RICHMOND, Va. — Delegates attending the quadrennial meeting of the Virginia State Legislative Board elected Tim R. Craver as Chairman in meetings that concluded here on October 21.
Brother Craver is a member of BLET Division 532, Richmond, Va. He joined the Brotherhood on December 1, 1998.
“It is a privilege and honor to be allowed to continue in my service to the BLET and its members here in Virginia,” Brother Craver said. “I have an outstanding team on my Board. Thanks to their hard work with the BLET PAC and the continued contributions to the BLET PAC by our members we can help win some important elections this fall.”
Other officers elected during the sessions were: First Vice Chairman Marlon Ward (Division 38, Clifton Forge, Va.); Second Vice Chairman Michael Coleman (Division 561, Richmond, Va.); and Secretary-Treasurer, Jeff Wood (Division 26, Richmond, Va.).
Auditing Committee Members consist of Robert Lassiter, Jr., Division 456; Michael Coleman, Division 561; and Marlon Ward, Division 38.
Executive Board Members consist of Kim Bartee, Division 37; Barry Fannon, Division 167; Marlon Ward, Division 38; and Robert Lassiter, Jr., Division 456.
By-Laws Committee Members consist of Eddie Atkins, Division 291; Barry Fannon, Division 167; Marlon Ward, Division 38.
Ten of 11 divisions sent delegates to the three-day business meeting. The delegates revised the Board’s By-Laws, audited the financial records, endorsed candidates, and discussed matters of policy and strategy for the upcoming and general elections.
Invited guests included John P. Tolman, BLET Vice President and National Legislative Representative, who addressed the delegates.
“We have all been witness to past election cycles,” he said, “but this fall’s election will either mark the survival of the middle class in the United States or ensure its demise.”
Vice President Tolman forcefully stressed the importance of voter turnout and in his presentation illustrated the financial decline of the American middle class and the choices before voters this fall. He also gave a detailed report to attendees during an open meeting.
Also in attendance were: Tim Hanley, Ohio State Legislative Board Chairman and Chairman Region 1 (NASLBC); Herb Harris, District of Columbia Legislative Board Chairman; and former Virginia State Chairman J.T. Norris.
FRA Inspectors David Shockley and Bill Cashman gave a presentation on FRA Emergency Order No. 26.
Chief Investigator York Poole of the law firm Moody, Strople, Kloeppel and Basilone, Inc. gave a presentation to the attendees concerning the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. Trial Attorney Rick Shapiro of the law firm Hajek, Shapiro, Cooper and Lewis, P.C., gave a presentation concerning railroad safety, harassment and intimidation. Chief Investigator Donald Case, also with the law firm of Hajek, Shapiro, Cooper and Lewis, P.C., passed out literature concerning railroad employees’ rights.
The BLET designated law firms of Moody, Strople, Kloeppel and Basilone, Inc. and Hajek, Shapiro, Cooper and Lewis, P.C. acted as sponsors for this meeting.