Have You Cast Your Ballot in the UFT Leadership Election? Don’t Tarry

The word “politics” in our nation is oftentimes viewed as a “dirty word,” often connoting underhanded or corrupt practices. Common definitions reinforces that view,

the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power:

activities within an organization that are aimed at improving someone’s status or position and are typically considered to be devious or divisive:

And, sadly, discourages voting. Cast aside the innuendo, vote.

For the last week intense “politicking” has been going on in Rome among the cardinals. On Wednesday 133 cardinals will be locked in the Sistine Chapel until 2/3 of the cardinals agree on the next Pope, the movie, “Conclave” portrayed the process as intensely political.

The UFT leadership election, 190,000 potential voters, is a triennial political activity, the candidates boost their programs, and some decry the incumbents and is at times can be ugly, we are simply mirroring our political system, from George Washington to Trump.

For me the choice is straightforward, the incumbents, Michael Mulgrew and the entire Unity slate, tough and experienced, able to fight the anti-union, anti-public education forces in the upcoming months and years.

We are overwhelmed with elections, from the New York City Democratic primary on June 25th, for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents and city council by the new ranked choice voting system and the general election in November with the classic, most votes wins. The turnout will be dreary, maybe 25% of potential registered voters. Due to term limits many seats are open. Local UFT screening committees, usually chapter leaders, will interview and recommend candidates to the executive board and on to the delegate assembly. The current UFT leadership has a close relationship with local electeds, not by accident, but by hard work. 

Is your UFT ballot still sitting in the pile of unopened mail? The envelope contains a ballot with hundreds of names, just put an X in the Unity box and drop in the post.

Yes, “politics” can get ugly and turns off many potential voters. It’s our process of selecting leadership and a process we must cherish, as long as we have it!

It only takes a few minutes, voting is at the core of our democracy, don’t cede the right to vote!!

We need the leadership Mulgrew and his team provide, we can’t afford neophytes who see “preparing to strike” as a road forward.

The results will be available in early June, probably not by “white smoke.”