SAG September Election: Prez Candidate Anne-Marie Johnson’s Campaign Video

COMMENTS (26)

• Here’s the easiest way to gauge the difference in approach between Membership First and Unite for Strength.

  Go to each of their websites. Read an article. Then make a comment.

  Uh-oh. On every single post Unite for Strength has put up, including the most recent dated August 28, comments are OFF.

  Is it that Unite for Strength doesn’t want to engage in a two-way conversation with actors? Or perhaps they don’t care what actors have to say?

  Hmmmm.

  Comment by mheister — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 1:45pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Way to go!! That’s the type of leadership we need. ROCK ON!

  Comment by LOVE HER — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 1:45pm PDT  Reply to this post

• No one deserves it more! The lady has earned your complete support. She has mine….

  Comment by Peter Van Norden — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 2:55pm PDT  Reply to this post

• well, ken howard won’t debate. neither, for that matter, will seymour cassel. then there’s this:

  out of 10
  Hollywood board meetings, Ken has attended 2. And out of 9 National
  board meetings, he’s attended 3.

  Is that the kind of person she wants to lead this union. A total of 19
  SAG board meetings since Oct 2008 and he’s only attended a total of 5.

  AMJ- 100% attendance.

  AND, ken’s been seen sleeping during several of the meetings he did attend.

  won’t defend his positions in a live debate. very little experience. horrible attendance record.

  EMPTY SUIT.

  Comment by Matt Mulhern — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 3:15pm PDT  Reply to this post

• I’d trust this woman to represent our interests with brains, class and commitment.

  Comment by Graham Beckel — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 4:20pm PDT  Reply to this post

• The reason Ken Howard doesn’t have a statement yet is because Sam Freed hasn’t put the words into Ken’s mouth yet. (as of Sunday, August 30, 4pm)

  This election is about so much more than just who sits in the President’s chair: it’s about right and wrong; ethical decisions; quashing political ego; focusing on our own (SAG) as opposed to bowing to the power plays of our once-friendly sister union; restoring power and balance to the SAG National Board by purging U4S affiliates; coming together as a unified body of members instead of causing and perpetuating unrest within out own ranks…

  It’s also primarily about who will lead us into contract negotiations starting in little more than a year from now. Do you think Ken Howard has that experience, or do you think he’ll have to get information and guidance (under the RADAR) from someone in a shady little apartment in NYC?

  Unite For Strength’s message is clear, as long as you filter out their spin. To wit: the “Unite” part is regarding AFTRA, not SAG. They have no interest in uniting SAG because their agenda isn’t to strengthen SAG but to weaken it (to force a merger with their beloved AFTRA), and their leaders have said so. Plus, they started the tussle within SAG by responding horrifically to their beloved AFTRA getting bitch-slapped (deservedly) by NED Doug Allen. These past months while U4S has been temporarily in power should be enough of an example of their brand of “leadership” to make it clear we need to rid the board of every candidate who claims alliance to U4S.

  The very way in which they usurped power within SAG (implementing a never-before used loophole in SAG’s constitution) should be a huge warning sign to membership. On one hand they use this odd little constitutional manipulation, saying that “it’s legal”, and then go on to do things to people on the board, in contract negotiations, and to silencing membership – all of which ARE IN DIRECT CONTRADICTION TO THE VERY SAG CONSTITUTION THEY MANIPULATED TO GAIN POWER.

  My ballot was so easily reduced down to about half, just by eliminating all U4S candidates. Even U4S’ flyer in the mail started off with a blatant lie (I paraphrase, because I immediately shredded it): “U4S brought you the current contract ratified by 78% of the membership”, which, as I hope you all know, is pure bullshit and speaking out the side of their collective mouth(s). 78 is the percentage of the 35% of members who voted, which equals about 27% of the membership. Wow. In other words, 73% of the membership DID NOT VOTE YES on the contract. That says a lot more than their lie by omission. It’s a lie, nonetheless, and it surely wasn’t oversight in context. Did you vote yes on the contract? I voted no. In fact, I’ve only met ONE person who voted yes on this contract, and only one other person who knows someone who voted yes. That’s slim pickin’s, kids.

