Left to right: Steve Seale, Gil Tafoya, Gilbert Montiel, Christy Smith, Ryan Snow, Clem Harris, Charlie Jeffcoat, Vince Verna, Mike Willis.
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Members of the BLET New Mexico State Legislative Board are fighting for passage of legislation that would bring about safety improvements for railroad workers in their state. In addition to lobbying at the state capital, they used their recent quadrennial meeting to educate one legislator on the two rail safety bills they are backing.
The first piece of legislation is a crew van bill, which is designed to better protect railroad workers when they are transported to and from off-duty points in company-provided vehicles such as taxis or passenger vans. Chairman Clem Harris said the measure is similar to legislation supported by the BLET Minnesota State Legislative Board and signed into law earlier this year.
The second is a sweeping rail safety bill that mandates wayside detectors, limits train length, and seeks to reduce blocked crossings. Brother Harris said it is based on legislative language supported by the BLET Colorado State Legislative Board, which was signed into law in May.
Brother Harris said New Mexico State Representative Gabe Vasquez attended the State Legislative Board’s quadrennial meeting in October to hear how the legislation would benefit the public as well as BLET members.
Elected at the quadrennial meeting were: Chairman Clem Harris, Division 15 (Albuquerque, N.M.); 1st Vice Chairman Gilbert Montel, Division 446 (Belen, N.M.); 2nd Vice Chairman Charlie Jeffcoat, Division 811 (Clovis, N.M.); Secretary-Treasurer Michael Willis, Division 446 (Belen, N.M.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Eddie Padilla, Division 400 (Albuquerque, N.M.). Elected to serve as Trustees were: Steve Seale, Division 192 (El Paso, Texas): Gil Tafoya, Division 791 (Belen, N.M.); and Gilbert Montiel, Division 446 (Belen, N.M.). This is first full term of office for Brother Harris, who was elevated to the Chairman’s position in October of 2021.
The BLET New Mexico State Legislative Board represents approximately 600 active and retired members from 5 different BLET Local Divisions.
Left to right: Gil Tafoya (Division 791), Steve Seale (Division 192), Gilbert Montiel (Division 446), Clem Harris (Division 15), Charlie Jeffcoat (Division 811), Mike Willis (Division 446).
Steve Seale (far end of table) discussing with Congressman Gabe Vasquez New Mexico CD2 (near end) on the issues that impact Division 192. Jesse Taylor of BRCF and Brother Ryan Snow CASLB Chairman are pictured.