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.