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Steve Myers
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With AFL-CIO Council endorsement, Williamson claims victory in Flint mayoral race
Posted by Marjory Raymer | The Flint Journal September 18, 2007 19:43PM
Categories: Election, Flint, Politics
FLINT -- After winning the backing of a union that includes the city's largest employee group, Mayor Don Williamson is declaring victory in November.
"The election is over," said Williamson after the Greater Flint AFL-CIO Council on Tuesday announced its endorsement of the first-term incumbent.
The council includes both AFSCME Local 1600 and 1799, which together represent just more than half the city's workers. AFSCME's backing also means a voting block of about 6,000 Flint residents, Local 1600 president Sam Muma said during the announcement at the Communication Workers Local 4103.
"Don Williamson has the experience and the financial know-how," Muma said.
Also endorsed Tuesday in the Burton election were Charles Smiley for mayor as well as Gary Isham, Thomas Martinbianco, Ralph LaDuke and Warren Nimcheski for City Council.
The Williamson endorsement comes the day after City Council approved new union pacts for AFSCME Local 1600 and 1799. Councilwoman Carolyn Sims called the agreements so close to the election "suspect."
Muma said contract negotiations have been going on for more than a year and were justified because his members made major concessions under the emergency financial manager.
Williamson said the endorsement joins the support of more than 70 ministers, city firefighters and others.
Muma also said Williamson signed a pledge to work with the unions and there were questions about whether all of Walling's campaign materials were union printed.
"We asked the tough questions," Muma said. "The body has spoken and now we're going to educate our members."
Walling could not be reached for comment.
The Greater Flint AFL-CIO Council includes about 10,000 members in Genesee County.
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/09/with_aflcio_council_endorsemen.html |
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Steve Myers |
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Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:03 pm |
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Biggie9
F L I N T O I D
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fascinating on so many accounts.....
so the "big labor boss" old boy network endorses the power brokers/ex-cons good old boy networks administrations of Burton and Flint.
and that's a surprise to anyone?
you could have knocked me over with a feather if they had endorsed anyone OTHER than the donald and Smiley "the Robin Hood of Burton Forest".
and the donald's reaction is also predictable. In the old days, getting the endorsement of the labor locals WAS tantamount to winning the election...it meant not only direct union votes but more importantly, campaign resources that would be effective force multipliers to get even more votes.
it remains to be seen how effective these endorsements are in providing resources to the don's campaign. Money he has, he needs boots on the ground to execute a strong campaign. If these endorsements generate campaign volunteers, he'll benefit far more than the direct union members who vote for him. I suspect most union members are capable of determining themselves which candidate deserves their vote.
that's my take anyway. |
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Biggie |
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Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:41 pm |
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Ryan Eashoo
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Isn't Scott Kincaide a AFL-CIO member??? Doesn't he work high up in the union??
quote:
Steve Myers schreef:
With AFL-CIO Council endorsement, Williamson claims victory in Flint mayoral race
Posted by Marjory Raymer | The Flint Journal September 18, 2007 19:43PM
Categories: Election, Flint, Politics
FLINT -- After winning the backing of a union that includes the city's largest employee group, Mayor Don Williamson is declaring victory in November.
"The election is over," said Williamson after the Greater Flint AFL-CIO Council on Tuesday announced its endorsement of the first-term incumbent.
The council includes both AFSCME Local 1600 and 1799, which together represent just more than half the city's workers. AFSCME's backing also means a voting block of about 6,000 Flint residents, Local 1600 president Sam Muma said during the announcement at the Communication Workers Local 4103.
"Don Williamson has the experience and the financial know-how," Muma said.
Also endorsed Tuesday in the Burton election were Charles Smiley for mayor as well as Gary Isham, Thomas Martinbianco, Ralph LaDuke and Warren Nimcheski for City Council.
The Williamson endorsement comes the day after City Council approved new union pacts for AFSCME Local 1600 and 1799. Councilwoman Carolyn Sims called the agreements so close to the election "suspect."
Muma said contract negotiations have been going on for more than a year and were justified because his members made major concessions under the emergency financial manager.
Williamson said the endorsement joins the support of more than 70 ministers, city firefighters and others.
Muma also said Williamson signed a pledge to work with the unions and there were questions about whether all of Walling's campaign materials were union printed.
"We asked the tough questions," Muma said. "The body has spoken and now we're going to educate our members."
Walling could not be reached for comment.
The Greater Flint AFL-CIO Council includes about 10,000 members in Genesee County.
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/09/with_aflcio_council_endorsemen.html
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Flint Michigan Resident, Tax Payer, Flint Nutt - Local REALTOR - Activist. www.FlintTown.com |
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Fri Sep 28, 2007 5:25 pm |
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