CSUEU Board of Directors/Elections
Candidate Information

I am placing my name in nomination for the position of CSUEU President for the June 2009 elections. I feel that I bring the leadership, knowledge and skills to the position that will be needed for the next two years to meet the challenges we face as a union. There will be no shortage of challenges due to the current economy and the state budget. I am committed to protecting our member’s interests and advocating on their behalf at every level possible. I ask for your vote on June 28th.

I will endeavor to serve with integrity. Our union is much bigger than any one of us, and we need all of us to succeed. I pledge to listen. I will not always agree, but real listening carries with it the possibility that what I hear could change me. Although I have much experience, I alone can accomplish little. Your vote will be a pledge from you to work with me. I pledge to work tirelessly, with the idea that how I do something is as equally important as what I do. I believe in you and our union. Peace.

I have been an activist in CSUEU for 10 years and have served as Chapter Organizing Chair, Chapter Vice President, Statewide Organizing Committee; CSEA Women’s Committee, the Policy/Bylaws Committee and now serve as Chapter President. My educational background has helped me to acquire the knowledge needed to help guide CSUEU in a way which will achieve our organization goals, as I hold a BA in Communication and an MA in Education/Counseling. As we move together, into these unchartered waters of uncertain economic times, it is my hope that we will move together, as one Union, united and sharing our strength.

I consider it an honor to run for the office of VP of Finance for CSUEU. I have served on the Finance Committee since October 2005. I have had the pleasure of working with our current VP since she was elected to office. These past four years have prepared me for this next step. If elected, I will serve ALL of our members to the best of my abilities and continue the good work that the Finance Committee has done for the past four years.

As a candidate for VP for Representation I bring to CSUEU Local 2579 the word to all members, “FAIRNESS”. MY platform is quite simple FAIRNESS and EQUALITY to all. I understand people have differences but there is NO DOUBT that we all agreed upon that our favorite colour is “GREEN” between 8 and 5. To get a better understanding of where I am coming from visit the site (my campaign anthem): http://vimeo.com/2539741 . For the people, by the people, power to the people!!!

Thank you for your consideration as a candidate for VP of Representation. I am uniquely qualified for this position because I have previously served as a Unit 7 Rep on our Bargaining Unit council, and I currently serve as Chapter President, Chief Steward, sit on the Board of Directors, Chair the Classification committee and as vice chair of the Women’s committee for CSEA. I have experience in bargaining, grievances, classifications, representation, meet and confers, and executing training to our chapters. I have successfully presented workshops to our members at 16 of our campuses and the Chancellor’s office.

Being VP for Representation requires a balance of both education and hands-on experience. As a CSUS Alumni, Berkeley Law graduate, and 16 year Library Staff Employee and CSUEU member, I have that unique combination. As a CSUEU activist, I have extensive experience as a member of the BOD, the Bargaining Team, Classification Implementation teams, Unit 7 Council, Representation and Legislative Committees, and have served as Campus Chief Steward. In my current role as Vice-Chair of Unit 7, I also have direct experience interacting with and serving our members, who are the core of our Representation role as CSUEU.

As a Member-at-Large in the Statewide BU7 Council, my goals would be to represent the BU7 members in the Statewide BU7 Council meetings. Providing a voice and communication path between members the Council. In past volunteer positions in grassroot groups, I've held positions as an advocate with local, county and state level civic, elected and legislative officials, working on the behalf individuals and a larger group. I bring this experience and an attitude of cooperation, communication, and mutual respect to accomplish the goals and meet the needs of those on whose behalf I speak.

When I was elected two years ago, I stated that communication would be increased for all members. Through the Unit 9 website, http://www.unit9news.org/, I kept that promise. If re-elected, I pledge even greater communication. As the budget crisis worsens, we must protect every employee from layoffs, outsourcing and increased workload. The next two years will be highly challenging. You need someone with experience to represent Unit 9. After 25 years working for the CSU, and a member of the bargaining team for several contract cycles, I have the experience necessary to assist all employees. Thank you.

I first became active in CSUEU in self-defense. But, as my knowledge and experience have grown, I've realized what a truly remarkable group of people it is that we represent. As an at-large member this past term, I've participated in many state-level proceedings, even bargaining! I want to expand my role in helping strengthen Unit-9. In 13+ years at SSU, I've seen many changes and we are now faced with the toughest challenges ever. I've worked hard to help our Chapter present a strong, unified voice, and I want to do the same for BUC9.