COVER
Circle of Honor NYSUT Bricklayers Local 5
Corporate Sponsor New York State Pipe Trades Association SEIU 1199
Patrons
Larry Bulman Chair – Saratoga County Democratic Committee Daniel McCoy Chair - Albany County Democratic Committee Doris Kelly
Sandra Goldberg Dan Kuffner
Judge Linda Christopher Aimee Vargas Debra Blalock Russell Frehling
The Dutchess County Democratic Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all our Patrons, Sponsors, Honorees, Speakers and Guests. You make this event possible
Invocation Rev. Sara Streeter-McRae Pledge of Allegiance
Keynote Address NYS Senator Eric Schneiderman
Welcome Remarks
Elisa Sumner, Chairwoman Presentation of Awards Debra Daniels Ron Diaz Patrick McCarthy Billy Riccaldo David Williams
Dinner Introduction of Candidates & Guest Speakers
Dessert
From Lucille P. Pattison, Former Dutchess County Executive
O
ur friendship began in 1972. I was canvassing our Hyde Park road for George McGovern and soon learned how close to home was the Vietnam War. Eileen’s only brother, Nelson McKenna, had been the first U.S. Marine from Dutchess County killed in action. Although Eileen could have shut the door in my face, she invited me in to discuss U.S. policy in Southeast Asia. It was my first encounter with the searching mind of this beautiful young woman - it would not be the last. Our years together in the League of Women Voters guaranteed many such dialogues, she a Republican and I a Democrat. She went on to become president of the League; I went into politics. When her League activities permitted, she was a volunteer in my political campaigns, starting with my first race for the County Legislature in 1973 and subsequent elections as County Executive. In 1981, by then a registered Democrat, Eileen won a seat in the County Legislature and in 1994, was elected to the New York State Assembly. During that term, she also received her degree from Marist College. Eileen’s years in elected office were marked by her concern for her constituents. She set a standard for caring responses to all who expressed their concerns to her. Her appearance at any political or community function was greeted with genuine warmth by all regardless of their political affiliation or stand on an issue. Her devotion to community manifested itself in her activities in support of the Mid-Hudson Vietnam Veterans, the annual Earline Patrice Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Dinners, the Hyde Park School, and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-kill, among many others. Eileen loved people, all kinds. She had a warm place in her heart for everyone, and everyone loved Eileen. Her charm and optimism were infectious. Her generosity of spirit put many of us to shame. She found joy in helping her family; and this family encompassed nearly everyone whose life touched hers. The thousands who stood by her during her sickness and suffering and mourned her death reflected a depth of love rarely expressed to a private or public individual. We miss her now; we always will; our memory of Eileen will never fade.
Dutchess County Democratic Committee 488 Freedom Plains Rd. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603 Oct. 7, 2010 A Message from Dutchess County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Elisa Sumner Dear Friends: At a time when our nation is polarized, when so few have so much, the message of our Labor Unions is more important than ever. Labor Unions are at the forefront, protecting and preserving the American way of life. Hand in hand we can work to address the growing economic disparity eroding the value system that has made America such a great nation. Here in Dutchess County, the members of the Democratic Party are honored to have you with us tonight. We are proud to recognize the men and women chosen by their peers for their outstanding leadership and contributions to their labor unions and our community. I feel privileged to salute tonight’s honorees on behalf of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. Assemblywoman Eileen Hickey created the FDR Salute to Labor 15 years ago, and the award was renamed as a tribute to her memory. Please join me as we congratulate our 2010 Eileen Hickey Award Honorees and thank them for their dedication and hard work. Thank you all for joining us. Sincerely, Elisa Sumner Dutchess County Democratic Chairwoman
October 7, 2010 Dear Friends, It is my great honor to send greetings to tonight’s Salute to Labor Dinner, and it is my great pleasure to show my support and appreciation for the labor leaders whose tremendous contributions are being recognized here tonight. We stand united, as New Yorkers, in our tireless pursuit of improving the lives of working families. Every working family deserves a living wage, a safe workplace, access to education and training, and economic security. These goals have always been at the heart of the labor movement, and they are shared by our current Congress and President Obama. Working families are the backbone of our economy and our country, and I am fighting to provide the opportunities we all deserve. Recovery has already begun, and more help is on the way. As your Senator, I stood with the Obama Administration to help pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To date, this legislation has already brought in over $1.7 billion dollars to New York to rebuild our infrastructure. In addition, this