AFT Local 243
Spring 2014 Elections
Candidate Bios/Statements listed in the order received.
Candidate:
Kathy Waters
Mail Center Coordinator
Nomination(s): PSRP Bargaining Committee
Bio/Statement: Kathy Waters is a 15+ year employee who has seen a lot of changes over the years. I served
on the Bargaining Committee for our last Contract. I have been a union member since 1999 when I started
and was a union member at my previous employer since 1988. I am excited to represent the collective PSRP
unit in this process.
Candidate:
Clarissa Sheldon MS, DVM
Veterinary Technician Program
Nomination(s): Faculty Bargaining Committee
Bio/Statement: CC Sheldon has worked as a Union member here at MATC since 1992. She has served as
Program director in the veterinary technician program and college wide as a co-chair of a SIC committee.
Candidate:
Flynn Dustrud
Mathematics Department
Nomination(s): Faculty Forum Representative
Bio/Statement: Originally from Fargo, ND, I have been teaching math at MATC for about 11 years. Prior to
that, I taught for three years at a private for profit institution. Having taught somewhere without a union for
several years prior to working at MATC, I was more than happy to join a community that supports unions. I
still believe strongly in our union and will continue to fight for your union rights as a member of the union
forum. Please contact me at fdustrud@madisoncollege.edu if you would like to give me any feedback.
Candidate:
Jimmy DeGidio
Fabrication/Related Metals Co-Program Director
Welding Instructor
Nomination(s): Faculty Chapter Vice-President, AFT-National Convention Delegate, AFT-Wisconsin Convention
Delegate
Bio/Statement: Honesty, Integrity, Transparency and Fairness are all qualities I not only practice in my
classroom; I will deliver to our members. I have been involved in unions since 1991 and just because someone
says we can't have a voice in our work place, will not stop me from being involved. That's why I'm asking for
your support as Vice President of Local 243. Spread the word to re-member and never forget, “Union Strong.”
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Candidate:
Theresa Valencia
Applied Science Engineering, and Technology, Manufacturing Instructor, co-lead Program
Director Industrial Maintenance
Nomination(s): Faculty Forum Representative, AFT-National Convention Delegate
Bio/Statement: I have taught full time at MATC for 13 years, and part time for 4. I have always been a big
supporter of our union, but have never ran for a position before. The current political climate has really
compelled me to do more. I have 5 children and a granddaughter and do not want them to grow up never
having or understanding the importance of unions. I have been politically active campaigning for progressive
candidates for years. I give my all in whatever I do and will work tirelessly to meet the needs of our members.
Candidate:
Michael J. Lussenden
Communications Arts Instructor
Chair, Communication & Performing Arts Dept.
Nomination(s): Local 243 Secretary/Treasurer
Bio/Statement: •Active union member for over 29 years. •Served as local delegate to regional consortium
(WEAC Uniserv, School District of Omro) •Negotiated local contracts (WEAC affiliate, School District of Omro)
•Delegate to national convention (NEA 2003, Neenah Joint School District) •Forum Member, 1 term (Local
243) •Steward (Local 243) •Organizational Team, A Rally to reMember (Local 243)
Candidate:
Cindy Dallmann
Senior Program Coordinator
School of Academic Advancement
Nomination(s): AFT-National Convention Delegate, AFT-Wisconsin Convention Delegate
Bio/Statement: My name is Cindy Dallmann and I have been a member of our local for almost 25 years. I have
served in several roles over the past decade from PSRP Downtown Campus Steward, PSRP Treasurer, Forum
member and most recently the PSRP Classification Officer. In addition to this role, I serve as a member of our
college’s Benefits Committee representing PSRP and was recently elected as Vice President – PSRP for our
state federation. I value the opportunities my local provides me in developing my leadership skills through my
service and attendance at conferences/conventions.
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Candidate:
Janet Stevens
Teacher, Arts and Sciences
Nomination(s): Local 243 President
Bio/Statement: I am running for Local 243 Union president because I believe I have a set of skills and
knowledge which are important in these times. There are things I like to do and also believe I do well:
Communicate
Organize
Analyze
I have read almost everything I can find on the new processes at the College, including CAC, IBPS, and Shared
Governance. I believe the Shared Governance offers the possibility for each of us to make a contribution that
will enrich our work lives while we meet the mission of the College.
