
New leader to be decided at January meeting
By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent
Bart Velasco, one of the original organizers of the Jefferson County Labor Club, is stepping down from his post as president.
Velasco, an IBEW Local 1 retiree, has served as president since the club first began in 1986. He is known for his vocal, yet humorous nature, his passion for Organized Labor and his commitment to giving back to the community.
“I think chairing this club for 30 years is long enough,” he said at the December meeting. “It’s been a fun ride – some of the best years of my life.”
Velasco, a second-generation Local 1 member with two sons in the union, thanked the labor unions, business representatives and rank-and-file members who have helped the club and supported the community throughout the years.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he told members. I’ll just be sitting where you are from now on instead of chairing the meetings.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Dave Doerr, the club’s secretary and Painters Local 1199 business representative, expressed his gratitude to Velasco.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” Doerr said to Velasco. “It’s been a pleasure sitting beside you, and I’m proud to call you my friend.”
NEW PRESIDENT TO BE ANNOUNCED
Three candidates have expressed interest in Velasco’s seat. The club’s executive board will be interviewing the candidates in upcoming weeks, and the new president will be announced at the club’s Jan. 9 meeting
The club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 4 E. Main St. in Festus, MO.