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Unions Endorse Pro-Labor Candidates for City Offices
The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) today endorsed men and women for the Chicago Treasurer, Clerk and City Council in the February 22, 2011 Municipal Election
Chicago, IL —The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) today endorsed men and women for the Chicago Treasurer, Clerk and City Council in the February 22, 2011 Municipal Election who have demonstrated strong support for working people through their records as elected officials, work in the community or responses to questions posed to them by the largest labor body in Chicago and Cook County.
In the race for Mayor, the delegates to the CFL political education committee voted to defer a recommendation until a future date. Earlier in the day, the members of the Executive Board interviewed candidates for mayor seeking the endorsement.
“We had a good discussion with many of the candidates about the complex issues facing the city, including the budget crisis, our public schools, job creation and economic development, and the unfunded pension liability, to name a few,” said Jorge Ramirez, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “The members of our Executive Board decided they needed more time to evaluate the candidates before making a decision.”
The affiliated unions of the CFL had previously agreed to remain neutral until a collective decision could be made. With the exception of a few organizations, the broader labor movement will remain united in seeking a consensus choice for Mayor.
The City Council will be more independent under the next mayor than it has in the past. After electing several new aldermen in the 2007 municipal election, the CFL and its affiliates will work hard to protect its allies and pick up some seats in open contests.
“Historically, organized labor has been able to communicate with union members and get them to the polls on Election Day in greater numbers than any other group,” said Robert G. Reiter, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer. “This upcoming election will be no different. Our members will work to support these candidates because of the difference they will make for working families in Chicago.”
“With more than 300,000 union households in the City of Chicago, organized labor has a lot at stake in this election,” said Ramirez. “Union members are important members of our communities and they care dearly about the future of this city. They are excited to play an active role in shaping that future.”
Chicago Federation of Labor
2011 Municipal Election -- COPE Endorsed Candidates
City Clerk Susana Mendoza
City Treasurer Stephanie Neely
Ward 1 Proco “Joe” Moreno
Ward 2 No Endorsement
Ward 3 Pat Dowell
Ward 4 William “Will” Burns
Ward 5 Leslie Hairston
Ward 6 Freddrenna Lyle
Ward 7 No Endorsement
Ward 8 Michelle A. Harris
Ward 9 Anthony Beale
Ward 10 John Pope
Ward 11 No Endorsement
Ward 12 No Endorsement
Ward 13 Frank Olivo
Ward 14 Ed Burke
Ward 15 Toni Foulkes
Ward 16 JoAnn Thompson
Ward 17 Latasha Thomas
Ward 18 Lona Lane
Ward 19 Matt O’Shea
Ward 20 Willie Cochran
Ward 21 No Endorsement
Ward 22 Ricardo Munoz
Ward 23 Michael Zalewski
Ward 24 No Endorsement
Ward 25 No Endorsement
Ward 26 No Endorsement
Ward 27 Walter Burnett, Jr.
Ward 28 Jason Ervin
Ward 29 Deborah Graham
Ward 30 Ariel Reboyras
Ward 31 Ray Suarez
Ward 32 Scott Waguespack
Ward 33 Richard Mell
Ward 34 Carrie Austin
Ward 35 Rey Colon
Ward 36 John Rice
Ward 37 No Endorsement
Ward 38 Timothy Cullerton
Ward 39 Margaret Laurino
Ward 40 Patrick O’Connor
Ward 41 No Endorsement
Ward 42 Brendan Reilly
Ward 43 Carmen Olmetti
Ward 44 No Endorsement
Ward 45 Marina Faz-Huppert
Ward 46 No Endorsement
Ward 47 Gene Schulter
Ward 48 Harry Osterman
Ward 49 Joe Moore
Ward 50 Debra Silverstein
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