legislation has either saved or created 46,330 jobs in the state of New York. This investment in job creation, both long and short term, will ensure that New York continues to flourish as the commercial center of this country. There is no quick fix for an ailing economy, but we know what we have to do get us moving forward again. We need to create quality jobs with competitive wages, provide the education workers deserve, and put working families first--ahead of special interests and industry elites. Organized labor has been bravely fighting these battles for decades, and I am proud to stand with you as we continue to work for the middle class. I am deeply sorry I could not be here tonight, but I am thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the work of organized labor. I give my thanks to Chairwoman Elisa Sumner, the Duchess County Democratic Committee, and all of our Union Workers. I offer my congratulations to the recipients of the Eileen M. Hickey Awards and to our Keynote Speaker Eric Schneiderman. My top priority is to fight for hard working New Yorkers, such as all of you, and together we can continue to rebuild our great State. I hope you have a terrific evening. Sincerely, Kirsten E.Gillibrand United States Senator
Congressman Maurice Hinchey U.S. House of Representatives October 7, 2010 Dear Friends: It is a pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to all of you gathered at the Dutchess County Democratic Committee’s 15th Annual Salute to Labor dinner. Each year you come together to honor the outstanding work of the men and women of labor. I am pleased to have the opportunity to say thank you to all of our local union members for their hard work and to recognize the difference they make in our community every day. Tonight, I would like to offer special recognition to five outstanding union members, Ron Diaz, Dave Williams, Billy Riccaldo, Debra Daniels, and Patrick McCarthy, as they are honored with the Eileen M. Hickey Award. Eileen Hickey was a remarkable woman, dedicated to the constituency she represented. In being selected for this prestigious award, each of you has demonstrated a commitment to your unions and the ideals of safety and security in the work place. Please know that your work is very much appreciated. Again, I want to congratulate all of tonight’s honorees. I wish you all the best for a great event, and an enjoyable evening. Best regards.
Sincerely, Maurice D. Hinchey
Thank you to the Dutchess County Democratic Committee and all of our friends in labor for your support. You continue to inspire me with your efforts fighting to build a better future here in Dutchess County and across our great state. I am proud to represent you in Congress. Congressman Scott Murphy
October 2010 Dear Dutchess County Democratic Committee and Hudson Valley’s labor community: I would like to salute this year’s recipients of the Eileen M. Hickey award and send warm wishes to all gathered in support of this important cause. Hard working men and women are the true backbone of New York’s economy, and it is important to recognize their service. For the last 15 years, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee has done exactly that at the Annual Franklin D. Roosevelt Salute to Labor, and I thank you for hosting this great event. Working together, the Democratic Party and organized labor have improved the lives of so many people, and I applaud all of the work everyone gathered here has done in this regard. We need to continue these efforts in order to make sure that New York continues to be a great place to for working families to live. Just as they have a right to decent working conditions and a living wage, New Yorkers have a right to a state government that keeps a watchful eye on their money. That’s why as New York State Comptroller, I spend every day making sure that tax dollars are spent wisely and workers’ benefits remain secure. Once again, congratulations to the recipients of the Eileen M. Hickey award, and thank you all for your efforts on behalf of New York’s working families. I commend your commitment to moving our great state forward, and look forward to working with you to make it happen. Sincerely,
Tom DiNapoli
Debra Y. Daniels Mrs. Debra Y. Daniels was born in Peekskill, NY, where she lived most of her life and attended and graduated from Peekskill High school. In 1987, she moved to Dutchess County, where she currently resides. She is married to Thomas Daniels and have two daughters: Dinha Mercado and Nicole Daniels-Arnold; four grandchildren: Brittney Mercado, Erick Mercado, Destiny Mercado and Brianna Arnold and one great grandchild: Anthony Taylor. For 33 years Mrs. Daniels has worked in nursing. In addition, she has been a member of 1199 SEIU since 1986. She was a delegate for 16 of those years at Field Home Holy Comforter. In 2002, she started working for 1199 SEIU in new organizing. Debra believes that all non-union workers should be unionized because of the great benefits the workers could receive. In 2007, Debra started working for the Healthcare Education Project because of her strong belief that everyone should have healthcare coverage. Debra has worked on many campaigns over the years, including the 2008 Presidential Campaign for President Obama in Detroit, Michigan, where history was made. Debra believes that you have to be active in your community in order to make a positive change.
