Elections set for Saturday

Donahue is Unity Caucus candidate for 2nd vice president

April 9, 2005

PICTURED: Delegates line up to cast ballots in the primary race for a Unity Caucus endorsement for second vice president.

Delegates will elect a slate of five statewide officers, as well as representatives to the NYSUT Board, in voting that begins at 11 a.m. Saturday.

In a Unity Caucus primary Thursday night for second vice president, Kathleen Donahue (pictured) of the Hilton Central Schools TA emerged as the winner with 61 percent of the vote. Other candidates were Kate McKenna of the Syracuse TA and Terry McSweeney of the Marcellus FA.

All three contenders addressed Unity Caucus members during a candidates forum held before the primary ballotting.

The candidates for NYSUT second vice president each mounted spirited campaigns in what many said was an energizing election process. Buttons, T-shirts and other promotional materials abounded. On Friday, Donahue backers sported "Definitely Donahue" buttons.

Donahue, who has served as president of the Hilton local for 24 years, established the Monroe County Education Coalition and has served on the NYSUT Executive Committee and Board of Directors for six years. A social studies teacher, she also has taught at the elementary and secondary level, and has been an adjunct at SUNY Brockport.

Other races for statewide offices were uncontested at the close of nominations at 1 p.m. Friday. The Unity Caucus candidates are: Dick Iannuzzi for president; Alan Lubin for executive vice president; Maria Neira for first vice president; and Ivan Tiger for secretary-treasurer.

Delegates will also choose regional representatives to the NYSUT Board of Directors. A number of Election District and at-large races are contested.