2024 SEIU SRJC CHAPTER ELECTIONS

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

 NO LONGER ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

 

President – 1 position 

Sandy Sigala 
ssigala@santarosa.edu 

Greetings SEIU Membership, 
The year has come again where I am seeking the seat of President for our local SEIU Chapter, I truly enjoy helping our Classified Professionals during trying times, and it would be a continued honor to continue to serve You.  I am requesting your Vote and support in the upcoming SEIU election for the seat of SEIU President.  My years serving as your SEIU President, has allowed me the opportunity to bring our Classified Professional voices forward to support subject matters of many concerns without hesitancy.  The Presidential leadership position has educated me to approach administration issues with a style of finesse and respect in order to resolve concerns.  I always have an open ear to serve our membership with continued importance to listen; assuring your voice is heard, acknowledged and addressed.   
I will continue to represent and support the Classified Professionals in all areas when employment concerns arise in a continued respectful, professional and fair manner.  I am always available to meet for any questions you may have or concerns at any time and work to seek a resolution.  I will continue to be transparent and communicate with the Classified Professionals in all ways. 
I ask for your consideration to cast a Vote for me.  Thank you for your Support. 
Vote for Sandy Sigala as SEIU PRESIDENT 

 

Vice President/Lead Negotiator – 1 position 

Jessica Melvin 
jmelvin@santarosa.edu 

My name is Jessica Melvin and I have worked at the JC for over 9 years. During the past 7 years, I have been proud to hold various Union roles supporting Classified Professionals including Secretary/Treasurer for 2 years, Negotiator for 5 years, and Job Steward for 1 year. I am currently a Negotiator and Job Steward. I believe the experience I have gained in these roles has prepared me to effectively represent and advocate for Classified Professionals as Vice President and Lead Negotiator. Classified Professionals are indispensable to the ongoing success of the JC and together we will fight for our voices to be heard and our expertise to be acknowledged and included in the decision-making process. I would be honored to have your vote so that I can continue to advocate for my fellow Classified Professionals and to fight for parity with Faculty and Management for a stronger future for the JC. 

 

Negotiator – 3 positions 

Robert Peterson 
rpeterson@santarosa.edu 

I have been an employee here at the Santa Rosa Junior College since 1996.  I have been a union member since 1999.  I got  involved with the union in 2004.  I was a steward for about 10 years.  I have been a negotiator for the last seven years.  I would like to continue as a negotiator.  Thank you for your support.   

 

Greg Drukala 
gdrukala@santarosa.edu 

I have been an SEIU member since I started working for SRJC ten years ago and I have served as a negotiator for the past six years. Additionally, I have vast experience in conducting various negotiations as a founder of multiple high-tech startups in Sonoma County before I came to work at SRJC. My current position as a Research Analyst gives me an excellent insight into all aspects of the District – a valuable asset for a negotiator. Being located on the Petaluma campus while providing District wide service allows me to see the specific needs and problems of classified employees on all the campus locations. I am very concerned about the well-being and the working conditions of our classified community during these difficult times and promise to work tirelessly for good wages and benefits, and fair and safe working conditions for all. Our hard work deserves proper recognition and respect. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you as a negotiator in the past and appreciate your vote in the upcoming elections. 

 

Sandy Sigala 
ssigala@santarosa.edu
 

Hello Fellow Classified Professionals,  
The time for SEIU Elections is upon us again, and I am seeking your vote for the position of SEIU Negotiator.  I have served as one of the four (4) Negotiators in this past term, and I can assure you my experience and background as a Negotiator has and will continue to strongly support Classified Professionals interest during bargaining.   In my term as Negotiator, I have been part of a team that has been very successful in various areas of the Union Contract.   I am knowledgeable, and I continue to advocate for my fellow co-workers in regards to a safe work place, working conditions, benefits, holidays, COLA’s, and all the wins in our current SEIU contract.  I am an advocate in taking a lead when working concerns and conditions are issues and brought to my attention.  I continue to stand up to the fight for the interest of our brothers and sisters, our Classified Professionals.  As your Negotiator, I will continue to bring your voices forward while at the bargaining table with the district team.  I have no hesitancy in bringing problems or concerns forward to appropriate levels when necessary.   
Thank you, and I ask for your Vote and continued support in this current SEIU Election. 
Vote for SANDY SIGALA FOR NEGOTIATOR 

