The voting period will take place noon July 2- noon July 8th, 2026. Electronic ballots will be sent to your personal emails on July 2nd and you have until noon July 8th PST to vote.
You will be voting for (4) AFSCME International Convention delegates and approval of our proposed administrative changes to our constitution
Candidate statements for AFSCME International Convention August 17-21st:
Each candidate for convention delegate was given the opportunity to submit a candidate statement.
Statement Requirements
Each candidate may submit one written statement of up to 300 words. The statement shouldinclude the following information:
- Department/Work Site and Job Title – Identify where you work and your current position.
- Identities Held (Optional) – You may share aspects of your identity that are meaningful to you, if you wish.
- Union Roles – List any current or past roles you hold (or have held) within our union.
- Reason for Running – Explain why you are seeking office and what motivates your candidacy.
Kelvina Cornett
Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ) – Transitional Services Unit (TSU)
Corrections Counselor
As a Corrections Counselor with Multnomah County Department of Community Justice, I support individuals transitioning from incarceration who often face complex medical, behavioral, and social barriers to successful community reintegration. This work has strengthened my commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and equitable access to resources and positive community engagements.
I currently serve as a Shop Steward for AFSCME Local 88, assisting represented employees in understanding their contractual rights, addressing workplace concerns, and promoting the fair and consistent application of our collective bargaining agreement. Through this role, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of strong unions in protecting employee rights and fostering respectful, safe, and inclusive workplaces.
My professional and personal experiences within Multnomah County have deepened my understanding of the impacts of marginalization, racism, bias, and adverse workplace experiences. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to equity, accountability, and psychological safety for all employees, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities.
I am seeking to serve as an AFSCME delegate to support a union culture grounded in transparency, fairness, and collective action. I believe all employees deserve to be heard, respected, and empowered. I am committed to helping ensure that our union remains a strong advocate for all represented workers.
Bridget Eschweiler
My name is Bridget Eschweiler (she/her), and I serve as a Legal Assistant with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. In addition to my professional role, I am the Lead Steward for the DA’s Office and a member of the Executive Board of AFSCME Local 88. I am writing to formally submit my candidacy to serve as a delegate to the upcoming international convention. My primary motivation for seeking this position is to represent Local 88 while gaining knowledge and skills that I can bring back to strengthen our local. I am particularly focused on advocating for a resolution I plan to bring forward at the convention regarding the implementation of comprehensive trauma services for all workers. While a similar proposal was introduced during our most recent bargaining session, it was ultimately not adopted. I am committed to continuing this advocacy at the International level to ensure these critical protections receive further consideration and, ultimately, become a standard workplace practice. Implementing a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is vital to supporting the mental health and well-being of employees. By providing confidential, third-party professional support, an EAP serves as an essential safety net for workers who carry the burden of workplace trauma, helping address challenges before they escalate. My goal is to raise awareness of this issue and advocate for trauma-informed response services to become a standard workplace requirement, benefiting workers within Multnomah County and across the country.I appreciate your time and consideration of my application to represent our local at the convention.
In solidarity,
Bridget Eschweiler
Megan Gallagher
My name is Megan Gallagher and I would be honored to serve as a convention delegate at the AFSCME International Convention. If elected, I promise to use my 20+ years of labor movement knowledge and experience to represent our membership in a thoughtful and meaningful way. I take this responsibility seriously and promise to do my best to represent all of our members with integrity and humility throughout my time at the Convention.
Department/Work Site and Job Title: Corrections Counselor with MCSO. I also worked at Central City Concern for seven years prior to joining the County.
Identities Held (Optional): I am a working-class, queer, neurodivergent, disabled, white woman. I am the parent of two amazing neurodiverse children. I also identify as a person in long-term recovery, who has experienced houselessness.
Union Roles: I have served as a steward in Local 88 for almost ten years, including as a Lead Steward. I have been on the Executive Board, multiple union bargaining teams, and I have served as a delegate at the AFSCME International Convention as well as at multiple Oregon AFSCME and AFL-CIO Conventions.