Ron Diaz  Ron is a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, currently residing in the Town of Poughkeepsie with his loving wife of 14 years, Carolyn. As one of three siblings taken into an incredibly warm and nurturing family with four wonderful children of their own, it was in early childhood that he understood the importance of family, friendship, commitment and hard work. After graduating Our Lady of Lourdes High School in 1979,he immediately entered into various employment endeavors. In 1985, he was accepted to the five-year apprenticeship program of the Local 201, Plumbers and Steamfitters, where he developed the skills and proficiencies required to become one of the leading welders in the industry. After 18 years in the field, and several mergers later, Ron was elected to the position of Business Agent in Local Union 21 in 2004. He has a focus and attention to detail and a commitment to preserving, maintaining and improving the privileges, health-care benefits, and working conditions for hard-working men and women, retirees and past administrations who fought so very hard for us over the decades. Today, Ron continues to play a major role within our labor community when working families struggle to maintain a quality within their lives.  Â
Patrick McCarthy Patrick McCarthy was born in Scranton, Pa., to Thomas & Helen McCarthy. He and his brother, Thomas, were raised in a strong Union Household, and was on a picket line with both parents when they were on strike. His parents, staunch Democrats, were active in the Civil Rights movement. His father was removed from a bus when stationed in Biloxi, MS, in 1941 for sitting in the back of the bus, then the “colored section.” Mr. McCarthy was educated in the public school system in Scranton. He is a graduate of Scranton Central H.S. and Mansfield University with a bachelor of science degree in history/secondary education. He was a permanent substitute and member of Scranton Federation of Teachers (AFT), where he was involved in a strike in 1975. He worked for 11 years for The Jewish Child Care Association of NYC at Pleasantville Cottage School as a Senior Child Care Worker and Caseworker. While employed there, as a member of AFSCME, he was involved in another strike in 1976, and served as Grievance Chair at Pleasantville and on three Negotiations Teams. He holds a master’s degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. He has been employed at Sullivan BOCES since 1987 as a SPED teacher. He has been a Union officer for 23 of his 24 years there, and for the last 17 as President of the TA. He has been NYSUT/AFT Delegate Committee of 100 since 1994, Political Action Coordinator since 1995, President of Sullivan County Teachers’ Council since 1997 and Vote Cope Coordinator since 2000 in Mid-Hudson. As President of Sullivan BOCES TA, he won “precedent setting” arbitrations dealing with Health Care for Retirees and Retiree benefits along with other arbitrations. He resides in Smallwood, NY, with his partner Frank Martinez, where he is active in community organizations such as the Smallwood Civic Association and Smallwood Lake Association.
