Candidate Statements

Leslie Bahler has been a violist with the Florida Philharmonic since 1983. She served four years on the Philharmonic’s Orchestra Committee and participated in two contract negotiations.

Holly Ballard has been a member of Local 655 since 1981. She has played horn in the Boca Pops and Palm Beach Symphony and Opera since 1983 and has served on the orcherstra committees and as committee chairperson for these groups.

Rene Barge has been a member of Local 655 since the early 1970’s and has been involved in commercial music production and recording since the early 1980’s. He sees Miami as having as much potential for being a great production center as New York or Los Angeles and wants to work hard to see that become a reality.

Lou Barone joined Local 106 (Niagara Falls) in 1952 and has been a member of Locals 209 and 82 as well as 655 and 806. He has previously served on the Board of Directors at Local 106. He is dedicated to the performance of live music, serving as Vice President of the South Florida Jazz and Swing Society, which showcases many of south Florida’s local musicians. He presently serves on Local 655’s wage scale committee.

Stuart MacDonald has been a member of Local 655 since 1975. A member of the Florida Philharmonic, he has also been active in club date and recording. Currently Orchestra Steward, he has served on all Philharmonic committees and at all contract negotiations since 1984.

Joe Reichgott is not in it for the money. He believes that with Peter Graves at the helm and a dedicated office staff, that we can get things back on track and put together a new and stronger union which will benefit everyone.

Randy Singer is a full time session musician and club musician. He has been an active union member since 1981. "It is amazing to me how few local musicians are aware of the existence of the musicians’ union and how their lives can benefit from joining up. I envision an enhanced visibility amongst local musicians."

Michael Bassichis, a member of Local 655 since 1972 and a tubist by trade, has served as teacher, performer, businessman, community servant, and mediator. He has served on the Broward Cultural Affairs Council since 1994 and plays with the Hallandale Symphony and the Greater Miami Concert Band in addition to freelancing. "It’s been very interesting to work with our lawmakers, helping them to understand that the arts don’t cost, they pay."

Guy Scafati has been in south Florida as a member of Local 655 since 1974. A casual and recording musician who has worked as both a sideman and a leader, he takes pride in being a musician and is aware of the problems on both sides. A business agent and the Local 655 Music Performance Trust Fund West Palm Beach liaison, he would like to see the music business carried on as a business and all musicians treated as professionals.
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