Councilwoman
Letitia “Tish” James’ campaign announced that she has earned the
endorsement of 32BJ SEIU, one of the most influential labor unions in
New York, in her bid for Public Advocate. The announcement marks the
first major endorsement of the campaign season and a significant show of
support for James, who currently serves as a City Councilwoman from
Brooklyn.
“I
am honored to earn the support of 32BJ SEIU, a great union whose
members are a crucial part of the larger labor movement that has built
our city. I am running for Public Advocate because New York’s working
men and women need a strong voice fighting for them in government,” said
James. “As a City Council member I have led the way on passage of the
Safe Housing Act which helps improve conditions for tenants in some of
the toughest buildings, fought to improve our schools, preventing cuts
to after-school programs, and worked to bring good-paying jobs to our
city. I’ll be a Public Advocate with the same passion and vision who
will fight for New Yorkers from every part of our great city.”
In
announcing the endorsement, Hector Figueroa, president of 32BJ SEIU
said: “For years, Tish James has demonstrated a deep commitment to the
working people of our city. She has worked hard to help improve the
lives not only of our 70,000 members in New York City but for all
working families in New York. In addition, she has strongly supported
initiatives to improve our transportation and educational systems
through her committee work."
A
Brooklyn native, Tish James has been a long-time public servant. Prior
to being elected City Councilwoman in 2003, James was a top-level aide
to members of the State Assembly, where she played a crucial role in
bringing resources to some of New York’s most vulnerable communities. In
the City Council, James has been an outspoken advocate for economic and
social justice.
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