Vote for Jim Ullmann
Posted by Paul Cox on June 12th, 2009
I had planned, for a long time, to keep endorsements off of the Follies. This is for a number of reasons, but the foremost is that I have always wanted the Follies to be a website that was more about the FAA and the foibles and follies of the agency and less about internal NATCA politics.
Unfortunately, thanks to overzealous moderators and my own propensity for ticking people off, I’m booted from the NATCA BBS. This has become my primary outlet for reaching a large number of NATCAvists at a single time. Therefore, I’m breaking my own rules (hey, it’s my website, sue me… no, wait, that’s just a joke for those of you in Arizona) and going to post a few endorsements here.
Here in the Northwest Mountain Region, we have a challenge in the race for Regional Vice President. (Four regions have RVPs running uncontested.)
Scott Farrow is the present RVP, running for re-election. Scott’s a great guy who has worked in a lot of roles for NATCA, and overall I know that he has our best interests at heart. Even though Jim is running against him, Scott has (to his credit) maintained good working relations with Jim and represents our region for us.
That said, I think Jim Ullmann is the clear choice for RVP of the Northwest Mountain Region.
I used to think Jim was a bit too much of a party guy and that he wouldn’t do a good job when he took over as FacRep of Seattle Center. I am delighted that I was wrong. Jim does have a good time, but when it comes to NATCA, he’s all business. Jim has served for years on the CISM team, working with controllers after stressful incidents. He has a history of working cooperatively with management when they’re open to it, and did a great job repairing relations with ZSE’s front office when they did not get along with the previous FacRep.
At the same time, if need be, Jim will file the grievances and do the press releases and take the hard stance. He takes care of business and gets things done.
My belief is that the most important role for an RVP is to serve as a support system to the FacReps. The RVP has to be a resource they know they can count on, any time, day or night, and who will guide them and help them take care of issues in their facilities. Jim can and will do a terrific job in that role. He has served as an excellent FacRep for Seattle Center, gone to bat for us and our fellow members every time, and I think he will do a great job of communicating with the region’s membership.
Plainly I’ve got a subjective opinion here, since Jim asked me to serve as a campaign manager for him, but that’s the nature of endorsements. I urge Northwest Mountain Region members of NATCA to cast their votes for Jim Ullmann for Regional Vice President.
June 12th, 2009 at 6:50 am
“I used to think Jim was a bit too much of a party guy and that he wouldn’t do a good job when he took over as FacRep of Seattle Center. I am delighted that I was wrong. Jim does have a good time, but when it comes to NATCA, he’s all business.”
Just what NATCA needs,………another party person whipping out the NATCA Credit Card living the high life off of NATCA members backs. CHA CHING !! Like all politicians, they start out quiet, but then run amok with exorbitant spending and acting like they own the damn place. Let me guess, he probably wants the Natca Concention in Hawaii ?? PUHLEASE !
June 12th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Actually, Jim has long supported spending ZERO of NATCA’s dollars on booze. In fact, ZSE’s accounts are as healthy now as they have been in a long time.
We have had officers that spent a lot more money than Jim. I would not hesitate to put the union’s money in his hands.
Jim is on the record as supporting a national policy of no NATCA spending on alcohol. In this regard, he and Scott Farrow are both on the same page, and both would represent the desires of the Northwest Mountain Region.
The differences between Jim and Scott lie primarily in what methods and how much communication with the members they would use, and in their approach to dealing with the local reps who need the support of the RVP.
Jim is dedicated to serving the membership.
Your anonymous slander of him is tacky and wrong.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Very well said Paul.
However the slander isn’t just tacky, it’s chicken $$$$ if you don’t put your name to it.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Jim is a steadfast NATCA leader.
He has proven to be accessible at anytime. Willing to share his guidance and expertise on a variety of subjects. He listens to his members and evaluates his positions to best represent the interests of NATCA and NATCA bargaining unit members.
He is quick with a compliment and considerate with constructive criticism. I have witnessed him build relationships of professional substance with some of the most difficult people this agency has to offer. He is close to the “service center” and like it or not that is where we need to have our “regional” leadership.
Jim is well positioned to lead us in our most important time. I am confident he is qualified to provide the leadership we deserve in this changing environment. He will serve us well when we are once again “partners” in the NAS. He will prove to all he works with we are deservedly entitled to the title of “the real system experts”.
“Cut-N-Paste” communication will be a thing of the past with Jim. He will lead and represent with the utmost of integrity. He has proven to be a formidable adversary for those with interests detrimental to NATCA and the NAS. He has more importantly proven to be a loyal and honorable asset to those willing to negotiate and include him in bringing the best ideas to the table.
