An interesting issue has surfaced at the Newburgh Teachers' Association. On the front cover of the September 2007 NTA Newsletter is the text of a brief speech given by NTA President Philip Cordella on September 4, 2007.

Mr. Cordella announced that four retired teachers have taken him, and the NTA Tresurer, Angela Sartori, to court over two issues:

1. They believe they have the right to vote on the terms and conditions of your employment, or in other words, this green book, your contract.

2. They also believe they have the right to vote in elections for the four in-service officers - President, Vice Prsident, Treasurer, and Secretary - the people who, with your support, run our union. These are the official elections we hold for officers, every three years.

Cordella reports that the union's constitution is being reviewed and its language will be clarified. And then the crux of the matter:

I believe much of the underlying motive of the lawsuit is the fear of some retirees, that all of you some day, - everyone in this room - will vote to take away one of the greatest benefits we have, fully paid retiree health insurance.

There's no doubt - that is a great benefit.