About

My name is Judi Herman. I’m running for city council; because, after raising my family here and working in public service as a psychologist for the California Department of Corrections and rehabilitation want to serve my community. Concord is at a crossroads facing crucial decisions about how to best use the Concord Naval Weapons Station and how to best meet our financial needs in the future. We need to nurture both small and large businesses, owners and employees, young people starting out and established families and seniors, so all will benefit and thrive. We need to address crime, but be smart on crime, linking punishment with compassion and effective rehabilitation. We need a new voice on the city council. I am willing to speak out for all of Concord’s residents. I have experience making changes and fighting for the rights of others as an activist and as a leader in organizations fighting for better conditions for workers and clients. Concord is a great city. I also have a personal stake in Concord. I’ve lived here for 28 yrs. My children were raised here, and my wonderful husband and I have worked in the Bay area during that time. I also have three grandchildren who need to have a bright and secure future. I am ready to speak out for you and for Concord. As a City Council member, I will have the opportunity and the voice to make things better for all of us.
I was raised in Southern California. I moved to Concord in 1990, shortly after completing my Doctor of Philosophy in psychology. Since moving to the Concord, I earned my license as a psychologist, had three children, and began working in the state prison system. I have held a number of leadership positions at that time. I started to get involved in city politics as a member of the Status of Women Committee. I soon began to have my children. Between work and motherhood, I became less involved in the community. I did volunteer at CalWorks teaching welfare to work recipients find passion in their work. As my children grew, I went from working in private practice to working in the prison system. I became a member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2620. I saw the value of worker representation and collective bargaining. I became a steward. I worked on committees. I was elected to the Executive Board as Chair of the State Psychologist Occupation Committee. I represented 1200 psychologist who worked for the State of California. I represented their interests in departmental meetings. I spoke for them at the negotiating table with the State twice, once under Governor Schwarzenegger and once under Governor Brown. I understand that we must balance the needs of workers who have been left behind and responsible management of taxpayer funds. Not an easy task.
I  currently work at California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton, CA. CHCF is the world’s largest prison hospital. In the world There I treat incarcerated men in crisis. I have worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 16 years. CHCF is the fourth prison I have worked in.  I have worked in various programs with patients at all different security levels. I understand public safety needs. I understand the need to balance incarceration with rehabilitation programs.

My three children are now grown. I have a son-in-law and three grandchildren. My husband and I have been married for 40 years.
All of these experiences qualify me to work with other City Council members to achieve a better life for all of Concord’s residents.