Jim Ullmann will be our best choice for RVP.
Vote, your career and future depend on it.
Phil Durben
ZSE, ZSU, ZID
June 12th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I’ll leave my name on the NATCA BBS where “members” go, not out here outside of NATCA. This is typical NATCA BBS BS here,…..Writer stating this guys a party animal, and then someone (ME) comments about alcohol being bought on NATCA DUES MEMBERS DIME and the pack mentality comes out. TYPICAL !!
NO ALCOHOL on NATCA money, No Long Distance meetings of NATCA Money (HAWAII) stay in your region. Spend loosely and lose me. Do what Walmart Execs do and share rooms and save money. I would !
June 12th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Reading is fundamental, “Oh Really”. You flunk.
I did not say “party animal”. I said that was an impression I previously held, and that I was wrong. The reality is that when it comes to NATCA, Jim is all business.
You are the one who is accusing him of profligate spending. You’re wrong. Jim vehemently protested the NNM’s pre-convention meeting being held in San Juan, because it was too far and too expensive. He has been an excellent steward of ZSE Local’s money. He has advocated the same things YOU are advocating- that we not piss money away on booze and partying, that instead we use it wisely. He not only talks the talk, but he has walked the walk for several years as our FacRep, too.
It’s not “pack mentality” for Troy and Phil to chime in and agree with me. Troy and I are working together to elect Jim, and we’re running against each other for FacRep in a month or two. That should tell you something about Jim, and how we view him. Phil has been a lot of places and seen a lot of Reps, and he stands behind Jim. That should tell you something.
And all of us are willing to put our name on our words, while you continue your anonymous sniping, and that definitely DOES tell everyone something- you’re afraid to put your name on what you say. That gives everyone an idea of how much you value your own words, and no doubt aids people in deciding how much value they should put into your words.
Be a grownup, or shut up, but either way please quit polluting this comment section with your BS. If you want to advocate Scott’s re-election, that’s fine; he’s a good guy and Jim’s not running a negative campaign *against* Scott, just a positive one.
June 12th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Deal,…..I wont pollute anything about you thinking that “Jim was a bit too much of a party guy”.
Your words not mine.
June 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
And again, you quote out of context. I said that was an initial impression that turned out to be mistaken. Taken as a whole quote, the point is that Jim Ullmann is NOT like that, that he’s all about NATCA. You’re cherrypicking a segment of a sentence out and trying to use it to make it appear exactly the opposite of the actual quote.
It would be as though I wrote “Some people say Barack Obama is a Muslim, but he’s not” and you pull out “Obama is a Muslim” and pretend that’s all I said and that’s what I meant. It’s not, and you know it. You’re intentionally taking something out of context and using the fragment to make it look opposite of what was actually said.
That’s what I mean when I say that your tactics are pollution. Not only are you afraid to say who you are, but you can’t even be honest in your discussion. If you want to disagree, fine, but don’t play BS games with partial quotes.
I have far more respect for a commenter here, FAAGuy, who is a manager in the FAA, than I do for you. He has to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, but at least he’s honest with his comments.
Troy was right; you’re a chickensh*t. Worse, you’re a liar. Go away.
June 12th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
And another thing, while I’m ranting on this topic. This is exactly the kind of campaigning that I despise. It’s crap. It’s campaigning through character assassination instead of being honest and looking at the issues.
I think Jim and Scott Farrow both deserve kudos. Not only have they chosen to NOT run this kind of campaign, but they have continued to work together on NATCA issues. Scott is taking my appeal of my BBS suspension to the NEB for me, and Jim has discussed it with Scott. I trust that even in the midst of the campaign, Scott will give me a fair hearing and do his job on my behalf, because that’s how he is. That’s the kind of guy that BOTH of them are; good NATCA guys who are focussing on what’s truly important.
Scott’s campaign flyer is up on our local NATCA board, right along side of Jim’s, because that’s how we roll. He’s welcome in our facility at any time and is still working on everyone’s behalf in the region, whether they support him or support Jim in the election. If it were the other way around, Jim would be doing it exactly the same. I would expect nothing less from either one of them.
These national campaigns, where people pull tickytacky BS like not welcoming candidates for facility visits, or the character assassination that people used against John Carr and that we are seeing at times in this campaign, sadden and disgust me. If someone thinks they’ve got to win like that, well, that’s a pity.
