The allegation in Paul Gentile's Aug.1, 2007 column of a lack of support for CURIA by large credit union CEOs, and insinuation that it's part of a plot to take over smaller credit unions, are not only unsupported, they're wrong, potentially damaging to the entire credit union movement, and give the ABA ammunition for their disgraceful fight against this bill and credit unions in general. I have no doubt the ABA is using the column as a weapon in their assault on CURIA.

I am a member of the NAFCU Legislative Committee, along with other executives of credit unions of many different sizes. The committee encouraged NAFCU to be aggressive in its work with legislators to craft this bill in order to enhance the value of the credit union charter to our current and potential members. I, and many other credit union CEOs, had similar discussions with CUNA. The CURIA bill proposed reflects this fact. And, I have yet to talk with one of my peers, regardless of the size of credit union they represent, who is less than enthusiastically supporting CURIA.

Regarding support for the bill with legislators, CEFCU has asked every member of Congress that serves our 14 county Central Illinois field of membership to co-sponsor the bill. One is on board. Another has pledged to support the bill if it is called for a floor vote. And, CEFCU plans to tell our members which representatives are co-sponsors and ask that they contact those who are not and ask for their support. Beyond these actions, and support for our trade organizations' work with Congress to pass CURIA, I don't know what others and I need to do. Standing on a soapbox in the courthouse square, while very apparent to the media isn't a very effective means of persuading legislators on this issue.