Dear COBA Members;

After 35 years as a Correction Officer and Supervisor with the Nassau County Sheriffs Department, with over 20 of those years dedicated to Union service, I have decided that I will not seek re-election as your Union President in this upcoming election cycle.

Over these years, we have enjoyed many successes and endured our share of hardships. From the effects of the wage freeze and the ongoing staffing crisis, to securing multimillion dollar pension benefits and legal protections, Union work is never done and it is never easy.

My union career began in the early 2000’s, during a time when members of this Dept were treated terribly during Federal Investigations into mismanagement of this facility. Those experiences, which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, lit a fire that burns in me to this day. In the years since, issues may have changed but the fight for dignity, basic respect and the constant battle to be recognized as the law enforcement professionals we are, has always been my number one priority. We can never let ourselves be hidden behind these walls with no outside voice. I have consistently strived to make sure that Nassau COBA is in the Arena, not only in Nassau County, but in Albany and Washington. Relationships and experience forged over my 20 years in this Union is an irreplaceable asset. An asset that has broadened extensively with our current Executive Board. A Board that has built their own relationships and operational knowledge necessary to run the business of a Union. The only way to continue that is to recognize that there is no substitute for institutional knowledge and experience in every aspect of Union work.

When I ran for President of COBA at the end of 2015, I had already been a Delegate and Vice President for 12 years. I knew the playing field and the players in every aspect of Union work. From Judges and Arbitrators, to State and Local Legislators, Governors and the State Comptroller who is probably the most important person in the lives of Public Servants. Most importantly are the relationships we built with the support staff of those individuals. The people who actually do the nuts and bolts work. That resume’ has been built here over years and cannot be lost.

This current election presents a unique opportunity for motivated people to join in the work of being Union Leaders. Several spots are open for Vice President positions and Delegates to join with and learn from those experienced in this business. And that’s exactly what this is, a business.

If anyone thinks they can walk into a top leadership position with zero prior union experience and succeed, they are deluding themselves and doing the membership a grave disservice with the livelihoods of hundreds of people at risk. I have always encouraged those interested in union work to get involved. But realize, it takes dedication and sacrifice. It’s a 24/7 job that you need to learn from the ground up. There are no days off or nights free from having to deal with this commitment.

As such, moving forward, there is no other person that is more dedicated, experienced and fully qualified to step into the role of President of Nassau COBA than VP Brian Doyle. His knowledge of the law, our contract and the negotiating history of countless subjects is unmatched by anyone on this job. That asset for this membership cannot be lost in the static of rumor and rhetoric.

I wish this union nothing but success and prosperity in the future and kindly ask every Nassau COBA Member to

VOTE FOR BRIAN DOYLE

as your next COBA President!!

Always in Unity, Brian Sullivan

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