WHEREAS:

The death of Girard P. "Jerry" Clark was an enormous loss to AFSCME and the American labor movement; and

WHEREAS:

Jerry Clark served AFSCME well in a variety of roles for over 20 years, but served with the greatest distinction as Director of the Political Action Department for the International Union; and

WHEREAS:

Jerry Clark shaped the union's political program and created a political operation unsurpassed in the labor movement; and

WHEREAS:

Jerry Clark's tireless efforts to elect AFSCME-endorsed candidates was born of a deep and abiding commitment to the labor movement and civil rights; and

WHEREAS:

Jerry Clark was a teacher who trained, nurtured, counseled and inspired a legion of political workers who are legacy to AFSCME and progressive politics.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 29th International Convention record AFSCME's deep sorrow at the passing of Brother Jerry Clark, a man who devoted 20 years to furthering the rights of public employees through the political process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That students awarded assistance from the AFSCME-established "Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund; and who intern with the union's Political Action Department, be given an opportunity to learn the grassroots, side of politics that Jerry Clark stressed; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Jerry Clark's father and his sons, so that they will know the love and respect his AFSCME family had for him.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board