James T. Matthews (left) succeeds Don Beavers (right) as Arkansas State Legislative Director, effective Oct. 1, 2000. Brother Beavers, who held the post for 21 years, announced his retirement due to health concerns.

Arkansas
After more than 21 years of service as the UTU's legislative director in the state of Arkansas, Don Beavers announced his retirement, effective October 1, due to health concerns. He was succeeded by former Assistant Legislative Director James T. Matthews.

Beavers began his railroading career as a brakeman with the Missouri Pacific in 1962. He was later promoted to conductor and served in that capacity for more than 17 years before being elected to the office of legislative director.

"I always participated in local government, but I got really irked when the carrier started abusing the 1,000-mile brake test. I put my feet in the ground, and I've been going ever since," said Beavers regarding his legislative service.

He noted that he was the UTU's youngest legislative director at the time of his election, and, "as I retire, I am now the senior member."

Matthews, a member of UTU Local 462 at Pine Bluff, Ark., began his rail career on the Cotton Belt in 1960. He has served as both the president and delegate of his local and served as legislative representative for 20 years. He was the assistant legislative director in Arkansas for 12 before being elevated to his new position.

Matthews and others are planning a retirement reception for Beavers, and those interested in attending can telephone him at (870) 534-1537 for more information.

Members of the Florida Legislative Board take their oath of office, including (from left) Vice Chairperson John Dyess, Vice Chairperson Shannon Hopper, Secretary Earl White, Legislative Director Carl Cochran, Assistant Director John Wingate, Alternate Director Jerry Munn, Chairperson Jim Searles and Vice Chairperson Pat Fraga.

Florida
The year 2000 has brought "term limits" to the state of Florida and residents here are looking at a 60% turnover in their state legislators, reported Legislative Director Carl Cochran.

"We are not looking forward to what we are facing in the year 2001," said Cochran, "for we have lost a lot of good friends." He added, however, "I guess it's time to make new ones."

In other news, Cochran was re-elected to the Dade County Democratic Election Committee. "Our goal is to get a Democrat in the White House. With the possibility of our members being on the road at any given time, I would like to encourage all of our members to vote absentee," he said.

Cochran also remarked that the Florida Legislative Board recently held its quadrennial reorganization meeting, and he noted Vice Chairperson John Dyess has been appointed to the position of command sergeant major at the U.S. Army Headquarters in Panama City, Fla.

Indiana
Director James Carrico and the Indiana Legislative Board would like to remind all UTU members here that the last day to register to vote in the state is October 10. Also, if an individual chooses to mail in his or her registration, the registration must be postmarked no later than October 10.

Carrico also noted that when the results of the U.S. Census are known, the possibility exists that the state could lose a Congressional seat. By law, the Indiana General Assembly must redistrict Indiana's House and Senate districts and the federal Congressional districts, based on the census.

"Register and vote! The job you save may be your own," he said.

Kansas
Legislative Director Don Lindsey attended the joint informational seminar of UTU Locals 464, 477, 794 and 1227, which was hosted by Local 477 President Mike Wiemerslage. Also in attendance were Vice President Carl Vahldick, Burlington Northern Santa Fe General Chairpersons Jim Huston and C.D. "Bud" Davis, UTUIA Field Supervisor Dan McElley, and representatives of the UTU-designated legal counsel firm Hubbell, Sawyer, Peak, O'Neal and Napier.

New Jersey
The last day to register to vote in the state of New Jersey is October 10, and the last day to apply for an absentee ballot is October 30, according to UTU Legislative Director Dan O'Connell.

Anyone needing forms to register to vote or to apply for an absentee ballot can contact O'Connell's office at (609) 396-1994.