Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/756468
79 Q4 2016 / CINEMONTAGE 79 Q4 2016 / CINEMONTAGE compiled by Edward Landler n In 1981, Ron Kutak started working for the Guild as a part-time videotape organizer. When our Executive Director resigned in 1984, the Board of Directors reviewed applications for the vacant position, but Ron's was not among them. I made a motion to ask him to apply. The Board approved and he applied for the job, along with four other candidates. We interviewed all the applicants and offered the job to Ron! Upon accepting his new position, he insisted on taking a salary lower than what we were offering, because at the time, although financially strong, we were operating in the red. Who does that? In 1985, during his first major contract negotiation, Ron rallied a record 65 percent of our membership to attend a General Meeting to discuss a critical proposal. From that time on, we knew our members would come when circumstances demanded it. In 1986, at his first IATSE Convention as a delegate, Ron convinced us to play a bigger role in the IA by showing more participation on committees and in elections. At the next convention in 1988, he persuaded our delegation to support Tom Short's successful run for Vice President of the IA. In subsequent conventions, we supported Tom for Secretary-Treasurer and, in 1995, for President. Good move. During Tom's time in office, the IA membership increased from 63,000 to over 100,000 and our Pension Plan's multiplier factors went up 82 percent. No wonder we have such a good turnout at our Guild Retirees Luncheons! Over the years, Ron has also worked closely with the Guild's finance committee to assure that we remain in good fiscal health. As a result, we have been able to buy the other half of our LA building, buy a New York office, hire two full-time organizers, a full- time trainer and five field representatives, have membership mixers, picnics, screenings, retirees luncheons, an award-winning magazine and seminars — and the best executive and office staff in the industry. Ron, you are leaving us in great shape. Thank you for always being there for us. Now, light up a cigar, crank up the motorcycle, and have a good ride. Bill Elias Motion Picture Editors Guild Sergeant-at-Arms, 2002-present Editor Representative, 1984-2001 Assistant Editor Representative, 1974-83 Apprentice Editor Representative, 1972-73 n A grievance prompted my first conversation with Ron. I needed his help. Only one month into production on a major studio film, the head of post-production altered my crew's deal memos and falsified their time cards. Ron dealt head-on with the studio and handled the situation with dispatch, discretion and firm diplomacy. The year was 1985. Ron was the newly Sentiments from Ron's Colleagues