  And while I respect these people who choose to side with U4S, I wonder what they’re thinking (or drinking). We all know that SAG needs to come together and stand tall and strong as in the past, but these people seem to be misguided by empty promises and star celebrities twinkling in their eyes. Maybe they’re simply forgotten which union this is. (Hint: it’s SAG, not AFTRA, people.)

  And did anybody you know “go back to work immediately” after ratifying this contract? Nope. More lies/spin/untruths/manipulation. I hope everyone can see how this group runs things – and can see through their false facade.

  On a positive note, AMJ has worlds of experience over the other two major candidates (with apologies to Mr. Khan – no offense intended). She knows how to negotiate (in real life, not faking it like the task force we just had). She is highly respected at all levels of the entertainment industry and national government.

  As to her Membership First alliance…

  MF has gotten a bad rap these past few years, and I’m sure at least part of that was arguably due. I’m not here to argue why things happened the way they did. The thing that’s very clear is that I never once doubted the MF administration’s intentions – to keep SAG strong and benefit members in the face of mounting obstacles and an ever-greedier management, AMPTP.

  I cannot say the same about any single member of Unite For Strength, especially Ned Vaughn, Sam Freed, Richard Masur, Gabrielle Carteris, John McGuire or temporary NED, David White. Beyond those names, the other celebrities are mostly producers or ATL anyway, so their input is tainted with questionable self- or conflict of interest.

  Comment by Gary A — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 4:27pm PDT  Reply to this post

• We need experince and dedication for the coming year. Please elect Anne-Marie Johnson. She is a woman who has us in mind and is not affraid to stand up for our rights and interests. Vote for her. She has my vote.

  Comment by Shawn Anthony — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 4:29pm PDT  Reply to this post

• I already voted for Anne-Marie Johnson. Can I vote for her again?

  Comment by zackery — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 5:54pm PDT  Reply to this post

• It’s so weird. You watch the video and think she should win by a landslide.

  And then you remember that you also felt we would never in a million years ratify that contract and we did.

  Comment by PB — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 6:05pm PDT  Reply to this post

• WOW. Great video and a worthy candidate. I’ve been to 3 open Hollywood Board meetings, all of the membership meetings and informational meetings in Hollywood. Ms. Johnson is a amazing chair. She guides the meetings with a stern, yet fair and humorous style. Some find her too “strident” which is usually the criticism of smart, strong, knowledgeable woman. Others have suggested she use more of a smile and “charm” while chairing. Can you imagine a man ever being told that?!
  And fortunately I’ve been in the open meetings to witness Mr. Cassel in action. I’ve seen him disrupt meetings on more than one occasion with his rude behavior and lack of respect for the process. One night, I was coming out of the ladies room in the Cagney Board Room and there was a security guard standing at the portraits of the presidents. There was also SAG staff woman with a rag cleaning the glass of Melissa Gilbert’s presidential portrait. I asked her what was going on and the security guard told me that they had to clean both Gilberts’ and Rosenbergs’ portraits after most board meetings because Mr. Cassel has a habit of spitting tobacco juice on both them. How disgusting is that?! And he’s running for president. Let’s not get started on how he treats women… I was at the informational meeting in May when he called a female board member a “bitch” and said something rude about Melissa Gilbert at the mike. That was the same meeting where Ms Johnson threw him out of the meeting room for his disruptive behavior.
  I’ve never seen Mr. Howard at a open board meeting. I think I saw him leave a membership meeting once. I’ve never heard him speak. I know nothing about him. I hope he plans on sending in a video. What I find fascinating is how these two men, both in their late 60′s, didn’t want to debate Ms. Johnson. What’s that about? What are they afraid of?It’s not too late. I suggest that all three candidates debate. Make it available for as many people to see as possible How else can we get a feel about who these candidates are?. But based on what I’ve personally seen, read and heard, Ms. Johnson has my support.

