UTLA OUSTS LEADERS IN SHAKE-UP.

Byline: Jennifer Radcliffe Staff Writer

Upset over stalled contract negotiations with the LAUSD, members of United Teachers Los Angeles ousted their president and other top leaders in an upset election Tuesday - a shake-up that could lead to a more aggressive teachers union.

Incumbent President John Perez, a North Hollywood resident, was defeated after receiving just 41 percent of the 11,098 votes, and Palms Middle School teacher A.J. Duffy won the seat with 59 percent.

``This sweeping victory we've been a part of says the members want change,'' said Duffy, 60, after the mail-in ballots were tallied Tuesday. ``There's a need for action. They want a union that's going to stand up for them more vigorously than in the past.''

Perez, a 32-year veteran of the Los Angeles Unified School District, took the defeat in stride.

``The members said they wanted a more activist union,'' he said. ``I accept the decision of the membership. It's not my office. It's the members' office.''

Perez, a former social studies teacher, said he's proud of his work during his 15 years as a union officer - the longest tenure in UTLA history. This was his first three-year term as president.

``Life goes on. That's just the way it is,'' the 59-year-old said. ``I'm not going out on a sad note.''

Union members largely attribute the results to the 18-month contract standoff between the UTLA and the LAUSD administration. Last month, the union circulated a petition of no confidence against Superintendent Roy Romer, and union leaders now say they expect to sign a new contract with pay raises for teachers in the next few weeks.

The turnover is a sign that members were frustrated with the lack of a contract, said Mike Dreebin, outgoing elementary vice president.

``I don't take it personally,'' he said. ``But it's going to devastate the union.''

Dreebin and other UTLA leaders said they worry that incoming officers won't be as able to unify the UTLA's 41,000 members.

He said he will work to get Duffy and the other incoming leaders up to speed with negotiations and other issues as soon as possible.

David Goldberg won the post of treasurer with more than two-thirds of the vote, defeating incumbent Alberto Valdivia. Vice Presidents Joshua Pechthalt and Julie Washington beat Bev Cook and Mike Dreebin, respectively.

Vice Presidents Lois Bradford and Linda Guthrie will retain their seats.

Romer said he plans to try to have amicable relations with the new union leaders, who will take their posts July 1.

``I look forward to getting acquainted better,'' he said. ``I really feel we can work together.''

Romer declined to speculate on why teachers opted for such drastic change in their union leadership.

Duffy, who started with the LAUSD in 1982, has taught at Charles Drew Junior High, Franklin High School and Palms Middle School.

Jennifer Radcliffe, [phone]

jennifer.radcliffe(at)dailynews.com