Billy Riccaldo
As CSEA Southern Region President, Billy Riccaldo makes it his priority to ensure that the 40,000 CSEA members the region have fairness on the job, safe worksites, and contracts that reflect the top notch work CSEA members perform, day in and day out. It’s that steadfast commitment to rankand-file workers that has motivated him to advance from his initial activism to bigger leadership positions in the union. A CSEA member since 1973, Riccaldo began balancing his position in the maintenance department of Rockland County’s Robert L. Yeager Health Center with his union activities when he was elected vice president of the Rockland County Unit in 1998. He advanced to Rockland County Local president in 2001, a position he held until stepping up to the Southern Region presidency in 2008 from his previous role as region executive vice president. CSEA President Danny Donohue, who serves as chairman of the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund, appointed Riccaldo to serve as treasurer of the CSEA EBF, a position still holds. Riccaldo has served on the CSEA Board of Directors as well as being a delegate to CSEA’s International Union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He received the CSEA Mission Achievement Award for the Local Government Division in 2004, an honor that recognized his work not only within the Rockland County Unit, but also among the close to 20 other public sector bargaining units encompassing the Rockland County Local. He is proud to have played a key role in the tough fight to organize municipal workers in the Village of Suffern, a successful organizing drive that resulted in the Village of Suffern Unit joining the Rockland County Local. A lifelong Rockland resident, he is an active member of the AFL-CIO Rockland Central Labor Council as well as the AFL-CIO Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation. An ardent supporter of all labor causes, he can often be found in the community supporting brothers and sisters from other area labor unions.
David Williams David has been a Business Agent with Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5 New York since 2004 and a Vice-Chairman since 2005. He is married and lives in Newburgh, New York, with his wife Eileen and his children Brian, Sean and Casey. He is a Cornwall High School Alumni. After graduating he joined the United States Navy. He was accepted into the Apprentice Program for the See bees (Construction Battalion) serving from 1981 through 1986. His home station was Gulfport Mississippi. He joined Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5 New York in 1986 and has always had a strong loyalty for Union Labor and enjoys what he does. He is an active member of the Hudson Valley Building Trades. He also spends time attending I.D.A. and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation meetings. He has also been active in Scouts being a leader and assisting several scouts in their eagle scout projects. He organizes and volunteers on many projects throughout the Hudson Valley most recently completing the masonry on a concession for the Marlboro School District. When he worked in the field, he ran several large projects as a working foreman. He believes strongly in the Labor movement, local Labor and strengthening the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and encouraging others to do the same. He also keeps up with change in the industry and being active in the community.
We congratulate Debra Daniels and all tonight's honorees
New York State Pipe Trades Association of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada
RICHARD B. ROBERTS President
LARRY S. BULMAN Secretary-Treasurer JAMES W. CAHILL U.A. International Representative
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2010 Dutchess County F.D.R. Salute to Labor Eileen M. Hickey Award. Your continued commitment to improving the lives of all workers and their families is commendable.
Local No. 1 7 13 21 22
Business Manager George Reilly Edward Nadeau John Perticone Robert Philp Michael McNally
Local No. 73 112 128 200 267
Business Manager Patrick Carroll James Rounds Robert D’Amario Danny Grodotzke Greg Lancette
Local No. 373 638 669 773
Business Manager Robert Ambrosetti Richard Roberts John Hope Larry Bulman
Congratulations
to our dear friend
Dave
a dedicated labor leader the officers and staff of
Local 5 New York
Congratulations to all the Dutchess County Democratic Committee honorees including NYSUT’s
Patrick McCarthy
Richard C. Iannuzzi, President Andrew Pallotta, Executive Vice President Maria Neira, Vice President Kathleen M. Donahue, Vice President Lee Cutler, Secretary-Treasurer
Representing more than 600,000 professionals in education and health care
www.nysut.org 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455 518-213-6000 • 800-342-9810 Affiliated with AFT • NEA • AFL-CIO
Paid for by VOTE-COPE
Congratulations to the F.D.R. Salute to Labor 2010 Eileen M. Hickey Award Recipients. Your commitment within the labor community and to the needs of working families is exceptional.
