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In our continued efforts to establish that Gracedale can sustain itself, we have possibly been remiss in giving thanks where thanks are deserved.Jim Irwin, the current AFSCME union Vice President did all he could do after Hector Rivera (the union president then) conceded in September of 2010 that Gracedale would be sold.
While the Coalition never lost hope (nor an once of faith that Gracedale would survive the senseless attacks), it became apparent to us that Hector had.The Coalition understood then - and certainly we understand today that Hector was looking at the magnitude of the job at hand, as well as who we were up against. And he probably said to himself...this just can't be done!!! We could not, and did not blame him, because there were many others who also gave up the fight as well.
Yes...it was a tough assignment. But if his vision was better, he would have seen what Angle, Stoffa, and O'Hare could not see in the dark - that COAF's resolve was greater than they could have ever imagined. And he failed to hear our spokesperson fearlessly proclaiming - With God on our side no one could stand against us. But Jim saw it...and Jim heard it!We did not despair? No, because Jim (not serving as vice-president yet) was able and willing to step right in (along with Ellen Weise) and lead his work-mates into action, leading them in the direction of the Coalition. Whom acting on behalf We The People, put all wheels in motion to take Gracedale out of harms way and into a safe zone.
Jim really made himself available to us in a manner which lightened our load, making our situation easier, and for that we are grateful and thankful.
In COAF's opinion, Gracedale employees should all be proud of their new leader - Jim Irwin. And should realize that they owe him a debt of gratitude. Because when Hector made the decision to give up, Jim made the decision to step up. And that ladies and gents is the difference between being a true leader...and wanna-be leader, you know - like Stoffa.
To the Coalition - Jim made a world of a difference!
Thank you so much Jim for being there when Gracedale, and We The People needed you.
I would like to thank Jim for all the hard work he has done. Both when I was working and especially after I retired! Along with Arlene, Wendy and Chris, they all filled in when the need was there! Thank you all so very much! Also Jim was there for the fight. He wasn't even an officer of the union at that time. Who else out there at Gracedale cared so much for his fellow employees? Sure as hell not Hector!
ReplyDeletePlease think before you vote! He is out there for ALL employees not just a chosen department!
My vote goes to Jim.. and yes I am eligible to vote in this election, since I still pay union dues to this local!!!! Good Luck Jim!!!!
Ellen Weiss
God Bless You Jim
ReplyDeleteJim shown for Gracedale better than the union itself. He was involved relentlessly because he cares. U godda love the guy.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting that this coaf organized group has such a great memory. I'm new to the GD issue and have been doing some research. You should all be commended. And Jim, you got my vote.
ReplyDeleteWhile this blog is not about reporting the news, we have to extend our hearts and our prayers to the victims and relatives of the Newtown shootings. May God have them all in his graceful loving arms.
ReplyDeleteJim indeed stepped up to the plate and heiped win when Hector threw his hands in the air and was willing to forefit the game. Jim has proven that in spite of tough odds he is capable of doing the hard work necessary to get the job done. And for anyone who thinks that Gracedale wasn't going to be sold---I have seen the paperwork signed by MR. STOFFA that would have turned over ownership if the referendum had failed. When you vote on Monday REMEMBER who STAYED and worked hard to save your jobs---it was JIM IRWIN!!! Peg D'alessandro Member of COAF.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow union member I know the importance of supporting one another. Your willingness to take over when Hector bailed out shows your character. Ellen and the COAF deeply appreciated all you have done to save Gracedale. Good luck on Monday. Jack
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against Hector,but himself he stood up at the last union meeting and said he is not a political person and does not plan to be. I am sorry but the things that are happening at Gracedale and with the county,now more than ever does the union president have to be involved politically. My vote is for Jim Irwin
ReplyDeleteI usually dont comment on these blogs but this time i am. People are upset at the 1/2 hr unpaid lunch...but get over it...u still have a job, would you rather gave back the other stuff they wanted..like vac days, personal days,more sick time and most of you dont even know they wanted your deductable for your insurance to go up to 1,000 dollars.Do the math its was a lot to give up but it could have been much worse,and yes they were going to privitize departments. Hector bailed out because his family came first,(which is understandable)but now does he mean the union comes first before his family?? i dont think so, my vote is for James Irwin..he really knows what he is doing and to help everyone at gracedale
ReplyDeleteRemeber folks, this Adminstration revels in turning people agaisnt people. Don't let them do it to you.
