Message from the Secretary-Treasurer

Brothers and Sisters,

As you already know, yesterday I was elected to represent the 80th District of the California Assembly.

I couldn't be more excited to tackle this new chapter in my life - raising the voice of working families even higher and to continue to be a worker advocate and organizer at the state level. However, it is with a heavy heart that later this evening, I must officially resign my position as Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council.

I want to thank the hundreds of you who contributed in so many ways to my campaign, from walking precincts and making phone calls on my behalf to words of support when the hours got long and the finish line seemed so far away.

And to the thousands more who have helped me grow through my time as Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council: Thank you for giving me the great honor of representing you. From the heads of our unions who have shared their wisdom and vision to my incredible staff who have fought countless battles with me, to every single rank and file member who kept me honest and gave me my purpose each day, know that I would not be standing here without you. I can never thank you enough for being the movement that I have had the great honor to lead for five and a half years.

Together, we have increased union density in San Diego to unprecedented levels – seeing a growth from 12% - 18% since 2007. We passed the strongest living wage ordinance in the County’s history, we gained family healthcare for thousands of workers, we gained local hire on large construction projects and we held strong on contracts during the toughest recession in recent history. We also built a community outreach and voter engagement program that will outlast any individual crisis or election.

I trust you all to continue the work that we've done together to build a better San Diego, stand up for the rights of workers, and protect and grow our movement. Part of why I feel ready to take this step is because you have all done so much to build a strong, durable labor movement that's a true force to be reckoned with in San Diego. I know that we've only seen the beginning of all that we will accomplish together, and I can't wait to continue working for you in Sacramento.

You won't be losing me entirely though! I will remain a delegate to this Labor Council, and I'll still be active in our community as we continue the work for more jobs, better jobs, and better lives for all of San Diego's working families, union and non-union.

In solidarity,