Local 47 President John Acosta wrote the following “Time Is Now” referendum update in his February Overture Online column:

“I am happy to report that our referendum has qualified with over 3,200 Ballots cast! Not only did the referendum qualify, 80% of those ballots cast said ‘yes,’ in an overwhelming majority vote in favor of selling and relocating. What an exciting time for our Union!

“For all of you who participated in this referendum, thank you. Whether you showed up for a meeting in support or against the sale, whether you wrote into our online forum, or participated in our survey or focus group, thank you. I stand committed to our plan. We will work with the Building Committee to plan and design our new headquarters. We will work with our Executive Board, Finance Committee and legal counsel to create an endowment and hire investment advisors. We will hold special meetings to discuss our plans and solicit membership input every step of the way.

“The ‘Time is Now’ campaign was a herculean effort, from start to finish, with over 20,000 phone calls made, and hundreds of conversations on job sites and membership meetings. I personally made hundreds of calls, and have made new friends in the process. We have an amazing membership, incredible individuals with phenomenal talent and vision. I am humbled by the trust you have invested in this administration, and now, the real work begins. Let’s all roll up our sleeves and work on a collective vision of what the ‘New’ musicians union should be.

“I want to give special mention to Erick Cruz, our Organizer for this project. Without Erick we could not have run this campaign. I also want to thank Linda Rapka, our Communications Director, for all of the work she put into this. Also, a big thank you to all of the Local 47 staff, Titled Officers and Executive Board that participated in the phone banking. And special thanks to Executive Board member Vivian Wolf who truly threw herself into this campaign. Finally, thank you, members of Local 47. We now embark on an amazing new chapter in our history. I am humbled to be a part of this special moment in time, a moment that will lead us into a bright new future.”