Zucchet Named Union Head

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Former City Councilman Michael Zucchet was named head of the city's white-collar union, the Municipal Employees Association, today.

Zucchet had been acting general manager of the union since May, when longtime leader Judie Italiano resigned amid an investigation into personal use of union credit cards.

Zucchet and the union scored a big win last week when City Council rejected a Mayor's Office proposal to impose outsourcing rules on white-collar workers. Zucchet presented on the union's behalf.

Zucchet was elected to the City Council in 2002. He served three years and then resigned following a pay to play scandal involving strip club owners trading political contributions for council votes. Zucchet was acquitted of seven corruption counts and granted a new trial on two others. An appeals court upheld that ruling in September.

The Municipal Employees Association is the largest union representing city employees with more than 4,000 members.

Read the union's press release here.

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-- LIAM DILLON

6 Comments so far on this story...

Congradulations to Mr. Zucchet. He has been and will continue to be one of the most talented politicians in San Diego. The MEA members may finally achieve the professional service they deserve and have been denied over the years.

Posted by justinn | reply to this comment
November 6, 2009 8:34 pm

Regardless of personal feelings, this man was convicted by a jury of his peers. That said his actions as a councilman did not reflect well on himself nor the city. Now we have another person of dubious character heading a union which truly is on the city dole. This is just another example of the culture within the halls of the city that was going to change if you believe the Mayor and the council.

Posted by Rick T | reply to this comment
November 7, 2009 6:37 am

Apparently Rick T doesn't understand what the word "acquit" means. Not Guilty. For years people with a political axe to grind have tried to destroy Mr. Zucchet's reputation. Probably because he is so smart and talented and could have risen to the top in local and state government. So, Mr T please stop spreading lies about Mike Zucchet and get over your BAD self.

Posted by Mrs. K | reply to this comment
November 7, 2009 11:04 pm

I know, like and respect Michael; he'll do a GREAT job for working people.

Posted by Bob Castaneda | reply to this comment
November 7, 2009 7:07 am

Michael Zucchet is an outstanding asset to this region. Congrats to the MEA. Regarding a conviction by a jury of his peers: Roger Hedgecock had a felony conviction and look at him now. Michael Zucchet's conviction was another typically weak prosecutorial effort that seems typical in our backwardly political region.

Posted by Frank O'Grady | reply to this comment
November 7, 2009 9:51 pm

Congratulations Michael. The MEA could not do better. You are brillant and bring forth a new direction for us in a critical time for all labor issues. Coupled with a dedicated board and Ann Smiths legal wisdom the MEA is headed in the right direction in it's support of very talented and dedicated city employee's.

Posted by Chuck | reply to this comment
November 8, 2009 1:23 pm

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