Milz statement on being named 2008 "Person of the Year"
SDACT President Mike Milz released the following statement to the media following the announcement that he was chosen as the Wyoming Valley "2008 Person of the Year":
When first learning that I was among the nominees for CV Wyoming Valley Person of the Year, I was surprised and grateful. Now being told that I have been chosen by the paper’s readers as the winner in such a competition, my reaction is that of utter disbelief.
In looking at the tremendous contributions to the community made by the ten other nominees, I was humbled to have even been listed among them for consideration of this honor. Each of those nominees, through their individual actions or initiative, did something truly remarkable and admirable, things which made a positive impact on life in the Wyoming Valley. On the other hand, I spoke on behalf of many remarkable and admirable people.
The fact is, I don’t believe that those who voted for me were indeed voting for me as an individual. Instead, I believe their votes were a way to show their support for my embattled colleagues – the lay teachers in the schools of the Scranton Diocese who continue to struggle valiantly in their campaign for dignity and justice.
Throughout 2008, the entire community of northeastern Pennsylvania witnessed the callousness with which Bishop Martino treated the teachers in his employ. Regardless of the fact that his brother bishops published a Pastoral Letter in 1986 that proclaimed “No one may deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself,” the Bishop made a mockery of that concept by denying to his own workers the right to be represented by a union of their own choosing.
I believe that the voters were also manifesting their support for our teachers’ campaign for the passage of Pennsylvania House Bill 26 (formerly HB 2626). This law will assure teachers in religiously-affiliated schools the simple justice now due them, for they alone are presently denied the protections all other workers enjoy under federal and state labor laws – the right to organize and bargain. Justice cries out for such a measure.
Therefore, I view my selection as merely a validation of the cause for which I became the spokesperson and symbol, as well as a repudiation of the harsh and misguided policies of Bishop Martino.
In embracing our common cause, and on behalf of my colleagues in Catholic education, I want to thank all who thought me worthy of this honor. Special thanks goes out to my many friends and colleagues in the education community, public and private alike, as well as those in organized labor who continue to embrace our cause. I am especially grateful to Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and his fellow legislators who have supported our cause.
Finally, my thanks goes out to the many former students and their parents who have contacted me to convey their support. My service to them during my 33 year teaching career has been the most fulfilling aspect of my life. They remain in my constant thoughts and prayers.
When first learning that I was among the nominees for CV Wyoming Valley Person of the Year, I was surprised and grateful. Now being told that I have been chosen by the paper’s readers as the winner in such a competition, my reaction is that of utter disbelief.
In looking at the tremendous contributions to the community made by the ten other nominees, I was humbled to have even been listed among them for consideration of this honor. Each of those nominees, through their individual actions or initiative, did something truly remarkable and admirable, things which made a positive impact on life in the Wyoming Valley. On the other hand, I spoke on behalf of many remarkable and admirable people.
The fact is, I don’t believe that those who voted for me were indeed voting for me as an individual. Instead, I believe their votes were a way to show their support for my embattled colleagues – the lay teachers in the schools of the Scranton Diocese who continue to struggle valiantly in their campaign for dignity and justice.
Throughout 2008, the entire community of northeastern Pennsylvania witnessed the callousness with which Bishop Martino treated the teachers in his employ. Regardless of the fact that his brother bishops published a Pastoral Letter in 1986 that proclaimed “No one may deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself,” the Bishop made a mockery of that concept by denying to his own workers the right to be represented by a union of their own choosing.
I believe that the voters were also manifesting their support for our teachers’ campaign for the passage of Pennsylvania House Bill 26 (formerly HB 2626). This law will assure teachers in religiously-affiliated schools the simple justice now due them, for they alone are presently denied the protections all other workers enjoy under federal and state labor laws – the right to organize and bargain. Justice cries out for such a measure.
Therefore, I view my selection as merely a validation of the cause for which I became the spokesperson and symbol, as well as a repudiation of the harsh and misguided policies of Bishop Martino.
In embracing our common cause, and on behalf of my colleagues in Catholic education, I want to thank all who thought me worthy of this honor. Special thanks goes out to my many friends and colleagues in the education community, public and private alike, as well as those in organized labor who continue to embrace our cause. I am especially grateful to Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and his fellow legislators who have supported our cause.
Finally, my thanks goes out to the many former students and their parents who have contacted me to convey their support. My service to them during my 33 year teaching career has been the most fulfilling aspect of my life. They remain in my constant thoughts and prayers.
posted by SDACT at
7:35 PM
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