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Kern County C.O.P.E. Officer Election

Our union members’ constant action in the November 2020 elections produced some tremendous local victories as well as a pro-union Presidential Administration (!!!) but our agenda for building worker power in Kern County continues on. Please review in detail our next steps in electing a Chair Officer for Kern County Committee on Political Education (C.O.P.E.) for the 2021-2023 term. C.O.P.E. is a member-driven program in SEIU Local 521 that ensures that our union plans and works on political measures and public elections that support working families in Kern County.

HOW TO VOTE

Our C.O.P.E election will be conducted completely online. To receive as many notifications as possible by Thursday, February 25th you must have a current email and phone number on file. Update your contact information by filling out this form at www.seiu521.org/signup – this can be completed in less than 2 minutes. Update your phone number and email address no later than Tuesday, February 23 by 11:59 PM.

Only full dues-paying members who are contributing at any level of COPE are eligible to vote in the runoff election. Sign up for COPE online by creating your Memberlink Account. To sign up and invest in your union’s political program, click here. Update your COPE status no later than Tuesday, February 23 by 11:59 PM.

Start date and time: Thursday, February 25th, 8:00 AM

End date and time: Sunday, February 28th, 8:00 PM

Election Format: Virtual online ballot. Eligible members will receive an email to their personal email address and/or text message from ELECTION BUDDY to cast one vote for one candidate. One vote per member.

For any questions or concerns, please email rob.england@seiu521.org or contact Rob at 661-364-7101.

WHO’S ON THE BALLOT?

C.O.P.E. CHAIR


Karen Bussard, Child Supportive Services Dept., Legal Secretary – I have been a union member for 15 years and now I am a shop steward, bargaining team member, and chapter officer. My goal is to unite together no matter what party affiliation you declare and hold all our elected officials who represent us accountable for their actions or, in some cases, inactions.

Clarence Sandoval, Aging and Adult Services Dept., Social Worker III – My name is Clarence Sandoval and like those reading this, I believe our Union is in need of strong leadership and representatives that fight for the needs of the members, I have been a social worker with the county for the past 7 years, as well as recently retiring from a 22-year military career. In addition to my career, I am the proud father of five children and a devoted husband. My life has been dedicated to servicing my family, my country, and my community with unwavering dedication and commitment. I can promise my fellow Union members and fellow Kern County employees the same dedication and leadership that I have shown in all other aspects of my life. Thank you.

Jimmie Starr, Behavioral Health Dept., Tech. Support Specialist III – I would first like to introduce myself. My name is Jim Starr and I work in IT for Behavioral Health. I have been affiliated with unions almost all of my adult life. My activities with SEIU have been varied. I am currently a chapter officer, Bargaining team member, and a trustee with the CLC. I believe that the real path to get workers right recognized is through the political process. We need leadership change in Kern county. Leadership that will value workers and what they do for the residents of kern county. I would appreciate your vote and the opportunity to serve.

C.O.P.E VICE-CHAIR

Congratulations to Jeanine Adams, Assessors Dept., Appraiser II! She was nominated without opposition and will serve as the C.O.P.E. VICE-CHAIR for the 2021-2023 term.