  Comment by union advocate — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 7:24pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Want to be part of a union run by dishonest producers to benefit producers? Then by all means, ask for no facts, or plans, step in line and vote UFS…
  or you can gather the facts, weigh them and form your own opinion and then vote your conscience. At least vote, SAG Members…it is your union…well, for the moment.
  I support Anne Marie Johnson enthusiastically and know her to be conscientious, honest, forthright and holding the best interests of the SAG Membership to heart. She embodies all that is good in our leadership and stands tall and true whilst empty vessels attempt to tell you that there contents are good for you…trust them, they say…
  I am voting primarily for Membership First Candidates…and independents and yes, UFS…there are a few honest and well meaning folks in the midst of the deception and balance and representation of us all is key. The Musketeers had it right…All for one and one for ALL!!
  Regarding the deceptive practices of UFS, AMJ would be the first one in line to help a merger with a viable plan…UFS’ approach is somehwat akin to a child of divorce hoping that everything will work out if only their parents get back together. While certainly a wonderful notion to have peace and harmony in a home…and like relationship, business and that is what we are talking about, show BUSINESS, takes work and planning. Which would necessitate, well, a plan…
  OK UFS, you’re on…
  We are all ears….
  In Solidarity,
  David Anthony Pizzuto

  Comment by David Anthony Pizzuto — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 8:36pm PDT  Reply to this post

• I voted for her Lets get rid of the Aftra lovers.

  Comment by brian — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 10:07pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Hands down she is the best. We need to just end it right now. She has earned it.

  Comment by she is the best — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 11:17pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Seriously, all of you in this comments column need to take the needles out of your arms. You obviously don’t understand the words “deceptive”, “fair”, “false”, “strength”, “weaken”, and so on. Ms. Johnson, though dedicated, is VERY divisive. She does not run a “fair” board meeting — unless you think playing favorites with your own political faction is “fair.” She does not know how to negotiate. If she and Alan and Doug did, we would’ve had a theatrical contract over a year ago — not to mention the several other contracts that have languished over the past couple of years. Strength does not mean standing next to your flag and shouting louder that anyone else. It means creating alliances, making the right compromise, and being strategically smart. Ms. Johnson has succinctly said, “For those that want Merger, I am not their candidate”. This is a verifiable statement, in other words, a FACT. MF has NO PLAN. Mr. Pizzuto, if you know of a PLAN, then please show us. Walking around in a circle, lying to your membership, and crying for a strike, is not a plan. And Gary A(you claim respect, but go on to prove that you have none) — before you start on the theory that one person, or a couple of persons are the orchestra masters, you should try speaking with a Ned Vaughn or an Adam Arkin or a Ken Howard, or a Hill Harper, or Gabrielle Carteris, or…. who all have very definite and educated thoughts about what they THINK. To claim otherwise is to be intellectually lazy on your part, and it’s quite obvious that you don’t like successful actors who back UFS (unlike the successful actors, who probably have production companies(at least in name and for tax purposes) on the MF slate). Your lack of respect, all or you, for those that think differently than you, is telling, and it is that LACK OF RESPECT, dripping with bile, which will be the downfall of this union. MF may have wanted to make SAG strong, but their lack of respect for the rest of the membership blew it apart. You need to wake up to that fact, if you believe in solidarity. MF tried to create solidarity with a bludgeon, you’re either with us or against us, eff all the rest of you rhetoric. The polarity is unfortunate, but MF is responsible for a large part of that problem. And by the way, zackery? Several MFers have already shown that they would happily vote more than once, and for others not present, so by all means, vote more than once. Seems to be an MF directive and strategy.

  Comment by zipped — Sunday August 30, 2009 @ 11:31pm PDT  Reply to this post

• 100 percent attendance record. And Wikipedia claims that she’s African American. What more could you want?

  Comment by Kenny — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 4:59am PDT  Reply to this post

• I had the occasion to meet Anne Marie at an independent forum not related to SAG in any way. She struck me as smart and well-versed on just about any topic.

  I think, if elected, she would do a great job on the issues and making sure they were communicated to the SAG members. Knowledge is power.

  Comment by HelenofPeel — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 9:19am PDT  Reply to this post

• FYI Seymour’s got his video uploaded to YouTube now

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h46dePuJm68

  I guess that leaves Ken Howard & Asmer Mohammed to play catch-up

  Comment by VDOVault — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 11:13am PDT  Reply to this post

• Well, I have my answer.

  Comment by Observing From the Sideline — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 11:24am PDT  Reply to this post

• Anyone who has been to an open board meeting or membership meeting knows how capable Anne Marie is. I pray she wins!

