Toledo, Ohio

Our delegation has just returned from the 63rd Biennial Ohio State Convention. We went to Cleveland with high hopes, we left not happy campers.

Two years ago, when Toledo hosted the convention, the State was divided. President Young was the National Officer present. He strongly suggested the State Board fix the problems. A year later in Washington for the Congressional Breakfast, we were assured the problems and lack of representation on the State board for several of Ohio’s largest branches would be corrected at the next State Convention.

We arrived in Cleveland letting bygone be bygones. Friday night, most of the convention delegates cheered the Indians to victory and believed the State was coming back together. For the Toledo delegation, Saturday morning would prove, otherwise. As we entered the hallway to the convention, the State President informed our President that the opening on the State Board was no longer available. At lunch, later that day, several of our delegation overheard members of the State Board express their surprise and unawareness of this development. Apparently, the State Board is a committee of one.

Maybe that’s why they try to double our dues at on convention then decide we don’t need dues increase at the next. Or why are legislative sessions rescheduled three times. Or why they allow the district management route inspection team to train carriers and can’t understand why they’re losing routes. Can you say amateur hour?

Ray Bricker

Branch 100