Reason for Running: I want to strengthen our union, increase democracy, and build power for our members. I am a passionate supporter of union democracy, solidarity, and value the ability and power of workers to create positive change in our workplaces, communities, and the world as a whole. If elected, I promise to represent our members with integrity and serve in the role with the level of respect and humility that our members deserve from their delegates. I will do my best to ensure that AFSCME is moving in a direction that is in line with Local 88’s values and helps build a stronger and more militant labor movement.
Patty Gelmstedt – CCC
Candidate did not submit statement
Severin Holden
DCA/FPM Construction Project Manager
Union Roles – Steward
Reason for Running – as a newer member of our union, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with, and support our diverse group of members. I bring a constructive approach to conflict resolution and mediation, and believe strongly in reaching equitable outcomes. If selected for this position I will serve with integrity and advocate for all members.
Joey Jordan – Health Department
Candidate did not submit statement
Ebony Mona Klinger
My name is Ebony Klinger; I am a hygienist in the Dental branch of the health department. I have proudly been a union member for 10 years and currently serve as both a steward. And a member of the Executive Board. Through my work with VMO, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with colleagues across our department and helping build genuine excitement and engagement around our union. Supporting our members is at the heart of strong union work. Whether through advocacy during difficult conversations, answering questions, or helping organize events like our Labor Day picnic, creating spaces where members feel welcomed, informed, and connected strengthens our solidarity and reinforces the value of our union community. Attending the International Convention is a vital opportunity for me to deepen my skills, strengthen my leadership and bring back knowledge that will directly benefit our members. I want to ensure that every colleague feels confident and protected when interacting with management, and the training and insight gained at the convention will allow me to better support them. I’m also deeply committed to increasing membership. It is essential that our colleagues understand the power of collective action and feel empowered, knowing they have the tools and protections to advocate for themselves. Growing our membership strengthens all of us, and I am dedicated to continuing that work.
In solidarity,
Ebony Klinger
Aiden Koll (she/her) (Partially green hair)
Record Technician at DCJ East probation office
Hey there! I have only been with the county and Local 88 for just over a year, but I sincerely hope I am at the beginning of a long career, empowered by my union membership. Throughout my first year with Multnomah County I have been getting my bearings and adjusting to my position at DCJ- there has been a LOT to learn!
I have a personal goal of becoming a steward in the future, and have been working on pacing myself in order to increase my participation in union activities while being mindful & intentional about my mental health. I participate in the PAC committee because it combines my belief in labor power with my personal interest in local progressive politics.
Honestly, I pale in comparison to other delegate candidates who have invested years of hard work into local 88. I don’t expect to be selected for this year’s delegation. But, you miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take, and the idea of participating in the AFSCME International Convention in Chicago, a city so fundamental to the US Labor Movement and the rights we have today, is extremely exciting.
If elected as a delegate, I would take my responsibility as a representative and conduit of the beliefs and values of Local 88 with the utmost gravity. At the same time, participating in the convention, connecting with other Locals, and engaging with my more experienced peers would not only be very fun, but a unique learning opportunity that I would carry with me in my future with Local 88.
Regardless of outcome, I am excited for future organizing with all of you, and thanks for reading!
Steela Jo Robedeaux – Library
Candidate did not submit statement
Jordana Sardo (She/her/hers) Candidate Statement
I began working at the Multnomah County Health Department nearly 11 years ago as an executive specialist. I took a pay cut to work here so I could join a union. I became a steward shortly after getting hired. I am currently a co-lead steward for the Health Department and serve on the Executive Board. I have also served as Secretary for our local. I am currently a Provider Support Specialist for the Multnomah County Health Center.
I am seeking to represent Local 88 as a first-time delegate to the AFSCME International Convention because I believe organized workers can make fundamental change. I am dedicated to defending and strengthening union democracy. I am committed to building members’ confidence to use our collective strength to advance union rights, reproductive health, dismantle ICE, and stop the terrorism waged against women, immigrants, the BIPOC communities, and Trans people.
