By Richard Johncola

I attended a recent Representative Assembly meeting where the topic of political action committees was discussed during a recently elected representative and a fairly new (1999) full-time instructor, I try to listen rather than speak at these gatherings, but the issue was one that I was familiar with A persuasive argument was being put forth for us to establish a Political Action Committee and fund it through separate contributions exclusive of our Faculty Association dues.

The motion to create a PAC and its funding passed but I detected a rather lukewarm response before becoming a full-time instructor, I was a police office for the city of Santa Monica. During my 30-year career I served on the board of directors for our Police Association. At that time it became clearly evident that the only way our Voice would be heard concerning issues of pay, benefits and working conditions would be through political action. Believe it or not we often used our political influence to address issues of public safety also. The bottom line is, we can be heard and will be heard lf we display unity which translates to power.

Unfortunately, power equates to money We have seen that m our recent political process along with money, participation is equally important when a membership acts with unity and consensus, it translates to influence. If we desire to be a significant player in our own future as an association, I implore everyone to get involved. A five dollar monthly contribution can determine a future in benefits and working conditions

This article is a reprint that appeared in the Faculty Association Bulletin, February, 2001