PEP, June 2004: Barbaro for Congress.

Public Employee Press

Political Action 2004
What's at stake in November
Barbaro for Congress

The DC 37 Delegates Council voted overwhelmingly April 27 to endorse former State Assemblyman and Supreme Court Justice Frank Barbaro for U.S. Congress. The union’s Candidate Screening Committee and Executive Board recommended the action.

Mr. Barbaro is waging an aggressive campaign against incumbent Vito Fossella in the 13th Congressional District, which includes Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn. “Our families deserve someone who will fight for them, not against them,” said Mr. Barbaro, who promised to demand a fair share from Washington. “Whether it is homeland security funds or a Medicare drug bill written by pharmaceutical companies, Fossella votes to shortchange the city every time,” he said.

As the campaign heats up, Barbaro supporters include many local politicians, district leaders, the greater Staten Island community, labor and the DC 37 Retirees Association. Mr. Barbaro was elected to the state Supreme Court in 1997 and served as a member of the State Assembly from 1973 to 1996. As chair of the Labor Committee for 15 years, he pressed for Workers’ Comp reform, prevailing wage laws and protection against discrimination and harassment on the job.