DRIVE Response to Follow the Money

After a flurry of phone calls and here it is.

1) DRIVE did not endorse Sheriff Stanek. His name did not appear in any mailings, newspaper adds or literature.


2) DRIVE is a PAC. It is separate from Teamsters Local 320. No Teamster Local 320 money was given. Only members who pay into DRIVE.

3) The check was written after the election by a lone DRIVE representative, Don Gerdesmeier. I can't imagine why.

4) Joint Council 32 claims no foreknowledge of Don Gerdesmeier's decision to write the check. Apparently as a DRIVE rep he doesn't have the power to endorse but has discretion in writing a check. It is claimed that Sheriff Stanek isn't the only unendorsed politician to receive such a check.

The basic gist I gathered is it's DRIVE's money and their business how to spend it. If we want a say we can join DRIVE. (I don't think so).

All of this appears to be fact, however, I maintain that of all people, Don Gerdesmeier knowing our poor relationship with former Sheriff McGowan (and the many times he backed doored us through Don) should have out of any respect for us, the rank and file, at least let Sheriff Stanek demonstrate a good relationship with us before just handing him their money giving the appearance of Teamster support. It is moves like this that will forever make me leery of DRIVE and it's intentions. The average politician doesn't know the difference between DRIVE and the Local, he just views money as support.

Knowing Don's relationship with the former Sheriff, I still believe, at least on his part, that while we were wanting to maintain neutrality during the election Don was nodding and winking at a politician and then giving him money. Moves like this make politicians think that they can trample on our members and our contract because the money will flow no matter what.