Alex M. Nevison
My name is Alex M. Nevison, and I am running for Office E-Board. I am currently employed as the Safety and Security Liaison at Multnomah County Libraries (MCL), where I also serve as a Union Steward and Co-chair of the IRERG. My motivation for seeking this position stems from my commitment as a public safety and security professional to advocating for our members’ well-being. In my role as a Union Steward, I have represented employees and colleagues to address and resolve issues effectively.
As a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with over 14 years of experience, I have a demonstrated history of developing programs aimed at maintaining a safe work environment. My initiatives include conducting comprehensive safety inspections and implementing Root Cause Analysis programs. I am dedicated to utilizing practical, proactive approaches to reduce workplace injuries and foster a sustainable safety culture. I am seeking this office to leverage my expertise in promoting safe work practices and ensuring our employer provides a secure and healthy environment.
In addition to my professional duties and union involvement, I serve as Vice President of the Oregon Association for Liberians (OAL). My combined experience in professional safety, union service, and community leadership informs my perspective on advocacy. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice and am currently completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Brianna Fisher
My name is Brianna Fisher (they/she/he) and I am one of the Central Safety Coordinators at Central Library where I act as the Person in Charge on a daily basis. I work directly with patrons and staff and am often the first one called during an incident or emergency response. I have worked hard each day to ensure that staff know that they can come to me and know that I will help as much as I am able to.
I am running for Executive Board because of this and my desire to provide the support that I never received. I do not have extensive Union credentials to share as I have always felt, and been told directly by Union Stewards and staff, that I was forgotten by the Union and those who were supposed to represent me. This sentiment has been shared to me time and again by colleagues who I hope to represent on the Executive Board. As a member of the Union whose input as a subject matter expert in Safety & Security is often overlooked or ignored, I am also running because the Central Library is facing heavy, decontextualized scrutiny within the County and in the media. The perspective of someone who is at the front lines of a significantly challenging and innately beautiful experience every single day should be reflected on the Executive Board.
In addition to having strong working relationships with a large number of staff throughout the Library system, I am well known throughout the system as a subject matter expert in trauma-informed Safety and Security. I have shown that I can be relied upon to provide support during critical incidents to patrons and staff alike and I know that I can provide that same support on the Executive Board.
Emily Lofquist
My name is Emily (they/them) and I’m a Youth Librarian at Gresham Library. I joined AFSCME Local 88 when I started with Multnomah County Library in September 2022 and became a steward this past April. I wanted to get more involved because I know we are the union and a union is what we make it.
I’m part of the Member Action Team and have been hosting unity breaks at Gresham Library to support our bargaining team and try to keep members in the know and engaged in our union throughout this bargaining process.
I’m interested in serving on the executive board to continue to help keep members informed and engaged, as well as to learn more about how Local 88 functions and how we can continue to collaborate across county departments as one big union to advocate for ourselves.
Eon LaJoie
Grant Swanson
Isaac Halozan
My name is Isaac Halozan (they/he); I am a Library Assistant at the Hillsdale branch. I got my start with the county in 2022 at Central Library and have also worked at the Gresham and Rockwood branches. I feel so lucky to work for Multnomah County because I get to do my dream job while surrounded by smart, compassionate people who genuinely, continually inspire me.
I became a steward in July of this year because I wanted to be better equipped to support my coworkers in navigating the complex, overlapping systems that underpin the work that we do as County employees. When I was new to the County and needed help, I didn’t know what the union could do for me. While I am still new to stewarding, I strive to give my coworkers the same level of care, curiosity, and attention that I give to my library patrons. I might not always know the answer, but let’s find out together!
In a similar vein, I am running for Executive Board because I want to play a role in shaping the direction of Local 88. I believe in a future where Local 88 is more accessible to its members and responsive to their needs. I would be so excited to help build that future!
Manuel Arellano
My name is Manuel Arellano. I have been a Library Steward since 2010 and one of the Co-Lead Stewards since 2020. I have also served in the Executive Board from 2021-23. I have represented our coworkers being part of Library and Countywide Committees, I have also represented Local 88 in State and International Conventions.
I am here asking for your support to be again part of our E-Board, it is my belief that together we can keep bringing not only the Library by the whole County participation to our Union. As a Peruvian, I am also here to bring and amplify the latino silent voices that are part of our workforce and that sometimes are not represented fully. I will use the full extent of my experience to serve once more our coworkers in our continued endeavor.
There is so much to say, but there is way more much to do and I am here for the latter. Let’s work together, let’s bring all the communities and unify them in one strong voice!
¡Viva la libertad carajo!
In Solidarity,
Steela Robedeaux
Zachary Wolfheart
- Department and Job Title
MCAS
Animal Control Officer 2
- Identities Held
As an adolescent, I was part of the punk rock subculture, where I learned the value of the DIY ethos and became involved in social justice and animal rights activism. Those early experiences shaped my passion for creating positive change on both individual and systemic levels. I feel fortunate to have built a career in animal welfare that allows me to blend my personal values with my professional work, making a meaningful impact on both pets and people in our community.
- Union Roles
Union Steward
- Reason for Running – Explain why you are seeking office and what motivates your candidacy.
Growing up, I saw firsthand the importance of organized labor through my father, who was a Union Sheet Metal Worker for over 25 years. Some of my earliest memories include walking the picket line, attending union rallies, and celebrating Labor Day surrounded by hardworking people who believed in solidarity and fairness. Those experiences instilled in me a lifelong respect for unions and the power of collective action.
When I got my first union job, I was incredibly proud to become a Teamster, and I spent 13 years working in logistics as part of that union. When I transitioned to my current career with Multnomah County Animal Services, I knew I wanted to stay involved and continue that legacy of advocacy and support.
As a Steward, I’ve worked to ensure our contract is upheld and that my coworkers feel supported and heard. I’m running for a position on the Executive Board because I want to be part of the conversations that shape our local—helping to strengthen our collective voice, and ensure that our union continues to work toward positive change for all members.
