Dissidents Try To Save CU

Insurgent members of Columbia CU said they are on their way to forcing a special membership meeting aimed at reversing November's controversial vote to convert the $600 million credit union to a bank. Lloyd Marbet, chief organizer of the dissidents, said they have collected more than 1,000 signatures-half the necessary number-on a petition urging the special meeting where they hope to rescind the conversion vote and remove the current board, which is backing the charter switch. Marbet said petitioners are canvassing members outside Columbia CU headquarters and six branches in hopes of collecting the required support. If not, the group said it is prepared to go to court to block the conversion, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval.