b'became enemies and some enemies became friends. There were also some light moments, especially among those whowere optimistic that their side would win. One representative, when asked why he remained so calm, replied, You catchmore flies with honey than you do with vinegar. It was the first time I heard that statement and I thought it was both humorous and practical.The greatest amount of tension was between the older and younger employees. The following were some of thecomments made:What has Teamsters Local 237 done for you? 420 is the union for you. Teamsters Local 237 has been here all along and it will stay here.Its going to be 420 all the way. Just wait and see.On the day of the election there was more excitement than is sometimes seen in city, state, or even nationwide elections.It was held about two blocks from the hospital. Most of us walked but some were driven there by drivers from both sides.There was a bit of deception. To get a ride, some people claimed that they were going to vote for the same side thedriver was on, but when they got there, they voted for the other side.Teamsters Local 237 was victorious in many of the departments [at Coler] because the older and more experiencedworkers appreciated what the union had done for them. Their motto: You know what you have, but you dont know whatyoull be getting into. \x02Joseph McGeeDepartment of Transportation, Bridge Operator in Charge, 207th Street BridgeMember since 1954, Retired in 1976In his own wordsI joined Local 237 when they won the vote. I was formerly with AFSCME. The union took over functions and was verysuccessful. Lenny Gordon helped us to get into Local 237 with the Harlem River Division. I was appointed bridge operatorin charge at $3,556. I was appointed bridge attendant August 16, 1954; I was promoted to bridge operator and receiveda Letter of Eligibility for bridge operator-in charge, Eligible letter for Supervisor of Bridge Operator.I was off duty when the strike occurred June 7, 1971. Local 237 represented the bridge operators and was very successful. I was sent the badge on the strike that we received from the union.I am very satisfied with the progress the union has made in all my time, seniority, working conditions, exams to fillvacancies, promotions.The union has done greatly even in my retirement since 1976.They represented Brooklyn, Queens, Richmond, Harlem River Bridge Section. Frank Scarpinato was very helpful toorganize us.194 '