My name is Sarah Rodriguez, and I am running for APWU Health Plan Director. I am asking for your vote and support. I am not riding the coattails of any other candidate. I want to be elected on my own merits, and remain beholden to no one other than the Membership. The outcome of this election could have a profound effect on many of us. After all, access to affordable, quality health care, is critically important to all Members and their families. As a longtime Member of the Health Plan, I care about its future as much as you do.
I am currently serving my second term as Secretary Treasurer of Phoenix Metro Area Local. As a full time officer of one of the largest Locals in the country, my responsibilities to the Membership are great and I take them seriously. We are one of the most fiscally sound Locals in the country. I am also the custodian of our Retiree Chapterâs funds.
I was proud to be unchallenged last election. I think it proves that I have lived up to the Membersâ expectations and they have as much faith in my abilities, if not more, than the day I first took office. Itâs time for the next generation of leaders to stand up, and Iâm asking for you to give me that opportunity.
I began my postal career at 18 and have 22 years of service. For years, I have served our Union in various capacitiesâincluding Steward, Alternate Chief Steward, Alternate Step 2 Designee, Editor, and as APWUs representative for the Maricopa Labor Federationâand I am a successful organizer.
I attended Phoenix College and Arizona Western College. My education and training include administrative practices, coordinating the efforts of many of our officers and stewards, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, secretarial functions, human relations, public relations, and journalism. I have the necessary experience and training to effectively perform the Health Plan Director duties in a forward-looking and enthusiastic manner. I will bring fresh skills and ideas to the table in order to carry the APWU Health Plan into the future.
Once elected, I aim to increase the number of hospitals and doctors in the PPO network and take Member suggestions to enroll recommended providers. I will fight to improve upon the services we currently have, in addition to seeking new ones through negotiations with OPM.
I will work with the Legislative Department to protect all of our Members. Our Local has built strong relationships with many representatives, and has always worked with legislators to protect our benefits, including health benefits. Our Retirees paved the way and, now more than ever, they depend upon a great APWU Health Plan. Retirees will be protectedâas well as active members and PSEs.
The APWU Health Plan is essential in organizing new Members. In an effort to keep our Local strong and financially stable, Iâve taken great strides to organize our PSEs and non-members, with huge success. The Health Plan is a major source of income for the APWU, but we need to increase Membership enrollment. Many do not understand the excellent benefits and coverage the plan offers. My Local duties include meeting with our PSEs and Members to discuss our Health Plan options, and I am familiar with both plans. I know not every Local and State organization has the luxury of having their own Health Plan Director, and our busy Members donât always have time to attend a seminar in person. I will create a digital marketing campaign, and outreach will include video-recorded Health Plan seminars, and I will get it in the hands of every Local and State organization. Additionally, it would be posted on the website and could be shared with others via social media. Understanding the plan is key! It is critical to grow plan participation, so we can continue to fight for our Members. Higher participation rates would result in better negotiation power to expand the PPO provider network. My Local has one of the highest participation rates in the country, and I am involved in that success.
I am energetic, qualified, capable, and motivated to be APWU’s Health Plan Director. I respectfully request your vote. You will be happy with my dedication and service. For more information, follow me on Facebook @vote4sarah2016. Thank you for your consideration.
Yours in Union Solidarity,
Sarah Rodriguez
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First Name: Sarah
Last Name: Rodriguez
Email: vote4sarah2016@gmail.com
Union/Local: Phoenix Metro Area Local
Office held if any: Secretary Treasurer