Clements the Comedian

This is in response to Arthur Clements’ ironic/comedic Letter to the Editor of October 26, 2018.  His topic is voter disenfranchisement at TWU Local 100 that he attributes to John Samuelsen and Tony Utano.   He contends that their actions have excluded some members from voting for TWU International convention delegate.  Here’s why it’s funny: the By-Laws were amended in 2009 by Roger Toussaint (and opposed by John Samuelsen and Tony Utano).  Arthur Clements fully supported these amendments.  The 2009 amendments included moving up the officers election, thus precluding thousands of members from running for/voting in the 2009 election.  The disenfranchisement of that election was well documented by The Chief in 2009. He also acknowledges that the Local is abiding by the system he fought to enact which “was designed to save the union money.” 

         But then he goes on to complain that International Delegates to the 2021 Convention are being voted on in the upcoming 2018 election.  This is consistent with the By-Laws that Clements supported.  He wants to know “why would Local 100 do this when there will be another officers election in 2021?” The reason, as anyone with a calendar can figure out, is that the 2021 International Convention is held in September, but the L.100 Officers election is in December.  If the Local waited until 2021, the delegates wouldn’t be elected until after the Convention was over.  Clements knows that this is true, but he refuses to acknowledge his role in creating the situation he now complains about.