Dear members, several candidate changes and statements were submitted since the publication of the EA Voice. As such, we are providing you the following information with a reminder that the vote will close on September 14 at 4:00pm.
The following members are running for the positions below:
President
Victor Douglas
Ruby World
Vice President
Virginia Lau
Rochelle Reed
Irma Salinas
Treasurer
Areana Flores
Brittany McIntosh
Marc Nash
Recording Secretary
Tina Landis
Simrun Dhoot
Corresponding Secretary
David Fairly
Mark Tang
Technical Steward
In-house
Robert Cave
Marc Nash
Field
Kimberly Mazza
Professional Stewards (2 positions)
Tamiko Endow
Snigdha Mehta
Chad White
Inspection Stewards (2 positions)
Joy Chen
Chris Coelho
Linda Duca
Eric Lara
Clerical Steward
Brittany McIntosh
Candidate Statements
Victor Douglas: Candidate Statement for EA President
I’ve been working for the Air District for almost 16 years, starting in Enforcement, but primarily in Rule Development. I arrived at the tail end of what I’ve termed “The Troubles”; a time when the EA member had been working without a contract for over three years. Before coming to the Air District, I worked at the Air Resources Board for 13 year. So, I’ve had the opportunity to compare labor relations between the two agencies and there’s a world of difference. The one that stands out most distinctly is that most employees at the ARB were represented by organized labor unions and we are not. I believe that difference is crucial, but not necessarily limiting. One of the skills I bring is a strong relationship to both management and the executives. Being in Rule Development, I understand how the executives manage the Board of Directors to achieve the goals of the executives. So, when they say, “I have to convince the Board,” we must take that with a huge grain of salt because the Board trusts the executives to advise them accordingly.
I would like to see the EA members prosper as much as possible. I also believe that the currently management has an opposing view – to chronically and incrementally erode the gains the EA made following the resolution of “The Troubles.” During the economic downturn of the last decade we were asked to “tighten our belts” and that the pain of those times would be “shared by all.” Nice sentiments, but far from reality. Since the downturn, we have seen the management and executive sector balloon but in numbers and compensation while the EA members have had never income gains and decrease in benefits. This is not the fault of the EA, but of both changes in State law and a result of the “tightening of our belts” and sharing the pain attitudes of management. A similar approach was made on the State level – but since the economy has improve, most the sacrifices the rank and file state employees have made as a result of the recession have been made up in major salary increases and the removal of furloughs. I’d like to see that happen here at the Air District. I would also like to see limits on the numbers of contract and temporary employees the Air District can hire. Most of the work these people are doing can be done by EA members. I’d also like the Air District to acknowledge Air District staff tenure here when they compete with outside candidates—working at the Air District provides institutional knowledge that outsider cannot possibly possess and, when all things being equal, makes an Air District employee a much better candidate for promotion.
There are many other areas I’d like see improved here and working closely with the EA Board of Directors, the Meet and Confer Team and interacting with the EA membership and maintaining and improving relationships with management and the executives, I believe we can achieve those goals and prosper.
Ruby World: Candidate Statement for EA President
Let me get straight to the point:
It is my opinion that the governing body of our union has devolved into an adversary of the membership instead of a contender toward management. This is the outcome of a few long-term members consolidating into an elite decision-making group, often treating membership participation and disclosure as a formality. This is a predictable situation within organizations; often it is the result of well-meaning but overwhelmed volunteers. It is not enough to change the faces of the Board of Directors, as novices need mentorship and guidance. It is not enough to “fire/hire” someone; we cannot expect to find a labor expert Mary Poppins to fix our shortcomings. A labor union of our size needs to move forward toward functioning as a formal entity to serve the needs of the entire membership, absent of personal opinions, preferences and prejudices. It’s time for the Employees’ Association to be accountable to the membership. It’s time for the membership to expect more from its union.
Should I become the next President, there are several core changes to union operations that the membership should expect. First, no more informal meetings with management by union officers. Second, the membership can expect routine updates about all union activities, including informative agendas and detailed minutes. Members will be provided with the opportunity to communicate with the Board with anonymity allowed. Third, all labor-related consultants will undergo review and approval by the membership. Fourth, restrictions toward entering into confidentiality agreements and similar activities.
