New Haven Independent

Union Elects New Leaders

by Melissa Bailey | November 6, 2009 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

As they head into contract negotiations in a bleak economy, city workers chose a familiar face to carry on the legacy of an outgoing union president.

Cherlyn Poindexter (pictured) was elected Thursday as president of AFSCME Local 3144, the city’s management union, after a heated campaign.

Poindexter, who’s currently the union vice president, beat out city investigator Rich Bayer by a vote of 183 to 132. (Click here for background on the race.)

She ran with the full support of outgoing president Larry Amendola, who recently retired and is stepping down as president after 23 years.

“I’m glad for her,” said Amendola after the vote. “She’ll do a great job.”

The election took place two days after a citywide election with anemic voter turnout. By contrast, voter turnout Thursday was high: 78 percent of the union, or 315 of 406 members, cast ballots in the basement of the Hall of Records.

Poindexter, who’s 43, works as a security analyst in the fire department. She’s worked for the city for 25 years and has been active in the union for the past 12.

Earlier in the day, Poindexter and the other candidates greeted voters as they went into the Hall of Records at 200 Orange St. Rather than talk about the past and the layoffs the union suffered, she focused on the upcoming contract negotiations that begin in January. She said her union experience prepares her to lead that fight.

“It’s a new day,” she said. “We’ve got to start working real soon.” (She couldn’t be reached for comment after the vote.)

Among her supporters was Mae Ola Reddick, who’s worked for the city since 1965. Reddick, a former alderwoman, said Poindexter earned her support when she stuck with her in a recent battle over pay. Reddick added that she’s especially proud to see the first African-American person in her memory elected to the union’s highest seat — “and she’s a woman, too.”

Elaine Braffman, a neighborhood specialist for the Livable City Initiative, won a three-way race for union vice president.

Braffman got 139 votes, Richard “Dickie” Bell got 89 and Thomas Verderame got 81.
Bell conceded the race to Braffman, avoiding a runoff vote. Braffman has worked for the city for 13 years. Before that, she served as alderwoman in Beaver Hill’s Ward 28 from 1988 to 1996.

“I want to humbly thank the members of the union for supporting me. I will not disappoint them,” Braffman said after the vote. She turned her attention to uniting the rank and file to prepare for the next round of negotiations.

“We have a huge job ahead of us,” she said. “Now we have to all come together.”

Share this story

Share |

Comments

Posted by: Politics as usual | November 6, 2009 10:01 AM

Great for 3144 membership! More of the same favoritism, backroom deals for buddies and all with Larry's blessing. Larry sat there watching everyone cast their ballot... What a joke. When's the next election?

Posted by: Member3144 | November 6, 2009 11:27 AM

Dont worry about the next election, just sit back enjoy real, positive change!

Posted by: 3144 | November 6, 2009 1:34 PM

our opportunity for real, positive change was lost when we didn't vote Richie in.

its a sad day for everyone.

Posted by: RICHARD BELL | November 6, 2009 2:55 PM

TO MY UNION SISTERS AND BROTHERS WHO VOTED FOR ME
THANK YOU.

DICK BELL

Posted by: 3144electionchair | November 6, 2009 4:00 PM

I would like to commend all the candidates for a pleasant and professional election day; they were all extremely dignified under the day's pressure. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners for a job well done. For the candidates who did not attain their goal yesterday, I believe you are all strong enough to return your membership role and support our new officers during the next two years. To all the election checkers, counters, spotters and alternatives, my sincerest thanks for your hard work and professionalism that made the day run very smoothly for all of us. To Tom Fascio, our Council 4 representative, my warmest thanks for all your input and assistance. To all the members of Local 3144 who supported and voted for their candidates, you all did your union proud with your overwhelming turnout. AND lastly to all the retirees who showed their interest and to Larrry, our outgoing president, thank you all for lighting the path that this union should follow. I trust that our new leadership will only make that path glow brighter!

Posted by: silentobserver | November 6, 2009 4:11 PM

It is the people like "Politics as Usual" and "3144" with their negativism that stand in the way of progress. The election is over, it's done, give it up already! Let's see what some "Girl Power" can do before you start whining and complaining! What's the matter? The boys can't take not having a stronghold on this union! Well, just take a look at our membership. I bet the majority of us are women!!

Posted by: Politics as Usual | November 6, 2009 8:50 PM

Dear Silent Observer....I guess you didn't put much thought into your posting name. People with different opinions than yours are not whining they are exercising their 1st Amendment rights. It's called America; we can have differences of opinion. Also, what difference does it make if the Union Pres. is a man or a woman? What's with the "girl power" reference? This isn't a Power Rangers cartoon it's a union.

Posted by: happyface | November 7, 2009 10:02 AM

First and second lady. Well how about that boys? Never under estimate the power of women.

Posted by: nancydrew33 | November 7, 2009 6:16 PM

Cherlyn Poindexter is a force to be reckoned with.
She will continue to challenge the administration to treat employees with respect, consideration and fairness, which is no easy feat.

Posted by: curious | November 9, 2009 10:21 AM

Politics as Usual:

Apparently, you're not happy with the outcome of the election. ... Thank God the Union members elected someone who will represent the best interests of the membership.

Union Elects New Leaders

Comments

Special Sections

Legal Notices

Some Favorite Sites

Government/ Community Links

Flyerboard

Sponsors

N.H.I. Site Design & Development

NHI Store

News Feed