Chapter 513 - Elections Nominations 2024

Nominees:
(Candidates are listed in random order)

Chapter President

  1. Maheshinder Kaler*, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration – Business Taxes Administrator I, Board of Equalization


Vice President

  1. Maria Shimohara*Department of Financial Protection and Innovation – Financial Institutions Manager


Secretary/Treasurer

  1. Jose Gonzalez*, California Department of Public Health – Staff Services Manager I


Delegates (3 Delegates + 1 Alternate needed)

  1. Maria ShimoharaDepartment of Financial Protection and Innovation – Financial Institutions Manager
  2. Maheshinder Kaler, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration – Business Taxes Administrator I, Board of Equalization
  3. David DodsonBoard of Equalization – Business Taxes Administrator II
  4. Frank Ruffino, State Treasurer's Office - C.E.A.
  5. Emilee Mullen, Department of Transportation – Staff Services Manager I
  6. Zachery Loop, Department of Corrections & Rehab – Chief Engineer I
  7. Glenn IlustrisimoDepartment of Health Care Services – Health Program Audit Manager I

 

* Uncontested, elected by acclamation

 

 

 

 

Candidate Statements

(200-words or less)

David Dodson

Statement for Delegate
'I am running for ACSS Delegate to better understand how our association works and the best ways to support our goals. I have been an enthusiastic union member throughout my career and long interested in the history of labor and its successes. My wife, mother, brother, sister, son, and daughter are all union members. I have contributed additional dues for union political activity and regularly attend ACSS meetings. I want to use my experience as a thirty year employee at the Board of Equalization to find answers to problems. I always encourage my work partners to support their union and want to be involved in efforts to increase membership and member participation. I have run for political office to be a member of the Board of Equalization and received the endorsement and support of the California Labor Federation and SEIU. I proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. My wife Penny and I have lived in Dana Point for twenty-nine years where we have raised two children and several rescue dogs. We recently became grandparents. I love California and know that together we can continue to lead the way to a better future.

Jose Gonzalez

Statement for Secretary/Treasurer
My name is Jose Gonzalez. I have been an active ACSS member for over 6 years. I have attended chapter meetings, board meetings, strategic planning meetings, and lobby day events. I have also recruited new members and have gained knowledge of ACSS while serving as your Chapter 513 officer. I am asking for your continued support as I seek re-election. I am qualified for this position based on my past experience as a Secretary/Treasurer. If re-elected, I will to my best to keep working with all of you. I respectfully ask for your vote and trust. Please vote for Jose.

Glenn Ilustrisimo

Statement for Delegate
Please vote for Glenn Ilustrisimo as your Chapter 513 assembly delegate! For the past 7 years, I have been your dedicated Chapter 513 annual legislative Lobby Day representative, vice-president, president, and board member. During the pandemic, I actively endeavored and helped formulate and adopt our strategic plan in 2022 to effectively improve our organization’s governance, advocacy, and engagement with our members. I wholeheartedly participated in legislative fund-raising activities to showcase our organization’s presence and promote our advocacy efforts. Above all, I helped coordinate and co-lead our chapter 513 executive team to collaboratively facilitate the biggest member participation at our current meetings and any other outreach activities. At the delegate assembly, I will be your voice to ensure that ACSS will continue to be a more accountable organization to advocate equitable pay, promotion, and pension for all members.

Maheshinder Kaler

Statement for Delegate
My name is Maheshinder Kaler, been a supervisor and member of ACSS for more than 14 years. I have gained knowledge of ACSS working as Chapter 513 President. I am qualified for this position based on my experience as a Chapter President, state supervisor and a manager in the private sector I am currently seeking election to be a delegate from Chapter 513. As Chapter delegate, I will be able to raise your concerns at the ACSS executive Level be a part of the decision-making body. I am respectfully asking for your vote and trust. If elected, I promise YOU that I will fight for our rights.

Statement for Chapter President
My name is Maheshinder Kaler, have been President for Chapter 513 as of 2021. I am currently seeking re-election to be Chapter 513 President again. I am qualified for this position based on my experience as a Chapter 513 President and as State supervisor and a manager in the private sector. My top priority will always be the members, to listen to your concerns and work to provide a solution. I respectfully ask for your vote and trust.

Emilee Mullen

Statement for Delegate
With over 15 years of state service and prior experience as a site representative with CSLEA in BU 7, I have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to be an effective delegate. I previously served the people of California as a Deputy Labor Commissioner with the Department of Industrial Relations, and have a keen understanding of labor negotiations, effective bargaining, and wage justice.

Frank Ruffino

Statement for Delegate
RE-ELECT FRANK RUFFINO

CHAPTER 513 DELEGATE
• Passionate about serving and promoting Excluded Employees in State Government
• Listens to Chapter members; understands ACSS as well as Excluded Employees concerns/issues
• Committed to serving and be a voice that represents your values and your goals
• Experienced and trusted leadership (38-years of Exceptional State Service; 36-years as an Excluded Employee)

Current Chapter 513 DELEGATE
• Former ACSS Statewide President
• Former Chapter 513 President
• Former ACSS Vice President of Governmental Affairs
• Former Chapter 513 Vice President
• Former CSEA Board Chairperson
• Former CSEA Board Member
• Former CSEA Foundation Board Member & Officer
• Former Chairperson ACSS PAC & Political Program
• State Treasure Designee on CalPERS Board; protecting our pension
I ask for your vote to continue to serve as Chapter 513 Delegate. Thank you!

Maria Shimohara

Statement for Deleate
My name is Maria Shimohara, and I am running for the Delegate position of ACSS Chapter 513. I have been a state employee for over 20 years, an ACSS member for the last eight years, and Vice-President for the last three years. As a member and officer I have been impressed with the ACSS leadership and responsiveness to management issues. As a Delegate, I would like to continue this strong path and work further in collaboration with our members to address the things that matter most. I will serve to make meaningful decisions that positively impact us as state supervisors and managers. I respectfully request your consideration and vote.

Statement for Vice President
My name is Maria Shimohara, and I am currently Vice-President of ACSS Chapter 513. I have served in this position since 2021. In this role, I plan and attend our chapter meetings, participate in our annual Lobby Day, and actively advocate for management rights. I have been employed at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for over 20 years, working to protect California consumers from investment fraud. Similarly, I aim to protect ACSS members' benefits and interests. I look forward to hearing your concerns and contributing my time on behalf of all chapter members. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you over these last three years and am committed to continuing my service. I kindly request your support and vote.