Over 70 members attend October meeting

The October membership meeting featured two special events.  First, Marcus King introduced and allowed several guest speakers running for important elected positions in Atlantic County to address the gathering.  Speakers were invited by their request only and no one was denied access and no local endorsements were given.  Candidates included Jim McGettigan (D) and Frank Balles (R) for Sherriff, Jim Schroeder (D), Tom Ballistreri (R) and Manny Aponte (R) for Freeholder and Dave Kurkowski (D) for United States Congress.  After the candidates remarks, the minutes and financial reports were read and the floor was opened for the good and welfare of the union.  As usual food and door prizes were awarded and the fifty-fifty kitty of $79 went to Mike LaVecchia (proceeds of the raffle go to defray the costs of the hot food and refreshments).

After the adjournment of the regular meeting, a second meeting was held to address the national economic crisis and its impact on the Local 331 Severance Fund.  Fund trustees Marcus King, Brad Yeakel, and employer trustee Arthur Henry were present (employer trustee Thomas Ritter was unable to attend).  Fund financial advisor Bryce Barnes and fund attorney Jim Beal also were available.  Mr. Beal addressed the member’s questions, including several proposals from member Dominick DiDato.  He also reported in detail how the diligence of the Local 331 fund managers prevented catastrophic losses such as those experienced by many other funds recently.  The suggestions from the floor will be considered by the fund trustees and another follow up meeting will be held in the new year.