I hope to attend the convention to learn about the issues other locals are struggling with, and how their methods might benefit and strengthen our local. In addition to advocating for resolutions to shut down ICE, build a general strike, or stop funding Israeli genocide, my goal is to help shape the direction our union takes to strengthen the labor movement.
I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA2S+ family and the Snohomish Tribe. I serve on the National Mobilization for Reproductive Justice steering committee, am a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and Radical Women.
My experience in united front collaboration, debating ideas in a solution-focused approach, and commitment to standing up for vulnerable community members are strengths I bring to navigating convention business and supporting courageous leadership that builds solidarity and uses our labor power to turn the tide of rightwing extremism. I hope to serve Local 88 in this capacity.
Jenka Soderberg – 2026 Delegate Candidate Statement
Hi, I am Jenka Soderberg (she/they), a Program Communications Coordinator for the Public Health Division. I have been involved in AFSCME at the local and national level working for Palestine support and for resolutions to divest from Israeli, military and fossil fuel investments. I am also on the Local 88 Political Action Committee. At the 2026 convention, I would be working with other locals to push for resolutions for AFSCME to oppose the Iran War, end state violence against Palestine, end attacks on Homeless shelters, prepare for a General Strike, and to democratize our union with one member one Vote.
Lunette Spinelli (Wimberly):
I currently work at Transition Projects’ Clark Center as a housing case manager and proudly serve as both a union steward and executive board member for our union. As a queer femme, I have faced many hardships in my life. Finding union solidarity and learning the skills to organize the workers and community around me, gave me power to make lasting changes to things that were impacting my world.
I would be honored to be a convention delegate so that I can further my union and organizing education and foster new connections within our larger union. With these tools, I can provide the same inspiration to new organizers as they begin their journey.
Grant Swanson
I bring over 20 years of Local 88 experience to convention. I have been elected Local 88 VP twice and Secretary once. I represented the library on our E-Board for 18 years, am the current County Sector VP at Council 75 (the statewide umbrella AFSCME union we are a part of), and represented Local 88 at the Council 75 E-Board for 10 years.
In the broader union movement, I was a Co-Chair of Portland Jobs with Justice for 5 years and was among the final recipients of the University of Oregon’s LERC Summer School’s U-Lead certificate.
As a long-standing member of our Multnomah county negotiations teams (involved in every team since the 2007 contract) I understand the inner workings and recent history of our Local, and will represent us well at convention.
I have attended most International conventions since 2008. The role I have played for our local and the Council has been driving our union to be more just and equitable through the passage of resolutions. I have authored many resolutions that we have brought to and passed at the International Conventions. However, the role I typically play is more of an educator for newer attendees at conventions. I teach people what the business of our union is at convention and how we can make our voices heard and move our union to being one that better reflects our values.
Our International Vice President will likely be recommending that I represent our Council on a resolutions committee due to my years of experience. Some of the topics that we have brought forward over the years include helping to set up a young worker program in AFSCME, the Next Wave, passing resolutions to amplify the voices of environmental professionals to weigh in on climate change including the creation of an (statement exceeded 300 word limit)
Dylan Thompson
Acute Care Coordinator with the Health Department Behavioral Health Call Center (Crisis Line)
Union Steward and Executive Board Member.
Hi my name is Dylan Thompson and I am honored to be nominated for the AFSCME International Convention by Rachel O’Rourke. I have not been to the Convention before and I would love the opportunity to represent our Local 88. I have been an active steward in the union, working to fight for member’s rights as well as organizing with a focus on policy change and being a voice for our members who may not feel safe speaking for themselves.This has included joining the executive board in the last year and taking on that role with a focus to raise the voices of members and advocate for our rights as workers.
My commitment to collaboration at every level of the community based work I am engaged in emphasizes the voice of individuals and groups. I will continue to raise the voices of members and advocate for our rights as workers.
If chosen to attend, I will utilize this opportunity to expand my Steward and Executive Board work through development of increased knowledge, building stronger networking skills and leadership skills and a greater understanding of the importance of our work. Thank you for this opportunity.
