Des Moines Musicians' Association
Local 75, American Federation of Musicians
"When The Music Matters"

Clarence Padilla was nominated for Vice-President. As there were no other names placed in nomination, Clarence was elected by acclamation.

John Kendeigh was nominated for Secretary-Treasurer. As there were no other names placed in nomination, John was elected by acclamation.

Joyce Wheeler, Mike Short, Cindy Short, Susan Odem, Sherida Josephson, Mel Hrubetz, Dan Hartzer, and Jim Bovinette were nominated for the six board positions. Jim, Mel, Dan, and Cindy submitted campaign statements, which are on the reverse page.

Local 75 elections are conducted by mail. Ballots are mailed to all members in good standing. The ballots must be received at our law firm, Beatty and Miller, P.C., by 2 pm on Friday, Dec. 14.

Dan Hartzer: I have been a member of Local 75 since 1963 and have served many years in office as vice-president or board member. Retired high school band director and is presently the musical contractor and race track bugler for Prairie Meadows. I am the Secy-Treas. of Music Under the Stars and play misc. engagements as the Maple Street Jazz Band, The Big Band Sound and others.

Mel Hrubetz: I have been nominated for re-election to the Local 75 Board. The following is an outline of some past activities which should be of value: Local 75 member 50+ years. Past board member. Past President. Past President, Midwest Conference of Musicians. Past AFM National Credentials Committee member. Past small locals workforce member. Co-chair of first DM Symphony Agreement and Metro Opera committees. Active commercial player on Acoustic and Electric bass. I would appreciate your vote.

Jim Bovinette: I accept this nomination to Local 75 Board of Directors for 2008 - 09. I reside in Ames where I am a music professor at Iowa State University. In the twelve years that I have lived in Iowa, I believe that I have had the opportunity to meet most of the members of this local, and look forward to meeting those who I have not yet met.

I believe that serving on the board of the Des Moines Musicians Association is a position of responsibility that requires sensitivity to the varied talents and interests of all the members of our local. To the orchestra players in the local: Since 1979, I have performed with more than a dozen professional symphonies, including national, international, and regional orchestras. As an orchestra musician I have held principal positions and served on audition and labor negotiation committees, and players’ boards. To the show players: I have more than 50 professional shows to my credit, including working on the road with touring companies. To the jazz musicians, gig players, and free-lance musicians: I have played everything from “Bach to Bop” at country clubs, lounges, hotel ballrooms, jazz festivals, telethons, including playing with straight ahead groups and art ensembles. To the studio musicians, jingle writers, and commercial composers: I have performed on numerous recording projects with solo artists, symphony orchestras, and on commercial jingles for television and radio.

As a player, you name it… I’ve pretty much done it, and I have the scars to prove it. I understand the ins and outs of our business and the dangers of a “going it alone” approach by musicians in a right to work state. I appreciate the nomination to the board of local 75, and if elected, I promise to bring the resources of the local to the membership, in a manner that will foster solidarity with our members, by addressing the issue of why musicians do not participate in our organization.
I have learned over the years that the answer to this problem is with the music business itself. If work is going to non-union groups, then we are doing something wrong. For a union to be successful it has to understand the kind of business that the musicians in the organization are conducting and want, and to adjust our procedures as a local to not only accommodate existing and new businesses but to help enhance them. This is the key to attracting new members to this organization, who will then have the say in building future business models for this membership.
I believe that the diversity of my background as a performer gives me a broad understanding of the complexities of this business. If elected to the board of Local 75, I will work to build solidarity within our membership, and call upon an end to any in fighting and denigrating of the work by fellow musicians. We are all here to help each other.

Cindy Short: I'm interested in being re-elected to my current Board position with the Des Moines Musicians Association, Local 75, A.F.M. I will strive to continue being a good representative for the membership by continuing to attend meetings and help the group to make good decisions for the benefit of our organization. Thank you for your consideration.