7/15/2008 Some of you might be aware of a protest that was filed with the Grand Lodge regarding procedures used to elect Delegates to the 37th Grand Lodge Convention and Procedures used to elect a Secretary Treasurer for the Local. I would like to address them both.
None of the Delegates elected to the Grand Lodge Convention from our Local Lodge will be seated. As a result we will not be represented during the discussions and vote regarding the Proposed 2% Dues Structure.Our Local was prepared to send (3)Delegates. If you know other IAM members attending the convention, please engage in conversation with them regarding this issue and give them some ideas on how the IAM should approach this Dues Restructure.
A new Secretary Treasurer has been appointed by the Local Lodge Excutive Board. Article VIII section 7 of the Local Lodge bylaws allows the President and the Board to appoint if less than half the term of the vacant position is remaining. Sister Shawna Melton will serve as the Secretary Treasurer until December 2009.
As your President I can assure you the issues involving this Protest have been resolved and procedures have been set in place for Elections and other Duties of the Local Lodge to function in accordance with the IAM Constitution.