Passing the Torch in the Fight for Retirees

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Whether it’s the sunny beaches, the diverse culture, or the world-class food and entertainment, it’s pretty obvious why Florida remains at the top of the list of states to spend your retiree years. Although Florida’s economy rests largely on their influence and service, retirees are too often left behind in the calamity of legislation and Florida politics.

Carrying the torch to ensure these voices are heard in the halls of the capitol is The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), an AFL-CIO allied organization that advocates for public policies that benefit current and future retirees in Florida. President Tony Fransetta who retired on June 9, 2015 has led this important work for the past 17 years. Fransetta is credited with bringing together disparate Union retiree voices into one strong advocate for issues affecting all retirees.

Born in Kimball, West Virginia, Tony served in the United States Navy for 4 years, leaving a decorated officer. After 34 years of dedicated hard work, Fransetta retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1990 and became President of FLARA in 1998. Over the years of his leadership, FLARA transformed into the vibrant and influential organization it is today. Fransetta is held in high regard throughout Florida and in Washington, DC for his ability to create real wins for retirees.

092909 met dems 1.jpgThe City of Orlando passed a Proclamation declaring June 9th as Tony Fransetta Day, the US Congress recognized his work and leadership and Fransetta was presented with AARP’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Commemorating the day further, Fransetta received dozens of letters of congratulations and thanks from politicians, Union leadership, friends, and well wishers alike who all thanked Fransetta for the work he has done over the past 17 years. Embracing the FLARA axiom, “As each generation ages, new challenges must be confronted and new opportunities must be created in order for organizations to be responsible and continue to grow,” Fransetta passed the torch of leadership to Bill Sauers.

Sauers, who came to Florida by way of New Jersey, was the Public Relations Manager at American Income Life Insurance Company. In addition to FLARA, he has held leadership positions in the following organizations: Former District Vice President for the Florida AFL-CIO, former Executive Board Member of the South Florida AFL-CIO, the Broward County AFL-CIO, the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, the Central Florida AFL-CIO, former Vice President for the South Florida Maritime Trades Council and the former President of the Mid County Democratic Club. Bill will use this leadership experience to take FLARA to the next level, advancing FLARA’s legacy and dedication the raising the voices of retirees in the state of Florida.

For more information on The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans visit their website or follow their page on Facebook.