Writers Guild president reelected

Members of the Writers Guild of America, West, overwhelmingly reelected Patric M. Verrone as the union’s president, giving him and his slate a strong show of support amid contentious contract negotiations with Hollywood studios.

Verrone won a second two-year term with 90% of the vote. As expected, he easily defeated lone challenger Kathy Kiernan, a KNX-AM (1070) news writer, who joined the board as a supporter of Verrone’s and was not considered a serious challenger. Verrone’s slate easily retained control of the board.

“I’m flattered and pleased to have been given the opportunity to serve,” said Verrone, an animation writer whose credits include the TV shows “Futurama” and “Rugrats.” “I do take it as a vote of confidence.”

Turnout was typically low. Only 1,286 of 7,709 eligible members voted.

Verrone and his supporters took control of the guild two years ago on a platform of securing better pay for writers.

The guild’s contract expires Oct. 31. Negotiations on a new three-year deal began July 16 but broke down a few days later with each side lambasting the other’s proposals. Talks are set to resume today, although the sides are far apart on several issues.

Still, Verrone said he was “optimistic about making a deal.”

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