 

Patty Collis 
pcollis@santarosa.edu 

 
Dear Classified Unit Members,  
My name is Patty Collis, and I am seeking your support and vote for the position of Negotiator. I have dedicated 37 years to Santa Rosa Junior College in the IT department and have been a proud member of SEIU since 1987. Throughout my tenure, I have worked under three different administrations, facing numerous challenges and changes that have strengthened my resolve to advocate for our classified staff.   
I am committed to ensuring your concerns are heard and your rights protected with integrity and ethics. My experience as Co-Chair of the Classification Review Committee has allowed me to collaborate closely with the negotiations team to support the outcomes of the study. Additionally, as Chief Job Steward, I actively work to resolve workplace conflicts, uphold fair labor practices, and improve our work environments.  
My extensive experience includes serving on various community boards, engaging in contract negotiations, and revising bylaws and policies. I have also held leadership roles, including President and Co-Chair, which have honed my ability to advocate effectively on behalf of our members.  
I want to bring these skills and experiences to the negotiating table, advocating for and representing the interests of our classified staff while ensuring your rights remain safeguarded under our contract. It would be an honor to continue representing you as we navigate the changes ahead.  
I kindly ask for your vote in support of my candidacy for Negotiator.   
Thank you,    
Patty Collis 

 

Steward – 3 positions  

 
Jessica Melvin 
jmelvin@santarosa.edu 

My name is Jessica Melvin and I have been an appointed steward for almost one year. I want to continue the important work of supporting my fellow Classified Professionals as an elected steward. My experience as a negotiator over the past 5 years has given me valuable contract knowledge that has been vital in my work as a steward. I would be honored to have your vote. 

Stephanie Avellaneda
 
I am excited to announce my candidacy for job steward within our union. Having served as an SEIU steward for the past year, I understand that this role is about much more than addressing grievances—although they are indeed vital. Our primary responsibility is to cultivate a united, organized, and engaged membership within our workplace.
As stewards, we are organizers at heart. This means not only recruiting new members but also rallying our colleagues to confront challenges collectively. A strong, united front is essential for any union to effectively advocate for its members.
We also serve as problem solvers. We are the go-to resource for our co-workers. Each problem we encounter is an opportunity for action, whether that involves providing immediate support or mobilizing for a more significant response.
We are educators and communicators. Our members rely on us to demystify contract details, explain benefits, and clarify union processes. We bridge the gap between union leadership and our coworkers, ensuring that everyone is informed and empowered.
Finally, we are worksite leaders. We champion our cause and stand firm in advocating for our members. I am committed to fostering a sense of solidarity and reminding everyone that we are stronger together.
I am eager to continue serving our union and to enhance our collective strength. Together, we can build a more unified workplace. Thank you for your support.

Secretary/Treasurer – 1 position

 

ELECTION SCHEDULE

  • ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
    Monday, October 7th, 2024
    Click to submit a Candidate Statement ★
     

    CANDIDATE STATEMENTS DUE
    Friday, October 11th, 2024
     

    CANDIDATE STATEMENTS POSTED
    Monday, October 14th, 2024
     

    ELECTION/VOTING
    Monday, October 28th through Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
     

    ELECTION RESULTS POSTED
    Friday, November 1st by end of the business day

    POSITIONS

    The following CEC positions are up for election:

    • President
    • Vice President
    • Secretary/Treasurer
    • Negotiator (3)
    • Steward (3)

    DOCUMENTS

    For more information regarding Elections and individual position duties, please see our governing documents.

    CONTACT

    ELECTION COMMITTEE: 

    • CHAIR
      Marc Rudlin
    • MEMBERS
      Maria Banachowicz, Liko Puha, Sarah Martin, Debbie Riedmuller