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Letter: Sticking up for Castlewood

Dear Editor,

I find the recent Guest Opinion ("End the lockout of Castlewood workers," April 2) by City Councilman Matt Sullivan to be short-sighted and lacking the vision of understanding both sides of the situation.

As a member of Castlewood, I have been hesitant to speak out regarding the one-sided portrayal of the Castlewood Union Negotiations that has been evident in the local media. I am not a spokesperson for Castlewood, however, Mr. Sullivan's Guest Opinion deserves a response. In my opinion, Castlewood has been upfront and has negotiated in good faith with the union. All that we have asked from the beginning of the negotiations is to have a health plan for our employees that is competitive with the area in which we live. As Mr. Sullivan has pointed out, "Castlewood should be congratulated for offering health insurance to their employees in an era where it is indeed rare for workers such as these to have benefits." Times have changed regarding health care and the costs to the employee, if it is offered at all. Castlewood must be fiscally responsible in our operational expenses. We have honored our contract with the union and now it is time to modify our position. At least Castlewood will still provide a level of participation on employee health care costs. Do the food service workers at our local Callippe Golf Course have any health insurance? I assume now that the Health Care Bill has passed, they will in the future.

I also find it reprehensible that Mr. Sullivan chose to provide our president's phone number with the solicitation for direct calls. In my opinion, Mr. Sullivan should spend his time with the Pleasanton School Board to find a way to maintain the level of teachers in the Pleasanton School District that we have enjoyed for so many years. Mr. Sullivan, you have lost my confidence and vote in the next election.

George Kozloski