The state Transformation Design Committee, the formal name for the task force on the legislatively mandated two pilot privatization projects in Child Welfare Services, met Sept. 16 and 17.
The committee dealt with many technical issues. But red flags went up again when DSHS Secretary Susan Dreyfus addressed the task force. She said she'd gotten the governor's approval to "be bold" and "innovative" with her intentions to "increase capacities in the communities" and "incorporate greater stakeholder input." Reading between the lines, that was taken by some to mean the state is interested in privatizing more of DSHS Children's Administration than just the two pilot demonstration sites in Child Welfare Services.
That has led to an urgent meeting of the Federation's TDC Steering Committee to continue working on "next step strategies." That meeting will be held during the Federation's state convention next week. The meeting will be 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at the SeaTac Doubletree Hotel in the Cascade 13 room.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
An Open Letter From President Dotlich
Many years ago, Howard Ocobock answered the call of the labor movement. Active at the local and statewide level, as a proud member of Local 1326, he held office, represented members at Policy meetings, conventions and conferences.
In 2004, Howard was elected Vice President of AFSCME/WFSE Council 28. He also served as a Vice President to the Washington State Labor Council. In his role as Vice President, he worked hard to model all that is best in the labor movement. He said the members deserve the best and he tried to give it to them.
He supported the PEOPLE program of the union in a way no one in the nation who came before him ever had. He challenged the statewide membership to achieve a goal to reach 10% MVP status statewide. When the number of PEOPLE members increased dramatically, he decided to get the tattoo. Howard and I worked with an artist named Boris the Russian to design the tattoo and Tim Welch created a little comic book sketch of the event. Howard was delighted with his unique tattoo and loved showing it off. He is an AFSCME union man through and through and now he sports proof of that. He was delighted when AFSCME magazine displayed his photograph and story about his commitment to the PEOPLE program.
Howard believed in the Next Wave program. He believed that the future of the labor movement was critically important and a responsibility we all bear. In years past, unions held family events; picnics, parties, etc. and the children of union members still hold dear these happy memories. Howard pursued recreating that love of the labor movement by helping to host union camp outs last year.
Howard was a trusted friend to many. The stories of how he made a difference in the lives of our members are endless. The gift of his presence in our lives will be timeless. Those of us whose lives he touched will carry his generous and loving spirit in our hearts and minds as we move forward on our own journeys. We are the richer for having known him.
Howard knew and appreciated that during his illness, AFSCME International leaders asked about his health and wished him well. He treasured the moments he spent with the members and was happy to receive their cards and well wishes.
Howard’s services were held June 15, 2009. Displayed prominently was a flowered green cross and a green ribbon with AFSCME emblazoned across it.
On behalf of Council 28, and from me personally, heartfelt thanks to each of you who supported Howard and those he loved for your many acts of selfless kindness during this difficult time.
In solidarity,
Carol Dotlich
In 2004, Howard was elected Vice President of AFSCME/WFSE Council 28. He also served as a Vice President to the Washington State Labor Council. In his role as Vice President, he worked hard to model all that is best in the labor movement. He said the members deserve the best and he tried to give it to them.
He supported the PEOPLE program of the union in a way no one in the nation who came before him ever had. He challenged the statewide membership to achieve a goal to reach 10% MVP status statewide. When the number of PEOPLE members increased dramatically, he decided to get the tattoo. Howard and I worked with an artist named Boris the Russian to design the tattoo and Tim Welch created a little comic book sketch of the event. Howard was delighted with his unique tattoo and loved showing it off. He is an AFSCME union man through and through and now he sports proof of that. He was delighted when AFSCME magazine displayed his photograph and story about his commitment to the PEOPLE program.
Howard believed in the Next Wave program. He believed that the future of the labor movement was critically important and a responsibility we all bear. In years past, unions held family events; picnics, parties, etc. and the children of union members still hold dear these happy memories. Howard pursued recreating that love of the labor movement by helping to host union camp outs last year.
Howard was a trusted friend to many. The stories of how he made a difference in the lives of our members are endless. The gift of his presence in our lives will be timeless. Those of us whose lives he touched will carry his generous and loving spirit in our hearts and minds as we move forward on our own journeys. We are the richer for having known him.
Howard knew and appreciated that during his illness, AFSCME International leaders asked about his health and wished him well. He treasured the moments he spent with the members and was happy to receive their cards and well wishes.
Howard’s services were held June 15, 2009. Displayed prominently was a flowered green cross and a green ribbon with AFSCME emblazoned across it.
On behalf of Council 28, and from me personally, heartfelt thanks to each of you who supported Howard and those he loved for your many acts of selfless kindness during this difficult time.
In solidarity,
Carol Dotlich
Monday, June 8, 2009
In remembrance of Howard Ocobock
Howard Ocobock, the longtime Department of Transportation member activist out of Yakima Local 1326 and WFSE/AFSCME’s vice president since 2004, died Saturday night at home in Longview after a battle with cancer.
Ocobock, also a regional vice president of the Washington State Labor Council, battled his disease with dignity and grace while carrying out his duties as vice president. He visited just a little more than two weeks ago with Department of Corrections members who had just won a vote to keep their union and contract.
He will be remembered for his long service as a Local 1326 officer, WFSE/AFSCME Statewide Executive Board member, Transportation Policy Committee delegate and General Government Bargaining Team member. As vice president, Howard traveled the state to support members in job actions and other activities.
UPDATE: 6/9/09
Services for WFSE/AFSCME Vice President Howard Ocobock who died June 6 will be 1 p.m., next Monday, June 15, at Terrace Heights Chapel and Reception Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA 98901. A reception follows there. The phone number is (509) 453-9155.
For driving directions, log onto the Keith and Keith Funeral Home website at http://www.keithandkeith.com/locations.html.
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