CLEVELAND, May 7 — Timothy L. Smith was elected to his fifth term as Chairman of the California State Legislative Board during the Board’s 7th Quadrennial Session in Santa Barbara, Calif., during the week of April 28.
A member of BLET Division 415 in Roseville, Calif., Brother Smith is a Union Pacific locomotive engineer. He first joined the Brotherhood on June 1, 1975.
Also elected during the quadrennial session were: 1st Vice Chairman Ryan K. Snow, Division 126 (Bakersfield, Calif.); Sean H. Morgan, Second Vice Chairman (and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer), Division 144 (Oakland, Calif.); and Secretary-Treasurer Scott A. Long, Division 415 (Roseville, Calif.). Brother Snow and Brother Long were both elected by acclamation.
The delegates elected the following members to serve on the Board’s Executive Committee: Bruce D. Bishop (Chairman), Division 415 (Bakersfield, Calif.); Ulises Flotte, Division 20 (Los Angeles, Calif.); Josh S. Faulkner, Division 739 (Bakersfield, Calif.); and John B. Mobley, Division 398 (San Bernardino, Calif.).
The following were elected to serve on the Rules Committee: Chris T. Ranford (Chairman), Division 56 (West Colton, Calif.); Chris K. Jackson, Division 553 (Calwa City, Calif.); Martin L. Martinez, Division 5 (Los Angeles, Calif.); Alfredo Ortiz, Division 214 (Long Beach, Calif.); and Ulises Flotte, Division 20.
Three members were elected to serve on the Board’s Audit Committee: John Mobley (Chairman), Division 398 (San Bernardino, Calif.); Josh Faulkner, Division 739 (Bakersfield, Calif.); and Chris D. Camara, Division 283 (Oakland, Calif.).
Two long-serving officers retired from the California State Legislative Board and did not see reelection: 1st Vice Chairman Darrell Azarcon and Secretary-Treasurer Mike Holt. While Brother Holt has already retired from the railroad, Brother Azarcon is planning to retire this summer. Each received an engraved BLET 150th Anniversary mantle clock in recognition of their service to the Brotherhood, along with other gifts.
Representing the BLET National Division at the meeting were: National President Dennis R. Pierce; First Vice President E. Lee Pruitt; National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert; and Vice President & National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman.
“I congratulate Brother Tim Smith and all members and officers of the California State Legislative Board,” President Pierce said. “Brother Tim provides great veteran leadership to our Brothers and Sisters living in California and I know he will continue doing an excellent job. I also want to thank outgoing Board members Darrell Azarcon and Mike Holt for their years of service and dedication to the BLET.”
Special guests included: General Chairman D. W. (Bill) Hannah, Union Pacific-Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment; and General Chairman J. A. (Alan) Holdcraft, BNSF (former ATSF) General Committee of Adjustment.
The BLET California State Legislative Board represents nearly 3,000 active and retired members in 20 different Divisions.