If you have not read the document explaining Shared Governance (SG), I urge you to do so at this link:
https://blackboard.madisoncollege.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-3162236-dt-content-rid24932467_1/courses/other_AllStaff-LearnerSuccess-dorourke/140312%20Shared%20Governance%20Our%20Shared%20Vision%20for%20the%20Future.pdf
That being said, I have concerns and questions about the manner in which the principles outlined in
the Shared Governance document will be operationalized. For example, the document is entitled “Our Shared
Vision for the Future,” yet we do not know who developed the document and, thus, do not know who the
“our” are.
I have other questions:
How do Shared Governance and IBPS work together?
How do Shared Governance, IBPS, and the CACs work together?
How do Shared Governance, IBPS, the CACs and traditional bargaining for wages work together?
I have been told by many people is that they will “go along” with the IBPS and other processes because “what
choice do we have?” It is true that the only hand we have to play is the one we were dealt. But, that doesn’t
mean we are without a voice. It doesn’t mean that we should refrain from speaking up to assure that new
processes fit our needs and address our concerns.
I also emphatically believe we all benefit from having a union because, through the union, we can speak from
a position of certain safety.
I would appreciate your support and vote. JS
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Candidate:
Beth Eggemeier
Administrative Coordinator, Office of the Provost
Nomination(s): PSRP Forum Representative, PSRP Bargaining Committee
Bio/Statement: I have been a Madison College employee since 1999 and have worked at the DTEC campus,
TEC Center, the West Campus, and most recently, at Truax. I look forward to an opportunity to serve the
union members, in a more active way, as a Bargaining Committee team member and as a Forum
Representative.
A powerful combination - that keeps us together - is our strength in numbers, and transparency. I firmly
believe that ALL our voices are vital to ensure that Madison College remains a great place to work.
Candidate:
Torvic Caradine
Recruitment Coordinator, Enrollment Management
Nomination(s): PSRP Bargaining Committee
Bio/Statement: My name is Torvic Caradine and I've worked at Madison College in some capacity for almost
three years. Before I came to Madison College I worked at General Motors in Janesville Wisconsin. I was a
member of the United Auto Workers Local 95. I hired into GM in 1995 and won my first election as union
steward in 1998. I held that position until 2008. I would like to bring my experience and skills as a negotiator
to Madison College. If elected I promise to work diligently for our union brothers and sisters. Thank you.
In Solidarity, Torvic Caradine
Candidate:
Christine Henker
Administrative Coordinator, School of Academic Advancement
Nomination(s): PSRP Forum Representative, AFT-National Convention Delegate, AFT-Wisconsin Convention
Delegate
Bio/Statement: I am currently serving as a Union Forum member and would like to continue to be part of our
Union Forum to represent the wishes of the AFT 243 Local Chapter. I am also serving as the PSRP Council
Secretary for AFT Wisconsin. I have attended the AFT Wisconsin Conventions for the past 2 years and have
found them very informational and rewarding.
I have worked for Madison Area Technical College for 15 years in various capacities including Financial Aid,
Customer Service and have been in the School of Academic Advancement for the past 6 years.
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Candidate:
Robin Gee
Media Relations Specialist
Nomination(s): AFT-Wisconsin Convention Delegate, SCFL Delegate
Bio/Statement: I know that this is a challenging time for our local and for unions in the state and across the
country. I believe strongly in the power of standing together as a union to protect our hard-won rights and to
support each other.
Despite ACT 10, I have seen our union solidarity is working, even now. It was our union brothers and sisters
who fought back against outsourcing threats, pushed to have our contract stand until decisions are made in
the new IBPS and who have supported each other through numerous issues.
I hope to continue to fight as a steward, Forum member and active delegate to the South Central Federation
of Labor (SCFL). It is in SCFL where I learn from other unions and strengthen union ties throughout our area.
