Below are the available nominee candidate statements and positions they are running for:

Brenda Verdugo, EW II Continuing HSA  - SEIU 1021 COPE Coordinator

“I am running for COPE Coordinator because protecting our contracts, wages, and working conditions requires decisive political power. To deliver results, we need a coordinator who understands governance, member engagement, and how to hold decision-makers accountable.

I bring two years of leadership experience as elected Secretary of a prominent local community advocacy organization in Manteca. Through this role, I worked directly alongside local and regional officials, managing organizational operations, coordinating advocacy campaigns, and building coalition support. I will leverage this administrative and political experience to ensure our members have a powerful seat at the table. I have also been a Member Leader with SEIU for the last 4 years. 

My priorities for our union include:

•  Member-Led Action: Demystifying legislative processes so every member understands what’s at stake and how to get involved.
•  Political Accountability: Holding elected officials accountable to working families long after election day.
•  Grassroots Strength: Growing voluntary COPE contributions and mobilizing member participation through lobby days, voter drives, and field action.

I offer the organizational background, coalition-building experience, and dedication needed to turn our collective strength into political wins. I humbly ask for your vote for COPE Coordinator.”

Desiree Collins – SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County Chapter President

“I have graciously accepted the nomination for a second term as Chapter President. Having been nominated again tells me there is at least one member here that I have made a difference for. I hope to have the opportunity to continue the work I have been doing for the last 5 years, as Vice President and then as President. I intend to continue bringing forward the concerns and issues our members face so our employer can never say they weren’t aware. While I am still terrified of public speaking, I will continue to take opportunities to show up to Board of Supervisors meetings and any other meeting where I can be the voice of the membership and speak up for those who cannot, to protect our members and benefits. I will continue to share YOUR story and fight for you. I will continue to engage members throughout the county and encourage representation from every work site in Chapter meetings and at the Bargaining Table. I will also continue building the relationships needed with County management and electeds that are necessary to continue winning good contracts. As I’ve said before, and some have witnessed, I wake up ready to fight.”

Timothy Lowe- SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County Chapter President 

“My name is Tim Lowe, I have worked for Public Works for more than 20 years. I am a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Public Works Division serving South County.

I have been  longtime bargaining team member and have participated in settling many contracts with this employer as a member of our union.  I have been a chapter board delegate for many years. My years of experience have given me a strong understanding of the importance of standing together and having an active and engaged membership.

I am running for President because I want to help reengage our membership and move our chapter in a positive direction. I believe that when we work together and support one another, we are stronger.

We are stronger together.”

Luis Rios – SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County Chapter Vice President

“Experience. Accountability. Action.

My name is Luis Rios, and I am running for Vice President of the San Joaquin County Chapter because I believe our members deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and gets things done.

I have worked for San Joaquin County for 20 years and have been a union member since day one. As a DCSS employee and active union steward, I have worked directly with members to pursue out-of-class pay, understand their contract rights, protect their workplace rights, and access the benefits of union membership.

To me, being in a union means more than paying dues. It means having a voice, standing together, and having someone willing to step up when members need support.

I believe our chapter needs leadership that is visible, engaged, transparent, and accountable to the people it represents. As Vice President, I will prioritize member involvement, open communication, supporting our stewards, and turning members’ concerns into action.

Leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about doing the work. After 20 years of service and union involvement, I am ready to bring that commitment to our entire chapter.

I ask for your vote because our members deserve leadership that works as hard as they do. Let’s build a stronger chapter together!”

Czerina Topping -  SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County President

“My name is Czerina Topping, and I am running for President of SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County.

As a steward at DCSS, I have worked to support members, advocate for fair treatment, and help employees navigate workplace challenges. I’ve attended union trainings, supported the grievance process, helped workers recover out-of-class pay, and proudly served on the 2026 bargaining team.

I’m running because I believe our members deserve a union that is visible, engaged, and present in our workplaces. Too many members feel disconnected from the union or unsure where to turn when issues arise. I want to change that by strengthening communication, increasing member involvement, and ensuring leadership is accessible and responsive.

Our union is strongest when members are informed, empowered, and united. As President, I will work to build a more active union presence, support our stewards, fight for safe working conditions, and continue advocating for the wages, benefits, and respect that every member deserves.

Together, we can build a stronger, more engaged SEIU 1021 for San Joaquin County.

I would be honored to earn your vote.”

Kari Turner – SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County Chapter President

“Hello, my fellow union brothers and sisters. My name is Kari Turner, and I am running for chapter president. I Have been an active member for 18 years, working at San Joaquin General Hospital. We are a member driven union, so this campaign is not about me it is about US. I will have regular general member meetings to make sure that your voice is being heard. Having open discussions about topics brought up. Trying to create solutions. We have the power to create change; this will not be easy.  It will take our village to do this. Let us work together to create the change we would like to see. So, I ask you today to vote for me for you chapter president. Thank you!”

Jasmine Domino – SEIU 1021 San Joaquin County Chapter Vice President 

“I am running to be your next Union Vice President so members can feel seen, heard, respected and valued! As a current Union Steward, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for my coworkers, help members navigate workplace concerns, research our MOU, and participate in efforts that directly impact our employees and workplace. These experiences have shown me how important it is to have someone willing to listen and stand beside you when your voice needs to be heard. If I became your next Vice President I plan on strengthening communication, and advocate for positive changes that benefit all of us. I’m running because I care about our members and want to help create a union where no one feels overlooked or unheard. I’m ready to listen. I’m ready to advocate. I’m ready to work alongside our members.”