The sergeant-at-arms shall take attendance records at all official meetings of the Guild. The sergeant-at-arms shall maintain order and decorum at all meetings of the Guild at the direction of the chair.
- Dozie Chukwuka
- Prabir (Peter) Dhar
- Rebecca D. Freed
- Kolade Olukanni
Questions:
1. What makes you the best candidate for Sergeant-At-Arms?
What drives you to serve the members in this role?
Dozie Chukwuka
Did not provide a response to the committee.
Prabir (Peter) Dhar
Sergeant-At-Arms officer needs to engage in maintaining discipline, decorum in meetings. Accordingly, best candidate should have the knowledge, training of law enforcement, who had previously ran for this office undoubtedly plus.
Being union members for decades, elected delegate, possessing master degree in Engineering, worked for NYPD Auxiliary unit as Uniformed Auxiliary Police Officer 2000 thru 2003, law enforcement training. About 2009, I had ran as Sergeant at –arms candidate against numerous candidates, held second highest position qualified me to enter in runoff election, received about 1000votes. No other candidates have such background, made me the best candidate. AFSCME found violations for reckless activities of handful of our leaders during 2015 Local375 election , handed our rights, privilege to Administrators.
If elected I ,along with other elected members would like to bring peace back, safeguard interest of our professional members , qualification encouraged to run.
Rebecca Freed
I strongly believe in democracy. In a democracy, it is essential that everyone’s voices are heard. As a Local 375 Delegate for many years, I see much room for improvement in the way meetings are conducted. As a former First Vice President of a chapter and International Convention Delegate, I have experienced first hand the positive impact that a well-facilitated meeting can have, and know that we can do better. I am an effective volunteer organizer and team builder, with years of experience recruiting new workers into union activism via the Next Wave Committee and will use these volunteer organizing skills to build an effective Sergeant at Arms team.
Kolade Olukanni
Sergeant- at--Arms plays a vital role as to how a particular organization is prepared for various meetings and activities, with their primary responsibility being to maintain order within the local meetings at all times and i will do this responsibility to the best of my knowledge.
The sergeant at arms is the lagest supporter of any organization where he will always provide motivation and enthusiasm to members and new guests. This means he shows up to various function's early and is there to greet everyone who comes to the meeting.
2. How will you maintain order and decorum at meetings?
Dozie Chukwuka
Did not provide a response to the committee.
Prabir (Peter) Dhar
I had worked for NYCDOE as a teacher, maintained decorum in crowded Public School, in teachers’-parents’ meetings. I would set SOP of discipline for meetings. Execute appropriate decorum, discipline, consequence of violators. I would make sure everyone would have equal right to participate in meetings, use of microphone etc. and maintain fairness.
24 years local 375 member, elected delegate DDC, former elected DOT chapter37 ethnic committee chair, member of NYCHA, HPD, Former Uniformed Auxiliary Police officer - NYPD , have law enforcement experience applicable to citizens, knowledgeable in lawful handling of adverse circumstances , enforceable rules, regulations. Due to reckless actions of handful of members in Election, violations of AFSCME regulations, Administrator took members’ right, I will bring back members right. I would introduce a VDO record of meetings , utilize referred experiences to protect our members, whom the union is meant for.
Rebecca Freed
My team and I will ensure that the agenda is followed and that members’ time is respected. We will be fair in our treatment of all members and ensure everyone who follows Roberts’ Rules gets a chance to speak. Sadly, the history of Local 375 has been one of disrespectful, divisive behavior during union meetings. In my many discussions with my coworkers, they cite this as a reason they do not get involved. I plan on turning this around, into a positive and productive atmosphere for all. For instance, time limits on speeches might be controlled with a timer, perhaps with a unique bell tone and clearly stating guidelines quickly at the beginning of each meeting.
Kolade Olukanni
It is the sergeant at arms responsibility to enforce the rules. This means any infractions or violations of the local policies must be reported to the conduct committee for further action.
3. Name the most important thing you will focus on if you were elected to this roll?
Dozie Chukwuka
Did not provide a response to the committee.
Prabir (Peter) Dhar
I would focus on numerous activities such as: Being a member of the executive committee any motion which would go against our brothers and sisters interest, I will oppose. If moment come to vote in local 375 executive committee meetings like proposal of unreasonable increase of dues, health benefit reduction by AFSCME,D C-37, I would vote for “ NO”
I will take initiative / support in cooperation with other elected members to increase in-house promotion, step pay plan like SCA, re-open55/ 25 , Benefit matching Tier 6 with 4 through working with civil service, pension chair & others.
I will pay attention to our brothers, sisters in meetings to assure members would enjoy kind of foods they deserve and like, everyone must receive service with respect. Ensure all meetings of Local 375 can perform their agenda, without unnecessary interruption.
Rebecca Freed
As Sergeant at Arms, I will encourage the respectful behavior needed to build confidence in the union and protect our democracy. My committee and I will at all times acknowledge and respect the diversity of opinions and cultures in Local 375.
Kolade Olukanni
The sergeant at arms will always support the president by making sure he has all materials needed before the meeting. There must be loyalty and discipline. The sergeant at arms is there to instill this loyalty and discipline by carrying out any requests or orders made by the president of the local.