T E A     T i m e s   ::   a r c h i v e s

  tea » archives ยป September 6, 2017 email:  

Topics

  1. "Meet the Candidates" Forum Next Monday, September 11, 2017
  2. Candidate Statements

1. "Meet the Candidates Forum" Next Monday, September 11, 2017

TEA is sponsoring a lunchtime "Meet the Candidates Forum" on September 11, in the King Street Center, 4th Floor, conference room 4-D, noon to 1 p.m. Each candidate will have a few minutes to introduce themselves and their platforms, and TEA members are invited to ask the candidates questions.


2. Candidate Statements

There are four positions on the TEA Board that are up for re-election. Three candidates are incumbents. Two incumbents are running unopposed: Roger Browne for Wastewater Bargaining Chair and Jerry Williams for Transit Bargaining Chair. These two incumbent candidates have not submitted statements.

The current Treasurer, Elizabeth Wright, is not running for re-election. Rylan Knuttgen and Sally Turner are competing for the position of Treasurer and have submitted candidate statements. The current Council of Representatives Chair, Ken Madden, is running for re-election. That position is being contested by candidate Jennifer Ash. Both candidates for Council of Representatives Chair have submitted statements. The statements are presented below by position in alphabetical order. The statements will also appear on the ballots, which will be distributed next week. Don't forget to vote!


Candidates for Treasurer

Rylan Knuttgen

Hello fellow TEA members, my name is Rylan Knuttgen. I have been in TEA and serving the County for over 12 years as a civil/structural engineer in Metro Transit Design and Construction. I am seeking your vote for the position of Treasurer to encourage engagement among members and lend experienced support to our Board. I have served as the Treasurer of a non-profit, University Heights, with an annual budget of $500-750k. Beyond direct experience, I have training in Board service through Seattle Works and through my MSCE from the University of Washington. Further, as a new member of the Bylaws committee, I look forward to discussing proposed changes as the Committee moves forward.

Sally Turner

Hi, my name is Sally Turner. First, a little background on me. I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Washington, a Project Management Institute certified Project Management Professional, and I'm a Project Manager in the Transit Division since 1985. As a Project Manager, I've managed finances for Projects ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to several Programs currently totaling more than $200 million. I am also one of the original TEA union organizers, and spent about 9 years fighting for our right for representation. I've been active in TEA, attending monthly member meetings, as well as Board meetings, and I'm currently the Transit Project Managers unit representative to the TEA Council of Representatives.

Now for my philosophy. I believe in open, honest communication while still ensuring employee confidentiality. I believe in working with management while protecting the rights of our union members, and I believe in speaking up to have my voice heard. And, if you ask me a question, I'll give you a straight answer.

I'd been pondering running for a TEA position for some time, but the determining factor for me was testimony I heard while attending the TEA Transit Arbitration Hearings this summer. Because of that, I feel I need to step in the game, speak up, and protect our rights, again. So, I'm asking for your vote for TEA Treasurer. Thank you for your consideration.


Candidates for Council of Representatives Chair

Jennifer Ash

I work as a Real Property Agent III in Transit Real Estate and Environmental Planning. I've been actively involved with TEA during the four and a half years I've been with the County, serving as my work group's representative on the Council for the last three years. I am also a member of the recently formed Bylaws Review Committee. I have a law degree, and before coming to King County, I was the Real Estate Manager for St. Louis Metro Transit.

I believe I would bring a fresh perspective to this position. My goals for this position include:

Ken Madden

I believe I'm uniquely qualified for this position for three reasons: Work History, Experience and Demonstrated Ability.

Work History: 14 years with the Wastewater Treatment Division and 14 years with Metro Transit; a total of 28 years of work history in the two areas where TEA represents the interests of its members. I know the work that we do and share the interests of all members in Wastewater and Transit.

Experience: I have more than 18 years of experience working on TEA issues. My first position with TEA was Treasurer in 1999, long before we gained the right to bargain our first contract. Since then, I have fulfilled the obligations of the Chair of the Council of Representatives, President, VP, and Secretary. This experience has given me the perspective to represent the interests of all members in our organization.

Demonstrated Ability: For the past 2 years I have been the Chair of the Council of Representatives. I helped the Council advance an inquiry into the TEA dues rate with the prospect of lowering the dues. I also helped the Council to schedule a series of training classes by the union attorney:

I look forward to representing your interests on the TEA Board.


TEA Board

Alton Gaskill, President
Michael Sands, Vice President
Gillian Zacharias, Secretary
Elizabeth Wright, Treasurer
Roger Browne, Wastewater Bargaining Chair
Jerry Williams, Transit Bargaining Chair
Ken Madden, Council of Representatives Chair