Election Watch 2008
Credit Union Political Spotlight
Hubert Hoosman, Jr.
Hubert Hoosman's father taught him, at an early age, the importance of being politically active. Mr. Hoosman, Sr. was born in
1907 and remembered a time when he was not eligible to vote. As a result of this, he made sure all of his children knew how
important it is to exercise this most fundamental right. Not only that, he also taught them the value of being informed and
involved at the local level. These are lessons Hubert learned well from his schoolteacher father and lessons he still practices
today.
Hubert is President and CEO of Vantage Credit Union in Bridgeton, MO where he has worked for more than 26 years. Hubert also credits his father for teaching him and his siblings about credit unions. A credit union was the only financial institution willing to give Mr. Hoosman a small loan and, as a result, he remained a credit union member all of his life.
The Missouri State legislature was considering the Missouri Credit Union Act in 1997 and, for the first time, Hubert became politically engaged. Under the guidance of the Missouri state league, Hubert lobbied his state representatives on this act and began to really understand the whole political process.
The importance of credit union political involvement is very apparent to Hubert. It can be as simple as scheduling voter registration drives in the lobby to hosting a meet-and-greet for the candidates. Politicians are public servants and Hubert concludes the only way to know if a candidate will stand behind what he or she says is to get to know them. There are "career politicians" who will agree with anyone on just about any issue, but, when it comes right down to it, won't necessarily back our issues. These candidates can be weeded out during the campaign process. Hubert is also well aware that every vote counts because he has seen some elections decided by as little as 120 votes!
Volunteering to work on some campaigns has been Hubert's next step. He has done door-to-door campaigning, hosting fundraisers and giving personal contributions to the candidates he supports. He feels more credit unions need to become politically active—it is the best way to insure credit unions will continue to have a legislative voice. Being pro-active will help grow the credit union movement—both now and in the future.
Where will the "Political Spotlight" shine next? Please email us if you know an individual or group within the credit union movement who is engaged in the political process.
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