  Comment by So happy she's running — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 12:21pm PDT  Reply to this post

• don’t waste your vote on him. seriously. think, before you throw it away on cassel. he will not win, he is being called a long-shot in ALL accounts of the election, he is simply going to siphon votes from amj and howard will win.

  one question: do you want sag to survive?

  you better vote for amj

  Members of the Cassel Trial Board.

  Pamela Reed (UFS)
  Richard Speight (UFS)
  Gabriel Carteris (UFS)
  Jane Ausitn (MF)
  Joe d’Angerio(MF)

  All found him guilty of sexually harassing 3 staff women. Staff women
  who have nothing to gain from filing these charges. There was physical
  evidence and witnesses. The charges were filed way before the
  elections cycle. The Probable Cause Committee heard the charges months
  ago. My law, Cassel had weeks to respond before the Trial Board. The
  only political machinations took place by the NEC, dominated by UFS/
  USAN/RBD because of recusals without replacements.

  Are people, especially other woman, ok with a presidential candidate
  calling women “bitches”? Are people ok with calling women “fat cows”?

  Are people ok with a presidential candidate coming to a membership
  meeting intoxicated? Are people ok with a presidential candidate
  physically harassing women?

  Are people ok with a presidential candidate spitting cigar juice on
  the portraits of Presidents Rosenberg and Gilbert during every
  Hollywood Board meeting?

  Both UFS and MF Trial board members found him guilty of sexually
  harassing these women. They also wanted his suspension dealt with
  ASAP. This trial was prior to anyone knowing that Cassel was a
  presidential candidate. It was at the NEC meeting a month later that
  UFS/USAN/Branches knew that Cassel was the “spoiler” in the
  presidential race. That’s why they ignored the ruling of the UFS
  majority Trial board and voted to wait to suspend after the elections.
  Against the advice of out-side and internal legal counsel. Allowing
  Cassel to freely roam the halls of the Guild places two of the three
  plaintiffs and all female staff people, in an uncomfortable working
  environment and opens the guild up to a sexual harassment lawsuit if
  Cassel even looks cross-eyed at any SAG employee.

  Please read the L.A. Time business section today, August 31st.

  Comment by Linda — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 6:53pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Aren’t trial boards supposed to be confidential??? So who on that list is leaking this??? Sag staff? Jane or Joe clearly. I know the other three would not. No matter what Seymour did or didn’t do his trial is not public and for you to post this comment on here is highly inappropriate no matter what Seymour is accused of.

  Comment by sagmember — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 8:54pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Nice try, Giggles. Your comments are the same spin and talking points brought up by most U4S whiners. And they reek of flop-sweat desperation these days. Your statements are taken out of context and they’re false accusations, or at the very least unfounded lies by omission.

  It’s funny though that nobody can say things like that about Ken Howard because… oh yeah, because he hasn’t done ANYTHING! That’s right – Ken Howard has no experience at anything with regards to being President of SAG. Zero.

  For the record: NOBODY WANTS A STRIKE, asshole, and you saying that Ms. Johnson does makes you, well, an asshole. Being willing to strike and wanting a strike are two completely different things. What she stands for is fighting for what is right, fighting for the betterment of the entire membership (yes, even for your U4S people) instead of laying down in the road and getting run over by the AMPTP, as we just have in this recent contract negotiation. Yes, fighting back sometimes means a strike (if the AMPTP is arrogant and stupid enough to let that happen). SAG is a labor union – strikes are part of the game when management gets too greedy. Grow up.

  Besides, remember those 130+ “celebrities” who signed that letter last year, advising “take the contract now and we’ll all fight together in 2011″? It’s their turn to stand up for something this time around. Let’s see what they mean by “fight for” in the next contract negotiation. We won’t have to strike. Danny DeVito is gonna send a letter to the AMPTP this time, giving them the what-for and advising them that they’d better be fair or… or… or he’ll write another letter!

  AMJ has accomplished a ton. Maybe you haven’t been paying attention. Or maybe you’re not a SAG member. (Or maybe you can’t read.)

