Jppt, I agree with the points you have made. 
Helm, good luck with the patient explanation.
Both of you are correct that the NJA pilotgroup has already spoken on the issue of integration. Those grounded in the reality of legal fact will recall that the integration procedures were outlined for all to debate during IBB and were subsequently approved by a wide margin in 2007. It's a completely reasonable assumption that those same pilots are now ready to move forward and follow the LOA with professionalism and the same long-range vision they displayed when they voted to make it part of their contract.
Again, by a wide margin, the NJA pilots recently showed faith in their leadership's direction. It must be noted that a pilot who has spent countless hours working on the integration team will be joining the EBoard next month. He will be an excellent addition and he already has lots of practice looking at the issues from both sides. All of the NJ pilots can follow his lead with confidence.
About 1300 out of nearly 2300 eligible voters cast ballots. Votes for Mr. Luthi totalled 828, or 36% of eligible voting members. More than half voted, Which is the point I was making. but last time I checked 36% is well below a majority count. Agreed...I was referring to the total number of voters and the fact that the percentage is not unusual for our country or other Unions. No doubt some are happy with the current state of affairs, but 44% didn't even bother to vote. Could be they just don't care, ... I've heard it said that pilots are the most motivated to vote when it's contract time. That appears to be the case at NJA, too. ... Anytime a newbie appears, they are shot down as not having enough experience, or more accurately, are not part of the click this group has become. The fact that an incumbent was not re-elected disproves your claim. All 3 of the winninng candidates are brand new to the EBoard. The experience they gained serving on committees and/or as Stewards was/is seen as a plus by the pilotgroup. The NJ pilots, just like any voter in any election, weighed the qualifications of the candidates and chose the one they were most confident was well suited to the position. ... Listen to those outside your circle of supporters for a change. You'd be suprised how a lot of members feel right about now.
) and actually come out ahead from where I started in the beginning of January. Accept for car payments and a student loan I've gotten everything else payed off, moved the family, buying a new house in a much more desired location in a much more desired state, and managed to totally rid myself of the stress that NJA provided over the last year through a new job, with a better schedule, more pay and better quality of life. Now I'm considering a way to start a back-up career to supplement my income, and hopefully within 5 years branch that career into a business opportunity that may pay off someday if it ever works out the way I hope.
