Good afternoon Filial Members and Lodges,
Now that the 2023 OSDIA National Convention in Tampa Florida is over and we are all back to work and/or normal day to day activities, I wish to take a moment and review with you the results of this past week's accomplishments and elections in particular.
As you may or may not know, the recommended slate was delivered by an assembled committee of National representatives known as "The Slate Committee" one of whom was our own Immediate Past State President Diane Santoro. The Committee was instructed by National President Robert Bianchi to INDEPENDENTLY, review and deliver the candidates for the Convention's culminated election.
Based on his record and numerous outstanding results of the past 2 years, notwithstanding the ultimate of turning a financial deficit into a surplus at National, the Slate Committee UNANIMOUSLY, recommended New Jersey's own Robert Bianchi for a second term. Unfortunately for New Jersey, he was defeated in a vote of 46-44 to Connecticut's Michael G. Polo who very clearly voiced that he wished to deliver the Order in a different direction. On behalf of the State of New Jersey, I and the officers wished newly elected President Polo success and offered our support on behalf of the future and wellness of the order, to which he graciously accepted.
On a note of positivity, the "Slate-Committee" did ultimately succeed in the percentage of wins based on their recommendations!
Our very own Frank Gattuso of Carmel Morina Lodge, previously the National Orator, was elected 5th Vice President of the National Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America as we cannot wait for the future when he takes the ultimate position of the Order.
New Jersey Past State President Lou Santoro was elected to the position of National Financial Secretary where he will continue to be an avid watchdog securing the future of the order as head of the budget, audit and finance estimates and part of the investment committee as well!
Other good news is that our Immediate Past State President, Diane Santoro was nominated and elected as a National Trustee as we congratulate her in continuing her hard work, not only as a mentor to me, but on the National level where she can take those hard efforts and help steer our Order in a positive direction.
Another positive was the election of our very own State 1st Vice President, Tony Cipriano of Mario Lanza Lodge, to the National Arbitration Commission as a regular standing member and not just an alternate.
I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank our Delegates, New Jersey State Treasurer Dave Scardino, 2nd State Vice President Andy Simone for their dedication, hard work, time and effort not only this past week at the National Convention, but since their assuming of their positions at our State level as well. Great work!
Last, but certainly not least, our Past State President, Nick Burzichelli who not only dedicated his time and efforts to two terms as State President, but just completed his service as a National Trustee as we wish him well!
In the near future, I will commence a President's Call to review other aspects and highlights of the convention, especially in regard to "FOTO" Future of The Order. Our State was extremely well represented with Cristina Cila of the Carmel Morina Lodge where she made us all proud with her presence, professionalism, intellect and foresight to what direction our Grand Order should proceed in, from a young professional's perspective. She joined other peers from around the country in that endeavor to which they exceeded everyone's high expectations.
Although we all wished and believed President Bianchi rightfully deserved a second term, we accept the results and wishes of the majority and will continue our Statewide efforts as well as our efforts at the National level like all good standing members of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America should. Please feel free to contact me if you wish for me to elaborate on more details of this past week's proceedings.
In Fraternal Bonds and Best Wishes,
Stephen Camiscioli
President - New Jersey Grand Lodge
