Mason Austin is a City Planning Supervisor for the Department of Planning and Development and has worked for the City for 8 years. He's been a Local 2186 member for 2 1/2 years, serving as a shop steward and also a representative to DC 47's PEOPLE Committee. Mason is running for Local 2186 Secretary/Treasurer because, as he says, "I believe that without greater transparency and engagement of membership, our Local is not fully taking advantage of its power to improve the lives and jobs of City workers. As front-line supervisors, we are in a unique position to advocate for better working conditions."
Mason cares deeply about the role he plays as a city worker. He works primarily on legislation related to affordable housing, development, and the environment. He's also the District Planner for the North Delaware District, which includes the Mayfair, Tacony, Holmesburg, Torresdale, and parts of Wissinoming and Frankford neighborhoods. He says, "I love working with fellow Philadelphians to help strengthen our neighborhoods and to ensure that they are heard as a part of planning and development processes. I value being in a position where I can help close the gap between residents and City Council and work with different agencies and stakeholders to solve problems and make the City work better for all of us."
Mason believes that union leadership must be transparent, accessible, and work closely with members. "The union's power is entirely vested in its members. By focusing on members, leadership will better understand their needs; by membership being more engaged in the union, leadership will be better able to win their demands." He adds, "I hope this campaign helps to strengthen and empower members, bringing them closer to union leadership and ensuring that they get what they need from their jobs and for their jobs."
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