Former postmaster general Jack Potter is in the news again, but not for closing postal facilities, approving excessive discounts or collecting a huge bonus as he cried poverty for the Postal Service. In his new position as head honcho of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority he has been called to task for questionable hiring decisions, his travel policy and no bid contracts. The right wing conservative talk show hosts have highlighted ongoing investigations into Potter’s decisions believing that they can use the issues to discredit Democrats.
I always found Jack to be of the highest character and a champion for a vibrant Postal Service during his stewardship. Critics who took exception to my article claiming “surprise and disappointment” to his unexpected retirement from the office of Postmaster General must be having second thoughts given the convention resolution demanding the resignation of his successor. Having interacted with 17 postmaster generals, I concluded that Potter was as good as it gets and postal employees who yearn for a savior will be constantly disappointed. Resolutions expressing workers’ disapproval of the PMG would be better written with a blank where the name is to be inserted with the identity written in pencil so it can be erased and replaced at a later date. An effective union takes the opposition as it is presented, adjusts and moves on.
Dear Bill:
You have a treasure of APWU negotiation history. Will you write a book for the sake of postal history? There will be a future generation of postal workers and they will appreciate your knowledge on labor issues. You are a great negotiator. Proven Leaders ought to be “padrinos” to the new generations. New Leaders do not rise from the ranks, neither learn from their adversaries.
From Puerto Rico with brotherly love
Alberto Ortiz