KATHLEEN SHELTON, who served as Staff Representative in Council 2’s Olympia office for 21 years, retired at the end of February.

“She had a long and distinguished career with Council 2, which consisted of every facet of a staff representative position,” says Chris Dugovich, Council 2 President and Executive Director. “She negotiated contracts, represented members and brought new members into the fold. We all wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement years.”

Shelton became acquainted with the union after joining Thurston County as a real property appraiser in 1978 and soon worked her way up to president of Local 618.

In 1981 she was offered a full-time position for Council 2. As Staff Representative for all the locals in southwestern Washington, she represented 1,000 to 1,200 members.

“Over those years I probably bargained 150 to 200 different contracts and handled 10 times as many grievances,” she says. She served as education director and conducted steward training across the state.

Shelton says people often ask what they receive from the union for the dues they pay. “I reply that this is job insurance, just as you have insurance for your home,” she says. “I think Council 2 does a fantastic job of representing people. They have a professional staff and excellent leadership.

“Members should be proud of their union and what it has done for them and will do for them.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the members who have stepped up to take leadership positions and performed so well as officers and stewards. You are the backbone of the union.”