Before, during, and after the election, anyone and everyone involved ought to be able to sit down and buy the other guy a drink (with their OWN money, thank you very much) and still work together on NATCA issues. I’m running against Troy in our local election, but he’s still my friend and welcome at my place anytime. We couldn’t stay friends if I were slandering him behind his back, or vice versa.
It’s a damn shame that people have to stoop to low levels. I don’t think for a second that Scott put “OH REALLY” up to this; it’s not his style. I think it’s just someone with a big mouth and a non-existant backbone. Slither away, you snake.
June 12th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
“…great job repairing relations with ZSE’s front office when they did not get along with the previous FacRep.”
Really, they didn’t like Jack? (ha)
Jim is a great guy and true union. He worked very well with all the center fac reps when i was involved. Your region will not be disapointed with him as RVP.
Dave O’Malley
ZID
June 12th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Paul,
I think you are coming on a bit too strong. I think the guy was coming on to the ” party guy ” statement rather than Jim himself. For 20 years I have been a bit miffed at the bar tab of NATCA functions. I think we make enough money to pay for our own drinks, and the people we want to buy for.
I say we make it NATCA policy. Booze is on your own tab period.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:32 am
…For 20 years I have been a bit miffed at the bar tab of NATCA functions. I think we make enough money to pay for our own drinks, and the people we want to buy for…
EXACTLY!!!
June 13th, 2009 at 2:00 am
…I say we make it NATCA policy. Booze is on your own tab period…
I totally agree. Let us make this into the constitution in Hawaii. BTW,
in Hawaii, we will vote on where the Next next convention will be (2014.
I think 2012 is Denver, but could be wrong).
For those of us on the “left coast”, Hawaii is as cheap or cheaper than
Miami. How many conventions have been east of or on, the Mississippi in
the years? Uhm, 6? Stl 04, Bos 06, Mia 08. Before that, Pittsburgh in
96, Tampa? in 98. And I know I am missing Cleveland. When the hell was that?
I was at BOS when Houston stood down, and gave the convention to Hawaii.
June 13th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Under Barry and Joe booze was only covered if it was with a meal, we paid our own bar tabs. I don’t remember NATCA paying for drinks at the convention in San Antonio.
June 13th, 2009 at 10:27 am
You want to curtail spending on alcohol? Be sure to cast your vote for Rich Santa for EVP.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
“You want to curtail spending on alcohol? Be sure to cast your vote for Rich Santa for EVP.”
Whatever anyone does reference alcohol, DO NOT give Rich Santa your vote. This guy’s a joke. It’s all about Rich, and his EGO. He’s all talk and no work. Typical big mouth from NY Tracon, and that’s what our union needs to get away from. Keep our union out of NY’s reach.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
2000 Alaska
2002 Clevland
2010 should have been in Houston. We have finally been able to get a large turn-out and they move it to HI. I doubt alot of us will be able to get the leave to go that far. I would have rather seen us subsidize those areas to come here, would have been a little cheaper, I believe.
June 13th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
BACK TO ULLMANN FOR RVP
As ZSE FacRep, Jim Ullmann has a policy he strictly adheres to: ZSE Natca does not pay for alcohol. Period. We have had ‘reopeners’ on this subject during E-board discussions, and it always gets upheld (without much resistance).
At different NATCA functions where booze is served, it is the individuals buying, not NATCA. As a veteran ‘old-guy’ I’ve paid for beverages for a lot of our noobs at our functions, which is fine – but ZSE NATCA hasn’t paid a DIME for it.
oh Really should take his soapbox somewhere else. It’s not an issue here, and he shouldn’t be trying to make it one.
June 13th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
…2010 should have been in Houston. We have finally been able to get a large turn-out and they move it to HI. I doubt alot of us will be able to get the leave to go that far. I would have rather seen us subsidize those areas to come here, would have been a little cheaper, I believe…
I agree with you.
However, the National Office has a stupid policy about dues rebates and such, do you qualify, and what not. I think that EVERY local should be mandated to attend the conventions, and EVERY local should be audited by NATCA to ensure that they are not wasting money.
As far as leave? Suck it up, and take your 1st prime time week during the convention. The 2nd for NIW.
June 13th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
ZE,
I don’t know who you are, but DO NOT CALL RICH SANTA a guy from NY TRACON. I worked with him there and he spent the minimum time he had to to get out. I think he was from PA or VA but not sure.
We do have our share of arrogant pri*cks from N90, I am one of them. We also have our share of Natcavists who spend a lot of their time fighting for all of us.
