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International Vice-President Paul Witte Retires
International Vice-President Paul Witte, who has led the IBEW's Fourth District ,including L.U. 1307, since 1988 is retiring on June 1. "I'll miss my relationships with all the good people of the IBEW", said Witte, who took the Fourth District from last to first in COPE contributions.
In, 1955, Brother Witte was initiated into Norwood, Ohio, Local 1198. He was elected to the Executive board in 1957, Financial Secretary in 1960, and also served on the negotiating, safety, grievance and social committees. In 1962 he was elected President and acting Business Manager of the local.
He was appointed as Fourth District International Representative in 1966, serving in all branches of the brotherhood. Appointed in 1972 as administrative assistant to then Fourth District Vice President B.G. Buckson, and elevated to International Vice-President in 1988.
Brother Witte has 41 years of experience as an International staff member and Vice-President, working with six secretary-treasures and over 70 International Executive Council chairmen, members and International Vice-Presidents. "I have learned to be patient, listen well, absorb much and act cautiously, always protecting my integrity" says Witte, who has been attending IBEW conventions since 1966. "I'll mss the people, but not the pressure of being responsible for the Fourth District 24 hours a day, seven days a week" said Witte.
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Witte will be replaced by Salvatore J. "Sam" Chilia, who has been serving as Fourth District International Represenative since April 1. Chilia is currently business manager of Cleveland Local 38 and Third District International Executive Committee member. "I'm thankful to President Hill for selecting me and for Paul Witte's leadership", said Chilia.
Among his most memorable achievements at Local 38 are instituting their 401(k) plan, and full retirement at 55. Vice-President Elect Chilia is a Vice-President of the Cleveland AFL-CIO. He was appointed by former International President J.J. Barry to serve on the National Voice/Data/Video Task Force for the electrical construction industry, and was later appointed by International President Edwin D. Hill to serve on the National Drug and Alcohol Task Force.
"This coming June, my name won't appear on Local 38's ballot for the first time in 30 years", says Chilia, expressing thanks to the members who "kept asking me to come back…….it's a great honor to be tapped by President Hill, but emphasized if Local 38 had not done things right, I wouldn't have been selected…..my appointment honors them". Chilia said.
Local Union 1307 wishes retiring Vice-President Witte a long and happy retirement, and welcomes Vice-President elect Chilia, as we look forward to his leadership.
This article reprinted in part from the IBEW "Electrical Worker" June 2007
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