ReplyDeleteWhile Stoffa demaned all kinds of givebsacks from you, he was giving huge raises and extra benefits to other unions. Somehing the papers and O'hare didn't tell you.
There will never be a fair and peaceful life until Stoffa leaves office. In the meantime work together to stop Stoffa, Angle and O'hare from destroyng our important county services.
Let me tell you a little of what Jim did to save Gracedale in case you don't know. Many hours going to town meetings, knocking on doors talking to people,standing in the cold of Jan.out side of churches getting signatures,attending county council meetings, and still does, standing in malls getting signatures plus much more. COAF appreciates all the help he gave us. Jim stands behind the workers and stands up for the residents of Gracedale. You will have to look long and hard to find another president to fill Jim's shoes so think before you vote. Thank you Jim for all you have done, and continue to do maryann a proud member of COAF.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that there obviously are some at Gracedale who have not seen what leadership Ellen and Jim brought to all workers in Gracedale's darkest hours.They were there for the residents and the families as well.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question in my mind as to whom should be formally and officially elected President.
"When the problems got tough, Jim was always there.
Gracedale employees now know the reality and gravity of what could have happened.
Do not allow yourselves to be fooled.Think of your families and what you would have lost without strong leadership.
MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU,JIM.You are loyal,diligent honest,strong,and intelligent.
I am proud to call you my friend.
Joe
ITS SEEM TO ME THAT hECTOR NOW THAT THE WORK IS DONE HE WANT TO SLIDE BACK IN TO RIDE THE RIDE BUT DID NO PUSHING OR HELP WHER WAS HE WHEN GRACEDALE NEED LEADERSHIP HE QUIT AND RAN NOW THAT IT IS OVER HE WANT TO COME BACK FOR THE GLORY. ALL PRASE NO EFFORT THANK YOU JIM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL YOUR HELP. YOU WANT TO SEE THE SIGNED PAPERS FOR THE SALE OF GRACEDALE ASK ONE OF THE COAF MEMDERS TO SEE IT.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that there is any question what so ever about how and who lead the Gracedale forces to victory.
ReplyDeleteThe workers should be praising the hard work of Jim and Ellen's leadership.
Hector would not even come to Gracedale on a Sunday to get his petitions notorized.Ellen had to step in. All the grief that Ellen went through in court could hsve been partially eliminated if Hector came in to notorize his OWN petitions to SAVE GRACEDALE.
Wake-up Gracedale. Your future depends upon it.
I don't know of anyone who worked as hard as Jim on union matters and ridding County Council of the likes of Angle, Dowd and all those other antiunion folks...There's a county election coming up and anti Gracedale folks like Dietrich and Cusick will be running and we'll need Jim and his Gracedale friends if we are to bounce them from their positions..If union folks at Gracedale don't retain Jim they are absolutely, incredibly nuts!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is Jim's job at Gracedale?
ReplyDeleteJim Gregory friend of Gracedale, is being attacked by O'Hare for discssing the truth about the Stoffa/Mohr deal to build a building using up human services money.
ReplyDeleteTwo and a year's ago we needed a leader because our leader at the time pulled a Sarah Palin and Bailed. Jim steped up and filled those shoes and lead us throught the toughest time in my 30 years at Gracedale. Not only did he help save gracedale but he saved our jobs. Jim is a natural Leader and fights every day for us i see this every day as an officer . The political pull he has amast in two short years is remarkable and will be needed in the fight ahead of us.Lets not forget the friends he has made with the COAF who stand by our side they are invaluable in this fight.We need a Leader who will not give up and quite. My vote will go to Jim and i hope yours will to. THANKS YOU JIM FOR FIGHTING TO SAVE MY JOB AND THE PLACE I LOVE. also proud to call you my friend. Chris Dawson
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me there is only one choice. i want someone who will stick around not bail at the first sign of trouble. remember folks Hector BAILED ON US ALL, LEFT US HIGH AND DRY WITHOUT LEADERSHIP. vote James Irwin.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how anyone at Gracedale could chose anyone other than Jim. He works incredibly hard for the union and the folks at Gracedale. Most of this work is on his own time. I don't believe there is a union person in this county that puts forth even half the effort Jim puts forth for his fellow workers..He is one of the main reasons Gracedale hasn't been sold...If workers there decide to choose someone else, it'll be to their detriment.
