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“Slash and burn tactics have hurt our union. It is time for a rational strategic approach. I confidently endorse my USAN colleagues. They have the fortitude and resolve, the decency and the smarts, to fight the fight to come.”

– Stephen Lang

 

 

 

“For prudent leadership promoting a strong union, better contracts, and a merger with AFTRA , I hardily endorse the USAN slate of candidates.”

- James Rebhorn

“I, like many of you depend on my unions to make a living.  I also depend on the leadership of those unions.   The members of the New York SAG board have not disappointed me.  I trust their advice and guidance.  And trust is so important given the changes that our business is going through today, changes that affect how we support our families.  These new USAN candidates will get my vote for both New York and National offices.”

- Priscilla Lopez

“The Nominating Committee slate is made up of knowledgeable professionals with whom I am proud to associate myself.  I’ve spent years working in both NY and Hollywood.  I know these candidates will look out for my interests no matter where I’m working.  I’m proud to support the entire USAN-endorsed list.”

- Michael Cumpsty

“I am in full support of the USAN/UFS slate of candidates for the New York SAG Board of Directors. Keeping work in New York, the integrity of our contracts, a sound labor climate and a strong effort to unite our unions in brotherhood is the only way to move forward.”

- Francisco G. Rivela
Chair, Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA)

“Promises are always made in an election. USAN has a proven track record of delivering for the New York Membership. Whether it’s protecting our contracts, fighting for legislative efforts or providing safety nets, USAN has proven time and time again that they have the vision and know-how to get things done. New York will continue to benefit from this progressive group of leaders. I wholeheartedly support USAN!”

- Eileen Henry
Former SAG NY President, and current Pension & Health Trustee

“As past NY President, and a working actor, I heartily endorse the entire USAN/ nominating candidates in this election.  The New York Board is clearly in touch with NY member concerns: fighting for better contracts, state tax incentives and work opportunities, as well as career enhancement and health care alternatives.  The overwhelming recent ratification of two major contracts by the NY membership shows that SAG New York members trust USAN leadership.  The USAN/Nominating Committee Candidates are all committed to a return to cooperation and coordination with AFTRA on the road to a final merger which I support, for one reason alone-the end of jurisdictional disputes. This last year has demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt the folly of our failure to merge.”

- Paul Hecht
Former New York President

“At this most vulnerable and challenging time for SAG, nothing is more vital than the leadership the USAN  candidates offer. I ask you to vote without hesitation for all of them.”

- Jessica Walter

“I believe that USAN has helped put our union on solid, stable footing.  They are dedicated, smart and willing to make the tough choices that will prepare SAG for the challenges we face in the future.”

- Sam Robards
National Board Member

“The biggest issue facing us is to secure one union, united, rather two, that are being used by producers to undercut and factionalize our members, pitting union against union rather than us against them. It is so simple and the basic principal of the labor movement from the very beginning.”

- Bruce MacVittie

“I  support USAN because I believe they have the best interest of the working actor at heart.  Plain and simple. Their only agenda is helping us get more work and better pay for that work. They have done amazing things for NY actors including the NY State Cobra assistance which has helped so many actors and their families. Most importantly, the USAN slate is filled with actors who listen, who care about all of our needs, and are willing and ready to go the extra mile. I don’t know where we would be without them.”

- Melinda Wade

“I am proud of the straight thinking exhibited by our NY Board in helping to put SAG back to work with contracts we can build on.  There is much still to do, and the USAN slate can help us keep the focus and clarity we will need for the difficult and complicated work ahead. Please, vote the USAN slate.”

- Mark Blum
National Board Member

“I have been around entertainment unions for 50 years, serving on the SAG National Board and as New York President and National Vice President.  I helped lead multiple negotiations of all our contracts. I believe the proper balance of strength, character and wisdom provide the best leadership.  These are perilous times for us.  Breast-beating and confrontation do not yield the best results.  Just look at the recent history.  Be sure to vote and vote wisely.  It is from this perspective that I wholeheartedly endorse the election of the USAN/ nominating committee candidates.”

- Larry Keith
Former New York President

“Both our economy and our own industry is balanced on a High Wire, and it will take reason and judgement to negotiate it, therefore I strongly endorse the USAN/Nominating Committee Candidates in the upcoming elections.”

- Mel Boudrot
Former New York President

“This year is an electrifying year…we have a chance on many levels to make a change and start some new habits that will benefit our future for years to come.  Vote the whole USAN slate, they are highly capable individuals that will represent you and your interests in a creative, intelligent manner and make you proud to be a SAG member.”

- Ann Scobie 

“I have never known a harder working group of actors who are dedicated to making SAG a union that has all the members best interests at heart.  The members nominated by the Nominating Committee are smart and are able to lead us boldly in this fast-changing industry environment.”

- Richard Ferrone

“Having served on the non com in the past…I fully support the integrity, transparency and democratic value of the process.  I wholeheartedly endorse the candidates of the USAN slate.”

- Steve Friedman

“I have been a SAG member since 1971 and have served on the board as an alternate and member over the years. I have also seen first hand, the destructive and counterproductive approach that has been applied over the past few years by Membership First (or me first) and now resurrected as “Solidarity and Gains Now”. Same group. Same message. Same problem.  Their obfuscation of the truth is astounding and disturbing.  I  strongly endorse the United Screen Actors slate for the upcoming elections 2009.”

- Christopher Murney 

 

If you wish to join them in endorsing USAN,
email us your full SAG name.

Additional statements may be found on the candidate pages. Click Here

2009 NY Voter Guide (PDF)

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