You want to get away from NY having what you perceive to be too much influence? Be my guest and step up to the plate.
And I do think it is only your perception. People all around the country are fighting this injustice. And I salute them all.
ZE you need to learn a bit about people from NY. We are loud, we cuss a lot, we talk fast, and we talk over people before they are finished speaking. This does not make us better, or smarter than other groups from other parts of the country. It really is just a different dialect. It is true that a lot of NYers don’t realize this. They actually think they are smarter than our more loquacious brethren. Those are the ones you want to play poker with. Why the big broomstick with NYers?
I would really like to discuss this over a beer (I’m buying) as I am into cultural differences through out our country. Oh and Rich Santa was hands down the most talented trainee I ever had. Hands down. And the most arrogant. Hands down. Everyone else refused to train him.
Peace
June 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
John K,
When I return to your part of the world, will you buy me a beer as well? I am hoping to be in NY in 2015 when I am doing my “MLB every stadium” tour. It will also coincide with my “Every NHL Arena” tour. Alas, the “Every NFL Stadium” tour will take 2 years.
Damn the NFL….only 16 games a year.
June 14th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I’d just like to add a few things.
First, Paul you are missed on the BBS and I hope for a change that will put everyone that has been banned back on the board.
Second, the members voted for Hawaii. As a delegate I supported Houston, but fully support the will of the convention body. It was close and I do not believe that Hawaii won because they threw a big party. The NWP folks made their case for having the membership travel west for a change and it worked. The death blow was someone reminding everybody what the name of Houston’s airport is.
Although I am not in the NNM region the party guy thing is interesting. We all have our moments. We party and have a good time, but as people grow they tend to curb much of the extracurricular activities as other priorities take over. For some it is family stuff and for others it could be getting more involved in union activities, something athletic, etc.
I used to love to go out and party, but as I got more involved in NATCA I found myself partying much less. I also began training for the Ironman Triathlon, so alcohol was virtually eliminated. Someone may have seen me at a convention back in 2002 and the impression would be party animal. That would be a very different impression than someone who met me in Miami Beach last year.
I’ve seen Jim (and Scott) at many NATCA functions and they have been incredible representatives for our organization. As a leader you know that people are watching you. Who you elect is the business of the NNM region, but I believe you will be well represented, regardless of who it is.
Lastly, every Local gets audited. Ask your regional finance rep.
Jim Marinitti
MIA Facility Representative
June 14th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
“oh really” argues like a twelve-year old girl.
June 14th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
“oh really” argues like a twelve-year old girl.
If you think this means he can’t argue, you haven’t met my daughters!
June 14th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
“Do what Walmart Execs”…quite a statement from Oh Really. Asking Americans to follow the traitorous and anti-American model of Wal-Mart in anything is too rich.
Oh yes, by all means follow a company that used to market itself as 100% American, but now 100% supports the People’s Republic of China and PLA’s slave labor camps. Screw them and their screw the American worker at all-costs mentality
June 21st, 2009 at 8:13 am
Friends,
“Oh Really” is my bitch. A whiny, gum-snapping little High School Musical bitch, but my bitch nonetheless.
Dear Bitch,
IF you are in the union, QUIT. QUIT. I will pay you a hundred dollars to quit you chicken**** Tampon tube. “Spend loosely and lose me,” you said. We already LOST you, you ignorant speck of flea ****. We lost you the minute that QUITTING THE UNION became an option. And now, like Marvin K. Mooney…..will you please go, now?
We need spineless punks like you—all talk and no action—like I need a third nut. You are the FIRST to cry for help and union assistance and the FIRST to whine. You are what I used to refer to as an HME, or “High Maintenance Employee.” You are the gutter snipe that your facrep spends ninety percent of his time on. Goat herding weakstick.
QUIT.
The union is not something you are in. The union is a part of who you are. The union is like a marriage. There will be good times, bad times, horrible times and nearly terminal times, but LEAVING IS NOT AN OPTION. It’s off the table.
And the minute leaving is ON the table….one or the other of the married couple has already, at least mentally, left.
So get along little doggie. I urge NATCA to spend like ten drunken Indians on payday until you get the **** out of the union.
There is NO ONE, I repeat NO ONE that has been treated worse by this union than me. NO ONE.
I am a proud member of NATCA and always will be. Leaving is not an option. Burning the joint to the ground to save it? Maybe, but I have an audience of ten thousand a day and you only have your facrep to bitch at. But quit? Never.
Go. Get out. Stay out.
John S. Carr
Never a fan of chumps like you