ReplyDeleteC'mon folks be smart....
O'Hare is on his blog bragging about how he stands up for the employees union or not when they are right. Now that Stoffa wants to spend money on his building, he supprts the employees. Of course when we were fighting to save Gracedale he called ermployees thugs and worse. Her once again is not allowing any to commewnt on his attacks.
ReplyDeleteI hope all county employees remmeber this and are not fooled by the games played by O'Hare, Stoffa and the always behind the scenes Angle. Also, nexyt yrear, please do all you can to support the candidates who were willing to stnd up publically and support and help the cause of Gracedale and the employees.
If there is one think you can truly count on O'Hare and Stoffa are "NOT" doing anything other than benefiting themselves.
There is a long history of "money" contracts behind this Mohr fellow and Stoffa. Some at the courthouse are not suprised he surfaced on this deal.
ReplyDeleteO'Hare dismissing any comments about this. One thing all have leared is that when O'Hare attacks or censors things they are ususally true.
hector was a lousy leader when he was president why would any vote him back. come on he ran when it got tough and now that the contact is done and he thinks its safe he wants back in. WELL ITS NOTE SAFE YET. vote with your head vote for jim. stunned employee
ReplyDeleteAnyone other than Jim would be absolutely crazy. He has done so much, most of it on his own time, to help Gracedale and the union members there..
ReplyDeleteBernie may be many things but he is a gentle lover, Earl is very protective of me and not once did he step in when we were being intimate.
ReplyDeleteHis opposition to everything that Ohare (that slimy piece of rat turd)believes, is another reason Jim should be elected. Jim's a hard working, prounion guy who has done evrything he can for the workers at gracedale. OHare, the gremlin, is anti Gracedale, anti union, and anti worker..Just because Ohare hates Jim and all union workers is another good reason to keep Jim on...So go vote for Jim and tell Bernie and his hand picked candidate that they can shove it up their butts..
ReplyDeleteWell Jim it is. Congrats JIM
ReplyDeleteChris is the new VP
I am so grateful that Jim has won the reward which he so justly deserves.
ReplyDeleteJoe
yes, congrats to the whole team that won... they will all work well together!! I can now pass the reins to a good bunch! Best wishes and Merry Christmas to all!!
ReplyDeleteEllen
Congrats Jim..Great job..Thank you to people on this blog for helping out. Your praise of Jim was right on the money and helpful. The rat Bernie Ohare again is foiled again!! Another strong public sector union voice lives to fight another day..Suck it Ohare!
ReplyDeletefter working with Jim to save Gracedale, I fell you have the best leader you could get, Jim will be there when you need him.Jim thanky for all the help Jack one of the Gracedale GOONS
ReplyDeleteDid Bernie O'Hare commit the crime of forgery when he signed his client's name to a contract ended his client's case ?
ReplyDeleteYes he did but was not charged.
ReplyDeleteWhy wasn't he charged? Does any one know?
ReplyDeleteMr. O'Hares fathe rhad a lot iof plitical clout. that is how O'Hare got his federal attorney job. O'Har escrewed up and his fathe rdid wjhat he could. In the end it is why his father wanted nothing to do with him.
ReplyDeleteO'Hare posts all those loving things about his father but O'Hare brooke his fathers herat by his illegal and crazy behavior. We can still see that behavior to this day.
Is Bernie O'Hare the same guy who was ejected from the courthouse for being dressed like a woman with another man dressed the same way in the Men's bathroom there ? Is Bernie O'Hare the same guy who was found bathing totally nude in a courthouse restroom by the Court
ReplyDeleteAdministrator ? Is this why O'Hare is after the
Court Administrator ?