Kill the rumors that Mike Jimenez, president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, is about to retire. He's not.
In an interview with The State Worker this morning, Jimenez said he will seek re-election at the union's Aug. 17 convention.
Jimenez turns 50 next month and admitted today that he had considered retiring. Struggles to control his diabetes, a messy divorce and professional stress had driven him into a "dark period," he said. He took an extended medical leave of absence in 2009, fueling rumors that he was just hanging onto the office until he could retire.
Observers figured that Executive Vice President Chuck Alexander's re-election in December had cemented plans for Jimenez to retire at 50 and hand over the reins to his No. 2.
But the personal clouds have lifted, Jimenez said. The union has a contract for the first time in five years. His personal life has settled down. Some weight loss and medication has helped get his diabetes under control.
"I'm feeling much different now," he said. "My health is good. My spirits are high. I'm looking ahead and moving forward."
Unlike SEIU Local 1000, which chooses officers via individual ballot (today is the deadline for its latest election), CCPOA delegates vote for officers at their conventions. Jimenez won re-election to his second three-year term in 2008. Should he win a third term, it will be his last, he said today.
PHOTO CREDIT: CCPOA President Mike Jimenez at the union's West Sacramento headquarters / José Luis Villegas, Sacramento Bee 2010
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