The SEA/SEIU Local 1984’s 76th Annual Convention began with the sound of a gavel at 9:00 
on Saturday, Oct. 22. One hundred thirteen delegates and 22 chapters were represented at the gathering at the stunning Wentworth by the Sea in Newcastle, NH.
The full agenda included four guest speakers, voting for positions on the Board of Directors, the presentation of Awards, and important member feedback.
Ken Roos, 1st Vice President, called the meeting to order and 
led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to honor our deceased members. Following the business of announcements, adoption of rules of order, and adoption of the minutes from the previous year’s Convention minutes, the first guest speaker was introduced.
Prior to lunch there was a discussion opened up for delegate feedback. The topic was Council Meetings and how they might evolve in the future. Dozens of members presented their thoughts and many good suggestions were given. Suggestions ranged from reducing the frequency of the meetings, to having the meetings on Saturdays to providing childcare at the meetings to allow more members the option of attending. One key comment was the desire for remote connection to Council Meetings. Eric Ferren, Chapter 5 and Chair of the standing Committee – Resolutions and By-laws, told the delegates that the primary hold-up in taking the Council Meetings “virtual” is the voting process. This is something the committee has been exploring and it is reasonable to believe the issue will be resolved before our next convention. President Rich Gulla plans to implement some of the suggestions for the next Council Meeting in December.
President Rich Gulla addresses the delegates
Parliamentarian and SEA/SEIU Local 1984 Legal Counsel Glenn Milner opened the election process. The floor was opened for nominations and Chapter 1 President, Peter Bartlett nominated John Amrol for the Board of Directors’ Retiree Representative. John Amarol ran uncontested, so delegates voted that he be elected by Acclamation.
The convention next turned its attention to electing four Board members to three-year seats. Members presented nominations; nominees addressed the electorate; and the election process ran according to policy. Elections ran concurrently with lunch.
Those elected were first time BOD member Cindy Sanborn-Dubey, Chapter 54; and returning BOD members Chapter Heather Fairchild, Chapter 16; Mary Fields, Chapter 45; and Cheryl Towne, Chapter 9.
Pictured from left to right: Rich Gulla swears in John Amrol, Mary Fields, Cheryl Towne, Cindy Sanborn-Dubey, and Heather Fairchild.