CLEVELAND, February 26 –- Terry R. Jones was re-elected by acclamation to his third term as Wyoming State Legislative Board Chairman at the Board’s meetings in Cheyenne, on February 20-23.
Brother Jones is a member of BLET Division 44 in Cheyenne. He joined the BLE on January 1, 1979.
Brother Cory L. Runion of BLET Division 115 (Cheyenne) was elected as the Vice Chairman. Brother Runion joined the BLE on December 1, 2000. Brother Lawrence F. Kemper of BLET Division 94 (Gillette, Wyo.) was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Brother Kemper joined the BLE on December 1, 1979.
Guest speakers at the quadrennial meeting included Vice President and National Legislative Representative John Tolman and Oregon State Legislative Board Chairman Scott Palmer. Vice President Tolman gave a presentation on issues such as: Amtrak funding, rail security and rail safety. He also urged the delegates to help in the campaign to increase contributions to the PAC fund. Brother Palmer gave a presentation regarding the hazards of shipping spent nuclear waste by rail and the potential for radioactive contamination.
The delegates also heard from Ken A. Esquibel of BLET Division 115 in Cheyenne who serves as a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives.
In addition, members of the Equality State Policy Center – a coalition of progressive organizations – addressed the delegates.
During the meeting, the delegates discussed their legislative priorities. Among the issues they discussed were rail security, van drivers and van safety.
“The meeting was very successful,” Chairman Jones said. “We were able to cover many issues that are important to BLET members both on the national level and on the state level.”