediate answers, call him on his cell at 503-819-7298 or e-mail him at orbulldog1@verizon.net or gstin29803@yahoo.com