SEATTLE, WASH. Senator RALPH W. YARBORough, I am writing concerning the appointment of Arthur A. Fletcher as Assistant Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington D.C. I have knowledge of the tremendous job Mr. Fletcher has done with Department of Labor programs in California and Washington State. Also he developed one of the best self-help programs in Pasco, Washington, that is a model for other communities to follow in developing viable and meaningful programs without Federal funds. He has dedieated himself to help. It is our recommendation that because of his administrative, technical and managerial background, we strongly urge your confirmation of him for this appointment. I am sure that this appointment will be an asset to the present administration. Sincerely yours, HAROLD D. WHITEHEAD, Executive Director, Central Area Motivation Program. SEATTLE, WASH., April 7, 1969. SENATOR RALPH W. YARBOROUGH, U.S. Senate, Washington, D. C. HON. SENATOR YARBOROUGH: We sincerely urge you to cast your vote in favor of the confirmation of Arthur A. Fletcher, as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the United States. We have known Mr. Fletcher and his family for many years, and feel President Nixon could not have made a wiser selection. Mr. Fletcher is a very dedicated and sincere man, and even though we feel a great loss here in the State of Washington, we know he is needed by the rest of the nation in times such as these. We know, without a shadow of a doubt that this gentleman will be able to work out many problems-as he has come up from the "ranks" so to speak and has very personal knowledge of vast problems confronting this great nation of ours. We know that you recognize and value his remarkable accomplishments to date and feel that you definitely will want to see him appointed to a status of responsibility and positive influence wherein he can begin to flex his abilities to their fullest strength and effect. We are confident that we can count on you to support not only the man Arthur A. Fletcher but the bigger and better world of human opportunity and accomplishment for which he stands. Respectfully yours, MR. AND MRS. RAYMOND J. GAUTIER. FARRIS, BANGS & HOROWITZ, Re Arthur Fletcher. Hon. RALPH W. YARBOROUGH, DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: As a former president of the Washington State Jaycees and currently as Vice Chairman of the Washington Council of the National Council on Crime & Delinquency, it has been my privilege to work closely with Art Fletcher on several occasions. He is able to function quite effectively in situations that require more than the usual degree of leadership ability. He can transcend the racial boundary so that men who must work with him quickly respect his mind, and admire his ability to get the job done. Although he and I are of different political parties, it is a pleasure to recommend him without qualification. Very truly yours, JEROME FARRIS. HARRY J. PRIOR & ASSOCIATES, Inc., Hon. RALPH W. YARBORough, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: I am writing you on behalf of Art Fletcher who is seeking confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor. My acquaintance with Art Fletcher has been rather short, but intensive. I first met him last summer at the Republican State Convention in Seattle. Along with a number of other candidates running for state office, he made a short talk to the convention. Without question, he stole the show and he turned me on enough so that I subsequently accepted the job of being his state-wide chairman. Art ran for the office of Lieutenant Governor and won the primary overwhemlingly. He was narrowly defeated in the general election by a very popular Democratic incumbent whose name is exceptionally well known since he was formerly football coach at the University of Washington. In losing to this popular incumbent, Art Fletcher managed to receive more votes in the state than President Nixon. I am assuming that you have a complete history of Art Fletcher's education and experience and I will not comment on these. During the campaign I got to know Art and his wife Bernice quite well since they lived in our home whenever they were in the Seattle area. Art is an exceptionally personable individual, both on the public platform and as a living-room conversationalist. He is a student and a real intellectual. He has one of the most refreshing outlooks on the Civil Rights problem and its solutions of any man I have met. Relating to his appointment as Assistant Secretary of Labor, Art Fletcher has great empathy for the laboring man. He worked hard to get a college education earning his own way entirely, and following graduation from college took a job delivering ice because there was nothing better available for a Negro college graduate at the time. Art has a healthy philosophy on labor management relations. His philosophy, which is born of experience, has developed strong convictions. I find it difficult to quarrel with his convictions. Art Fletcher has a somewhat unique facility of gaining acceptance from both the black and white communities. His stature among Negroes is exemplified by the fact that Senator Brooke came all the way to Seattle to speak at a luncheon in behalf of Art during the latter's campaign of Lieutenant Governor. Like Senator Brooke, Art's ideas have great appeal to whites of all economic levels. Although he has been a Republican since he was a student at Washburn University, Art has considerable appeal to Democrats. We know from the results of the election that Art received a considerable number of Democratic votes. You would be well advised to recommend confirmation of Art Fletcher as Assistant Secretary of Labor. I am convinced that he will be a credit to the Department of Labor and the Nixon Administration. Sincerely, HARRY J. PRIOR & ASSOCIATES, INC., Hon RALPH YARBOROUGH, PASCO SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 1, Chairman, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, Pasco, Wash., April 10, 1969. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: Reference your letter: Confirmation Hearing, Arthur A. Fletcher, Assistant Secretary of Labor Designate for Wage and Labor Standards Administration for the U.S. Department of Labor. I know Art Fletcher well. He is a tireless, dedicated worker. He will get the job done and do it well. Fair employment practices in business and industry in the Tri-Cities Area were greatly increased as a result of Art's efforts. His approach was to foster understanding among employers of the problems of the disadvantaged. Art gained the cooperation and enthusiasm of leaders in industrial management which led to recruitment programs for those previously considered unqualified for employment. Under his influence, programs were developed in pre-employment and post-employment counseling. Operating successfully today is the East Pasco Self Help Coop Automotive Center. Art pounded the pavement selling stock to get this business going. It is a model of a successful attempt to redevelop and renew a ghetto and provide a means for its residents to help themselves instead of having to depend upon the government "bailing them out". What Art started here did not die on the vine when he left. I hope his confirmation hearing will be short and positive. With best regards, GEORGE W. PAYSSE, Coordinator of Federal Projects and Member of the Board of Directors, TriCities Area Merit Employment Council. Hon. RALPH W. YARBOROugh, U.S. Senator, Washington, D.C. TACOMA, WASH., April 18, 1969. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: I sincerely urge you to cast you vote in favor of confirming Mr. Arthur A. Fletcher, of Pasco, Wash., Assistant Secretary of Labor. Mr. Fletcher has proven himself to the people of Washington, that it is ability that counts and not the pigmentation of one's skin. In the general election last November, Art ran for Lieutenant Governor. His stunning near victory further endeared him to the people of Washington. I know that you are aware and can easily recognize the ingredients that make a fine upright gentleman such as Mr. Art Fletcher. We, the people of the State of Washington, urge you and are honestly hoping that you will support Mr. Arthur A. Fletcher for Assistant Secretary of Labor. Respectfully yours, WALTER E. WHITE, President, Local 2600, American Federation of Government Employees. PASCO, WASH., April 11, 1969. Hon. RALPH YARBOROUGH, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: I would like to take this opportunity to express to you my belief that Mr. Arthur A. Fletcher, who will appear for confirmation for an appointment as Assistant Secretary of Labor, should be supported by you. I served as a fellow councilman with Mr. Fletcher in the city of Pasco, and respected his insight into the problems of our city and country. Mr. Fletcher, in my opinion, demonstrated most satisfactorily a sound understanding of the principles of management and administration which would serve to qualify him well for the position for which he is being considered. I must explain, that while I am urging your support of Mr. Fletcher for this position, I am a member of the opposite political party from Mr. Fletcher, and in that capacity I did not support him in the recent election for Lieutenant Governor in our State. Further, I was a personal friend of the candidate in opposition to Mr. Fletcher, but in spite of all these things, I still urge, without reservation, your support for Mr. Fletcher in his up-coming confirmation. Í believe Mr. Fletcher, if appointed, will capably perform the position and will be a credit to the Government and country. Respectfully yours, Hon. RALPH YARBOROUGH, GEORGE P. STORK, BEN PHILLIPS, INC., Kennewick, Wash., April 11, 1969. Chairman, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. SIR: In re confirmation hearing, Arthur A. Fletcher, Assistant Secretary of Labor-designate for Wage and Labor Standards Administration for the U.S. Department of Labor. Your support in confirming Mr. Arthur Fletcher to serve as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Wage and Labor Standards Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor is respectfully requested. Mr. Fletcher has lived and worked in this Tri City area for more than 4 years and is highly regarded by those who have had an opportunity to work with him and observe his accomplishments. His almost limitless energy has been applied to the prosecution and realization of projects consistent with his high ideals. I have worked with Mr. Fletcher on several programs, such as Higher Horizons, the East Pasco Self-Help Cooperative, and the Merit Employment Council and have noted with admiration his ability to develop ideas and to obtain the cooperation of others. He is most accomplished in the field of human relations, which extends to all, irrespective of position or status. Mr. Fletcher is highly regarded on the Hanford project for his capabilities in working with industrial leaders, in recruitment and in training and counseling. Mr. Fletcher's character, integrity, understanding of people and the problems of people and his desire to accomplish admirable goals will serve the Nation well as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Wage and Labor Standards Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Very truly yours, BEN PHILLIPS. Hon. RALPH YARBOROUGH, PASCO, WASH. April 11, 1969. Chairman of the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: As residents of Pasco for some years we have had an opportunity to watch the “self-help co-op" which Mr. Arthur Fletcher has used as his stepping stone to the position of Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Wage and Labor Standards Administration of the Labor Department. We feel that a very careful and thorough first-hand investigation should be made of this before the appointment is confirmed. We are saying this in the interest of good government, because we are both very loyal and active Republicans. As such we do not want to see the party downgraded in any way. Maybe the "self-help co-op" has been the solution to the problems of the minority groups in other communities, but it is a failure in this area. In the early stages of the program, the promoters leased a service station and ran it for a very short time before it was closed primarily because the suppliers were not being paid. Then they built a new station closer to the part of town where many of them live. However, this is a "serve yourself" type of operation and as such has only one attendant on duty each shift, which means three employees at the most. This is scarcely a dent in the problem. Last fall another project was started; namely, a retail store. It operated a short time but now apparently it has folded. In the light of this information, it seems that some further study should be given to the background of the person in question. As you undoubtedly already know, Mr. Fletcher did not carry this area last fall when he was running for Lieutenant Governor; neither did he carry the State on what was a Republican landslide in a usually predominantly Democratic State. This letter is being written as a strong protest against the confirmation of Arthur Fletcher to the above position. Yours very truly, EDGAR R. MILLER. VITRO HANFORD ENGINEERING SERVICES, Re confirmation hearing, Arthur A. Fletcher, Assistant Secretary of Labordesignate for Wage and Labor Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Hon. RALPH YARBOROUGH, Chairman, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: Having been associated with Arthur Fletcher here at the Hanford project, Richland, Wash., for the past 31⁄2 years in the fields of recruitment programs, program development for staff personnel (executive level to workers in the plant), and helping industrial leaders understand minority problems, I have found that he has done an admirable job. His dynamic personality, leadership, and influence on others have been recognized by the industrial leaders of this area as assets for an administrative management post. As a member of the Pasco City Council, the Tri Cities Area Merit Employment Council, and the Pasco self-help project, he has shown management capability and integrity. He has reorganized, redeveloped, and introduced new programs in the area of employment and labor which have met with success. It is therefore fitting that I strongly urge you to confirm the appointment of Arthur Fletcher for the position of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Wage and Labor Standards Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Sincerely yours, EDWARD E. SMITH, U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, Re confirmation hearing, Mr. Arthur A. Fletcher, Assistant Secretary of Labordesignate for Wage and Labor Standards Administration for the U.S. Department of Labor. Hon. RALPH YARBOROUGH, U.S. Senate, Washington D.C. DEAR SENATOR YARBOROUGH: It is my understanding that the Senate hearing on confirmation of Mr. Arthur A. Fletcher is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 15, 1969. I wish to offer for your consideration my views concerning Mr. Fletcher's approach to the general area of fair employment practices. For your information, the Richland operations office of the Atomic Energy Commission and its eight cost-type contractors employ collectively about 8,500 people. Our office is the largest employer in the Tri-Cities area, which is composed primarily of the three communities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, Wash. As you may know, Mr. Fletcher resided in Pasco, Wash. for the past few years, where he was first employed as director of the Higher Horizons project. Higher Horizons was an experimental and demonstration project cosponsored by the local YMCA and the U.S. Department of Labor under the Manpower Development and Training Act. After termination of that project, Mr. Fletcher accepted an offer of employment from one of the prime contractors of the Richland operations office, and held a series of conferences and briefings which were very effective in getting all levels of personnel in our contractors and AEC staffs to understand the problem. He served as a focal point within our operations office for coordinating minority group recruitment programs, he provided for preemployment and postemployment counseling for disadvantaged employees, and consulted with various contractors on our project with regard to establishing training programs for managerial, supervisory, and other employees in the area of equal employment opportunity. Mr. Fletcher was also instrumental in establishing a local merit employment council in cooperation with plans for progress, a council compromised of Richland contractors and private firms in the Tri-Cities area, a number of whom are experiencing directly for the first time the full import of equal opportunities, not only in employment, but also in housing, education, and other facets of human relations. He was also able to establish new and productive relationships with academic and community leaders outside our immediate area which enhance the capacity of our office to recruit minority group employees. It is my opinion, and the opinion of my key staff, that Mr. Fletcher has demonstrated exceptional ability to communicate and deal effectively and forcefully with all levels of persons, from the worker in the plant to top management, and with business and community leaders. Sincerely, D. G. WILLIAMS, Manager. |