CLEVELAND, September 16 — Scott G. Palmer was reelected by acclamation to his fourth term as Chairman of the Oregon State Legislative Board at the Board’s triennial meeting in Vancouver, Wash., from September 3-4, 2013.
Brother Palmer, a BNSF locomotive engineer, has held continuous membership in the BLET since joining Division 842 (Klamath Falls, Ore.) on June 1, 1994. Brother Palmer also serves the BLET as Assistant Coordinator of the Safety Task Force.
Also reelected by acclamation were: Secretary-Treasurer Rob D. Armstrong, Division 362 (La Grande, Ore.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Michael L. Neale, Division 416 (Salem, Ore.). Brother Gary R. Quick, Division 362 (La Grande, Ore.), was elected by acclamation to serve as First Vice Chairman, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Brother Don S. Strong, Division 236 (Portland, Ore.).
Representing the BLET National Division at the meeting were National President Dennis R. Pierce, Vice President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman, and Vice President Michael D. Priester.
“I congratulate Brother Scott Palmer and all members of the Oregon State Legislative Board and thank them for their service to our Brotherhood,” President Pierce said. “I know they will continue doing an excellent job of representing BLET members in Oregon. Like all of our State Legislative Boards, they have much work ahead of them next year as they prepare for the 2014 midterm elections. Also, I thank Brother Strong for his service to the Organization and extend best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.”
Special guests from the BLET included: Vince Verna, Director of Regulatory Affairs; General Chairman Jim Dayton, Union Pacific-Western Region; and General Chairman Matt O. Wilson, Burlington Northern Santa Fe/MRL. Steve Novick, a Portland City Commissioner (city council member), was also in attendance.
The Oregon State Legislative Board represents nearly 700 active and retired members in five BLET Divisions.