Former MEA employee voices opinion

To the editor:

I would like to respond to the attack Jim Hermon threw out at Jim Palin when he questioned Jim's reason for leaving MEA.

Jim, I certainly believe ethics and moral conviction would stop that question from coming out. The union being blamed for leaking confidential information in the past, look again. This is beyond reason and logic, I vowed I would not let you people get to me once again, but enough is enough!

Look, Jim, when I quit MEA in 1999, I was about the 23rd person to leave. We had a work experience of roughly 12-15 years each, some of us with over 20 years. But did you question once why any of us left (and don't cover it up with the union, I've walked across at least four picket lines to perform my job)?

You've known my family and me for more than 40 years. I have waited on you and any number of your family for more than 20 years in the public contact side of things. There isn't a one of them that I treated badly or didn't perform in my job to their satisfaction, including working alongside your daughter at MEA.

I would gladly respond to anyone and so would my 11-year-old daughter as to why I left that employment.

If you think the horror stories of this utility are only for and against the union, just ask me some questions, or anybody who has left there or are trying to seek employment elsewhere in the Valley to get out of their control.

I spent years going from one department to another, learning all I could of how the whole operation worked. So, I am well rounded in work orders, reconciling records and accounting for them, extending new services (how we used to do it and how we presently discourage it).

I was up the chain of command in that company and immediately went back down, so you wonder why? Call me at 746-0295.

Jim, let's attack someone you can't manipulate or malign and see what I know.

I don't believe in spreading dirty laundry in the newspapers, but maybe that's the only playing field you people know how to operate in.

It's time for a change. Vote for Klunder, Janecek and Goodrich. Also, make sure you sign your ballots and that the person signing is on the account. Make sure your vote counts.

Kathy Thornlow

Former over 20-year nonunion employee of MEA