As President, I want to facilitate the empowerment of the entire membership to be active participants in the decisions that affect them; especially our field members. As a three-term Board member and Meet & Confer representative - as well as the former EA Voice editor and the union Archivist - I have the experience to benefit the membership with continuity. However, it is my education and prior work experience in team leadership and managerial positions that will qualify me to bring forth the needed organization changes to make our union strong and successful for the next contract negotiation.
Virginia Lau: Candidate Statement for EA Vice
President
I currently work in the Emission Inventory and Exposure Assessment Section of the Planning and Climate Change Division as an Advanced Projects Advisor. I previously served on the EA Board as a Professional Steward and also volunteered on the Grievance Committee.
Irma Salinas: Candidate Statement for EA Vice
President
My name is Irma Salinas and I am interested in running for Vice President. I am from southern California. One of my hobbies and passions is real estate and watching the shows on home improvements and remodeling. Family is important to me and making sure that my family has the best possible care at a reasonable out of pocket expense is a concern of mine. I am interested in making sure that the health benefits package is improved. I have worked at the District for over 25 years and believe in the District’s mission to “create a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality and the global climate”, and look forward to where the District will be in the future. I am a principal engineer and I work in the Engineering Division. During this period, I have been active with the EA in various capacities including Meet and Confer Committee, and I was the Recording Secretary. I hope to bring new ideas and concepts along with the dedication to make our workplace a more cohesive and enjoyable experience and ensure that the employee’s needs are addressed by collaboration, dedication and providing leadership and excellence. Thank you for your consideration.
Areana Flores: Candidate Statement for Treasurer
In my 13+ years of work experience in various fields, 7 of which were in retail banking, I have learned to communicate, adapt, coordinate, and work with others of diverse backgrounds, providing me an insight to people's needs and expectations. This has truly given me a perspective on what it means to be mindful and how others can help spark creativity and innovation within you. I want to continue learning and being part of the EA board aligns well with my passion for growth and interest in creating impact long term. Thanks!
Robert Cave: Candidate Statement for In-House Technical Steward
I have worked for the District for over 25 years. 2 ½ years as a Limited Term Employee, 15 years in Engineering, and 10 in Rule Development. I have been served the EA as a professional steward, technical steward, and member of the meet and confer team for over 10 years, and served as the chair of the negotiating team for the last 5 years.
I believe that change is good in respect to the EA leadership. Serving on the board or on a committee can be exhausting, so it is good to spread the work around. Furthermore, it is good to have a variety or voices, so that it the EA leadership represents and serves the needs of the entire membership. I also believe in the value of continuity, so I look forward to serving in a reduced capacity to ensure that the EA continues to serve the needs of its members. Whether this be as a Technical Steward (should I be elected), or as a member of the meet and confer or another committee (should I be chosen by EA leadership).
Marc Nash: Candidate Statement for Treasurer/Technical Steward
My name is Marc Nash and I am interested in running for Treasurer/Technical Steward. I am from the Great Lakes area (Chicago), and I am First Nation, Native American, and an enrolled tribal member. As far back as I can remember, I have always been actively involved in making the environment a better place to live. Like you, I am fortunate to be part of our organization and truly believe in our mission to protect the Public. I came out to California from the Midwest to go to school at UC Berkeley, where I majored in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. These days, I work in the Toxics Evaluation Group of the Permitting /Title V/Toxics Section of the Engineering Division. I have worked on a variety of engineering projects, but my current assignment deals primarily with permitting engines. I have been employed by the District for 27 years, and I look forward to taking a more active part in our organization. I am asking for your vote, and your support so that I can address the needs of our association and further support you and our work environment. I am currently on the EA bylaws committee, and following the advice given to us by all previous EA board members, to get involved and make a positive difference, I would like to be more involved. Likewise, I always advise everyone to exercise their right to vote, to have a voice and to make a difference at all levels of their lives. I ask for all EA members to please vote and when you do, I hope that I can persuade you to vote for me! Let’s move forward together!
Tina Landis: Candidate Statement for Recording Secretary
I have extensive experience serving on elected leadership bodies for social advocacy organizations over the past 15 years. During that time, I played a support role working with many local unions on various union campaigns. I have served two terms as Corresponding Secretary for the EA and would like to continue to serve the membership as Recording Secretary. One of the high points of getting a job at the District a little over 5 years ago was to find out there was a union! I am a strong advocate for unions and understand that we are all stronger and all benefit when we work together to stand up for each other’s rights within our workplace and society in general.
