b"\x02Melanio Manny CuebasNYCHA,Caretaker J, Shop Steward, Business Agent, Secretary-TreasurerMember since 1964The following is an edited version of Manny Cuebass oral history from March 2017. In 1964, I came out of the army and went to work for the City of New York. At that time, I was about 23 years old.What was your work experience prior to working for the City of New York? Was this your first job? After I came out of the army, I worked for the Board of Education hoping that I could work for the Housing Authority.There was a time where I was a seasonal worker for a very short time while I waited to become Civil Service. I took a jobwith the Board of Education servicing the schools.I was working for the Department of Lunches. Then I applied to the Housing Authority to become permanent. At thattime, I had to take a test to become Civil Service. So I got a job as a Provisional Caretaker J. That was my main start of theHousing Authority.Where did you work when you started out?When I started out, I worked out of Queensbridge Houses, Long Island City. That's located in Queens.From what you've said earlier, you ended up working all over the City. Why did you decide to go to work forthe City?Well, when I decided to go to work for the City, I was married and I was looking for a job where I could make a decentsalary. More importantly because I was going to start a family, I wanted to be able to get the benefits that the City couldgive me and my family. That was one of my important jobs, to be able to take care of my family. So, the Housing Authoritywas one that I wanted to work for because I found out that the Civil Service test was coming out very soon. I have familythat worked for the Housing Authority. I had two sisters who were secretaries in the Housing Authority.Was there someone on the job, either a coworker or a supervisor, who encouraged you in your job? Well, the supervisor that I worked for, as a provisional, his name was Rocky Vertucci. He advised me and he helpedme out to get started and to make sure I took the Civil Service test. Because, as a provisional [employee], when the testcomes out, if I don't become Civil Service, I will probably get bumped by those who are going to be in the Civil Servicelist. So, he was very influential in helping me. He helped me to prepare for the test and get myself ready. He was the supervisor; he had a lot of experience. 45 "