From the Officers & Members Michael S. Salerno , President Scott D. Martel, Vice-President Larry S. Bulman, Business Manager Lawrence J. Gonnelly, Financial Sec/Treasurer
Local 1000 and Union Contractors working together to build a better future for our children “An OSHA Trained – Skilled Workforce” Heavy Highway – Building Laborers R.J. Merritt Business Manager
Steve Colacicco President Joseph Albano Vice President Mike Nowak Recording Secretary Salvatore Fusaro Secretary Treasurer
EXECUTIVE BOARD William Rowan John O’Pray TRUSTEES Brandon Robinson Anthony Ilardi Matt Suppies Sargent at Arms – Joseph Nooks
DDWC dutchess democratic women’s caucus
We Salute
this Year’s Eileen Hickey Honorees! AND let’s All eNCourAge our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors November toto get out the vote get out the vote November4, 2, 2008! 2010!
Jerry Ebert Tom Small Louis J. Setren organizer
Jack Sullivan
Congratulations to this year’s salute to labor award recipients
united for Justice in our Workplace and Community
Debra Daniels, 1199 SEIU Ron Diaz, UA 21 Pat mccarthy, NYsut Billy Riccaldo, CSEA reg. 3 Dave Williams, bac 5
On behalf of all working families in the Hudson valley, we thank you for your hard work and dedication Www.hvalf.org
We congratulate the honorees and salute the men and woman of labor for their spirit and dedication. The Hyde Park Democratic Committee www.hydeparkdemocraticcommittee.com
Labor Matters! Town of Poughkeepsie Democratic Committee Gary Levine, Chair
The Dover Democratic
Committee Thanks the hard working men and women of Labor; the backbone of our nation. Ryan Courtien, Town Supervisor
In honor of our union’s 100th anniversary, CSEA salutes all of those working to advance the labor movement in Dutchess County. Billy Riccaldo, Southern Region President Southern Region Office 568 State Route 52 Beacon, NY 12508
Sloan Haughton, Committee Chair CONGRATULATIONS HONOREES
JUDGE LAWRENCE H. ECKER
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
VOTE NOVEMBER 2
SUPREME COU COLLEEN
extends her bes Dutchess County Dem an SUPREME COURT JUSTICE Salute
COLLEEN D. DUFFY
www.friendsofjudgeduffy2010 extends her best to the JUSTICE SUPREME visit me wishes onCOURT Facebook (Judge Colle Dutchess County Democratic Committee COLLEEN D. DUFFY and its Salute to Labor extends her best wishes to the Dutchess County Democratic Committee www.friendsofjudgeduffy2010.com and its ND visit me on Facebook (Judge Colleen Duffy) Salute to Labor
Paid for by the Judge Ecker for Supreme Court Committee
www.friendsofjudgeduffy2010.com visit me on Facebook (Judge Colleen Duffy)
Mike KAPLOWITZ FOR STATE SENATE MAKE NEW YORK WORK www.MikeKaplowitz.com
JUDGE DAVID STEINBERG
salutes the men and women of the American Labor Movement Our society is a better
place because of you.
Congratgulations to this year's honorees and all the hard working men and women of the Hudson Valley
Best Wishes to the Dutchess County Democratic Committee & Chair Elisa Sumner
Alyssa Kogon
a much deserved salute to our Friends in Labor!
for NYS Assembly 102nd District
and
Judge Linda CHRISTOPHER For NYS SUPREME COURT Paid for by Friends of Linda Christopher
Ce le b 20 rat ye ar ing s
Averill & Associates Michael Rizzo, Creative&Director Averill Dianne Averill, Managing Partner
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Andrew Cuomo - Governor Robert Duffy – Lt. Governor Eric Schneiderman – Attorney General Tom DiNapoli – Comptroller Charles Schumer – United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – United States Senator John Hall – Congressman – 19th Scott Murphy Congressman – 20th Maurice Hinchey – Congressman – 22nd Mike Kaplowitz – NYS Senate 40th Didi Barrett – NYS Senate 41st Brendan Tully - NYS Assembly 99th Frank Skartados – NYS Assembly 100th Kevin Cahill – NYS Assembly 101st Alyssa Kogon – NYS Assembly 102nd Susan Tooker – NYS Assembly 103rd NYS Supreme Court Judges Linda Christopher Colleen Duffy Lawrence Ecker J. Emmett Murphy Dutchess County Court Judges David Steinberg Marco Caviglia