  Comment by Ace — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 9:51pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Ace. Filled with bile. Calling all us idiots out here assholes. And by the way, judging from you comments in the past, I think you wanted a strike — why else would you call yourself Ace? Your derision is the problem, pal. And, btw, the AMPTP was stupid enough to call the bluff, and we would’ve been out on strike for an income steam that isn’t even there yet if the majority of the membership hadn’t balked. The collective is eventually smarter than the pinhead. AMJ has been very dedicated, has worked very hard — I think she should continue to be the lead on the legislative committee, and go back to concentrating on her career. But she’s not a president for this Guild. She doesn’t LISTEN well enough. She’s divisive. She’s dismissive(politically), and she’s part of a faction that has basically failed over the past 5 years to bring any substantial gains to this Guild. Time for a change.

  Comment by zipped — Monday August 31, 2009 @ 10:54pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Zipped. Going and putting words in my mouth again. Bile? Derision?

  I didn’t say [you] were all idiots or assholes, did I? – I said that Giggles was an asshole for his biased and slanderous comment that AMJ wanted/wants a strike. Period. That statement is like the Republicans’ bald-faced lying about Obama’s health care “death panels”. It’s not true, and I resent anyone saying that about such a good and dedicated person.

  Oh… AMJ doesn’t “listen”? This is the new word on U4S’ talking points list? Because, “I’m Ken Howard – and I’ll listen…”, fresh from his shiny new campaign video. That’s truly funny (and over-the-top obvious).

  And you’re a poor judge. I’ve stated many times that neither I nor anyone I know wants a strike. And in the past (if you really have been reading) I’ve also opined how important a strike authorization is WRT contract negotiations, and that a SAV is NOT a call to strike. Get your facts straight, or learn to read/interpret better. Anne Marie Johnson may not have the luxury of coming here to DHD and defending herself from scurrilous attacks and lies, but I will – for her and for myself.

  Further, you wrote, “And, btw, the AMPTP was stupid enough to call the bluff, and we would’ve been out on strike for an income steam that isn’t even there yet if the majority of the membership hadn’t balked.” – WHAT?

  And what does “Ace” have to do with striking? WTF are you smoking tonight?

  In closing, a question: if you’re an actor (and I assume you voted ‘yes’ on this contract), did you go back to work immediately this summer on feature films? Because that’s what the U4S “majority” promised all of us if we voted ‘yes’. “Vote YES, and go back to work immediately!”

  Be honest.

  Comment by Ace — Tuesday September 1, 2009 @ 12:25am PDT  Reply to this post

• hey zipped,

  forming a political party whose original mission was to
  bring about qualified voting ?

  THAT’S DIVISIVE.

  firing an NED who had the temerity to call a sister union
  on her undercutting ?

  THAT’S DIVISIVE.

  the fact that the RBD and NY have worked in concert to undermine
  every major move Membership First has made and then have had the nerve to say Anne-Marie doesn’t know how to negotiate ?

  THAT’S DIVISIVE.

  Because if Doug Allen had been allowed to prevail and had won us
  a better contract, some people might have started to think that
  maybe he had been right about AFTRA poaching jurisdiction.
  And that was unacceptable, because then SAG might not be weak
  enough to see merger as the only way out.

  DIVISIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE.

  Anne-Marie doesn’t listen ?

  The YOUTUBE comments and UFS site comments boards
  ARE TURNED OFF .

  that would be an example of WILLFULLY NOT LISTENING.
  If they won’t listen to criticism now, what makes you
  think they’ll be accessible if they’re elected?

  UFS / USAN engage in the sneaky, weasely politics
  of Karl Rove.
  They don’t give a damn what the rank and file think.
  they just want the votes.

  their campaign literature is filled with half-truths
  and partial information.

  i found Amy Aquino’s blathering about the deficit
  amassed under Rosenberg to be particularly disingenuous.
  deficits occur all the time.
  under RICHARD MASUR, when Amy was Vice-President,
  they had a 6 million dollar plus deficit that was more than 2 million
  over what they had projected.
  and this was in 1999, so in todays dollars the figure would be
  considerably more.

  when doug allen first started SAG’s cash reserves were around
  6 million dollars. now they’re about 23 million.
  and amy is saying we need to vote for her so
  she can restore SAG’s financial health.
  WHAT ?

  lies, manipulations, half-truths, incomplete information …

  UFS/USAN doesn’t care about the rank and file.
  THEY JUST WANT TO WIN.

  and this, to me, is … DIVISIVE.

  Comment by harry98 — Tuesday September 1, 2009 @ 9:48am PDT  Reply to this post