We are not alone!
In SCFL I participate on the Solidarity and Support Network, Laborfest, Bean Feed, solidarity actions and just
joined the Education Committee.
About me: I have been with the college since 2000, first in Marketing and more recently in Public
Relations/Communications. I hail from Cincinnati but have lived in Madison for almost 20 years now. I am a
writer/editor by trade and am very involved in social justice, environmental and workers’ rights issues outside
of work. I’m also a long standing member of the Wisconsin Association for Career and Technical Education
(WACTE), an organization that supports career education across the state.
Candidate:
Teresa Werhane
Administrative Planner, Office of Associate VP, Learner Success
Nomination(s): PSRP Forum Representative
Bio/Statement: I have worked at Madison College for almost nine years in a variety of positions, both PSRP
(Union) and administrative (non-union). During my tenure I have been engaged with a number of cross-college
committees and teams, including the PSRP Classification committee and the current Contract Alternative
Committee. While not at work, I enjoy sports, reading, and playing with my dogs.
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Candidate:
Martha Olsen
Reading Instructor, School of Academic Achievement
Nomination(s): AFT-National Convention Delegate
Bio/Statement: I am completing my 6th year of teaching reading in the School of Academic Advancement.
I reMembered in gratitude for the benefits that I have received through earlier Union struggles. My colleagues
have shared the many battles they fought long before I was fortunate to come to Madison College. There is
strength in working together!
Candidate:
Marie Dusio
Nursing Faculty
Nomination(s): Local 243 President, AFT-Wisconsin Convention Delegate
Bio/Statement: I am the current president of our Local and am asking you to please re-elect me. For a local
union to be successful in post-Act 10 Wisconsin, it will need to critically evaluate from where it gets power and
how to best utilize that power. The economic and political challenges facing our college are not likely to
change any time soon, and solutions will require the wisdom of our members. I have successfully achieved the
primary goals for my presidency: develop and nurture working relationships with all stakeholder groups;
actively participate in the decision-making processes at the college; and represent the interests of the
members of Local 243.
New ways of thinking and relating are necessary, as many of the old strategies are no longer effective. The
combination of our solidarity with creative problem solving will serve us well, as it already has in returning
custodial jobs slated for outsourcing back to our Local. I have been living this new reality during my current
term as your president and pledge to continually improve my performance as a fearless advocate for the
dignity and rights of our members.
I am asking for your vote as President of AFT Local 243, not because it is easy, nor for lack of other things I
could do, but because I am committed to using my energy and skills to assure our College remains an
employer of choice while it continues to provide the educational opportunities our students deserve. Thank
you for your consideration.
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Candidate:
Richard Seibt
TV Production & Instructional Media Coordinator, Technology Services
Nomination(s): PSRP Forum Representative, PSRP Bargaining Team, AFT-National Convention Delegate, AFTWisconsin Convention Delegate, SCFL Delegate
Bio/Statement: Hello sisters and brothers of Local 243.
I have been here at the college since 1989, first in the part time PSRP unit and then the full time. Since I
worked primarily 2nd shift I volunteered and was appointed as the Second shift Steward. However, many
other co-workers from all shifts have come to me for assistance over the years that I have been a Steward. I
believe I have served them well. I was nominated to serve as a replacement forum member late last year and
accepted the call after approval by a vote from the forum. I have been a delegate to the state convention in
years past and was elected to Vice-Chair the PSRP council of AFT-W in 2008. During my term, the Chair had to
step down and I became the Chair. I was re-elected to the Chair and served till 2010. From 2010 to 2012 I
served again as Vice-Chair the PSRP council of AFT-W. I am one of your alternate delegates to South Central
Federation of Labor. I try and attend as many monthly meetings as I can to represent our local. I will fight to
represent my sisters and brothers of Local 243 in whatever way I serve. Whether it be at our state or national
federations or on issues that confront our members right here at Madison College. 18 months ago, my son
Alexander was born and now more than ever I am determined to make this world a better place for everyone.
I would appreciate your vote so that I may continue to serve. In solidarity, Richard
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