Ester S. Ward
1991-1993
After years of effort, reaching and exceeding the 50, 000 membership goal was accomplished in Ester Ward’s term. The 1991-93 term started with 46,702 members and ended with 50,477.
The added revenues from dues made it possible to include in the CRTA Budget allocations to pay expenses of the 87 Division Presidents to attend the State Council meeting and the Annual State Convention.
The increased membership also brought more clout with the legislators. A 24-hour legislative hot line was put into effect in Sacramento. Information and suggested action was available to all members with recorded messages from the CRTA Legislative Advocate, David Walrath.
The main thrust in legislation was to protect the benefits previously obtained. The State budgets in the two years included deep cuts in almost all the State services except teacher retirement. All through the budget crisis the 68.2 percent purchasing power protection and the full funding of STRS was maintained.
CRTA members were responsible for 20,000 signatures to qualify the Public Pension Initiative for the November 1992 ballot and were a big factor in its successful passage.
Members attending the 1992 Fall Council meeting were happy to welcome a new division. Mother Lode, the 87th division, received it charter.
During the two years, CalRTA members demonstrated that they are giving and caring. Earthquakes, fire storms and flooding occurred. The CalRTA Foundation Fund was well established. Interest-free loans were given to a number of CRTA members who were victims.
The Board of Directors appointed a Strategic Planning Committee to prepare for the 21st Century. Willingness to serve, pride in the organization and concern for each other will be included in the plans.