Simrun Dhoot: Candidate Statement for Recording Secretary
I am an Air Quality Engineer in the Engineering Division and have been an employee at the Air District since 2009. I am running to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the EA Board. I am committed to ensuring that the voices and concerns of the EA membership are heard and addressed. I believe in the ideals of a union and vow to use this position to ensure that every member is properly represented. If elected, I will bring professionalism and transparency to this role. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to have your support!
Mark Tang: Candidate Statement for Corresponding Secretary
I’ve been with the Air District since 2007, working in the Engineering Division and now the Strategic Incentives Division. I’ve also previously held a board position at a non-profit organization as Member-at-Large and will bring this expertise to my role as the EA’s Corresponding Secretary. I value and understand the importance of transparency and communication and will ensure the EA Board continues to do so. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the various concerns expressed by membership. Whether it’s health and retirement benefits, COLA, or promotional opportunities and hiring, I will work towards maintaining and improving our work life. Please feel free to stop by my desk or contact me via email if you have any questions. I hope I can count on your support!
Snigdha Mehta: Candidate Statement for Professional Steward/Treasure
I joined the Air District’s Engineering Division as Air Quality Engineer over two years ago after working for over seven years in a highly competitive and stressful private sector. The main reason I accepted this job at the Air District was that it is a “union job”. Coming from the private sector, where there is no support, I understand the importance of and value a strong, undivided union. As a bridge between the EA members and the Board, I will try to foster a more open, communicative, and collaborative environment to properly represent the interests and address the concerns of the members and to bring accountability and transparency to the Board. I hope you will give me an opportunity to serve you and further strengthen this union. Thank you for your consideration.
Tamiko Endow: Candidate Statement for Professional Steward
I have worked in the Engineering Division at the District for almost 25 years and am running for professional steward. During my time at the District, I have seen the EA weather and overcome challenging circumstances by standing together. I believe the EA can best support the interests of its members by fostering open communication and by considering all perspectives. I would like to focus EA leadership on providing clear and timely information to members and on making decisions which are responsive, collaborative, and transparent. By representing all members, I believe the union can create a better work environment, and that this can improve the effectiveness of the District in meeting its mission to serve the Bay Area community.
Chad White: Candidate Statement for Professional Steward.
I enjoy working with and getting to know people across the Air District. Although driven in part by personal interest, my deeper reason is to learn how the Air District is functioning as an organization and to work toward assuring a positive work environment and experience for everyone. An EA steward plays an important role in creating a positive workplace by acting as listener, communicator, advocate, and ombudsperson. As a steward for the Professional classes, my goal is to hear, share, and address pain points that people are experiencing both in the micro-environments of their relationships with supervisors and managers and in the macro-environment of our negotiated contract with the agency as a whole. I view this process as bi-directional – both bringing member concerns to the board, and empowering members to understand what their representative are strategizing and doing. I bring to this role not only my capacity as a savvy listener, but also my previous work experience. Before joining the Planning Department a year ago, I was college professor doing research on organizational change and teaching classes in management and social science. Before that I was an environmental consultant.
Chris Coelho: Candidate Statement for Inspection Steward
I have been involved with the EA most of my career at the Air District. I served one term as Inspection Steward, Vice-President and currently serving as president. During this time, I helped revive the social committee, helped create the grievance committee, archive committed (which had the monumental task of electronically scanning and organizing all of the archived hard copy documents before the move), and created and maintain the current EA website. As president, I've made sure that the EA voice has gone out monthly. I've helped with resolving 4 grievances and currently working on resolving on two more as well as resolve numerous issues before they became grievances. I have done a lot for this union and I am very proud of all the work we have accomplished. However, there is one thing left unfinished and it is a big reason why I want to continue on the EA Board. I extremely motivated to work with the Air District to bring back the inspector classification study. While there is no guarantee this will happen, there is a chance. This study was part of a long term goal that could have resulted in a salary increase for inspection staff. As your inspection steward, I would have more time to focus on this goal while fulfilling all the other duties as steward. I am proud of serving this union and I ask for your vote to help me finish what we started. Thank you.
Linda Duca: Candidate Statement for Inspection Steward
I have been working with the Air District for 12 years now, as an Inspector and Senior Inspector. During that time I have benefitted greatly from the work that the EA has done, and I would like to take this opportunity to do my part in making the EA the successful organization that it is, and to be a conduit from the field to the EA Board and officers for the whole Inspection staff.