Page 7 - FOP March 2017 Newsletter

get passed over for merit?” to “Do you know who they meritoriously promoted over me?” And many, many more scenarios come our way as well. Although we continue to communicate to the members that the Lodge’s position on merit has been more of a watch- dog, some members want us to fight harder for more transparency and accountability with the entire process.
bers, first for electing me three years ago; and second for allowing me to work for them in such a way that I know has been something I will always cherish as the best job I have ever had. Even though times were unexpectedly rough, this has been the most rewarding position I have ever held in this job. On behalf of every- one who came along for the ride with us, thank you. I must mention to everyone that if it wasn’t for the women in the office, none of the hard work or the many accomplishments that were achieved during the past three years would have been possible. Each member of our staff has done nothing but impress me with the institutional knowledge and commitment to the working women and men of the Lodge. And most important, I must personally thank my family for put- ting up with the 12-hours-plus days, as well as under- standing me voluntarily giving up $210,000 in salary as a means of putting my money where my mouth is when it came to putting Lodge 7 first. There have been several people who have said that they were going to put the members first, but few of them actually did so in the manner I did. Sacrifice is sacrifice; it is not just a word, but a way of life. d
Personally, and this is entirely the Dean C. Angelo, Sr., position on merit: My suggestion is to put a ticket into a large drum (ala the Bozo Circus, “Boys and Girls” Drum of old); one ticket for every five years on the job. Put the selection on a live Chicago Access Cable station and pick one boy and one girl until you get your 20 or 30 percent. This would be as fair, transparent and accountable as anything we have experienced in the past. At least everyone has a chance (clout removed), seniority increases your chances (time on the job counts for something beyond bidding) and no one can complain (but that’s not guaranteed).
Final Remarks...or Not
In closing, this might in fact be my last article as Lodge 7 President. Or it might not. But I do not want to let this opportunity pass without thanking the mem-
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