Public Employee Press

ELECTION 2013
Faith and labor activists team up for Liu

Getting out the vote for the Sept. 10 Democratic Party primary and getting Comptroller John C. Liu into Gracie Mansion were at the top of the agenda July 24 as participants in the New York AFSCME Labor, Faith and Community Outreach effort met at DC 1707 headquarters.

"We're supporting a candidate who will give us back our city and make New Yorkers proud again," said DC 1707 Executive Director Raglan George of Liu's candidacy. Civil Service Employees Association Region 2 President Lester Crockett called Liu "a fighter for working people who has unmasked the lie that private contractors are less expensive."

With the endorsements of District Council 1707, CSEA and DC 37, the three American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees affiliates representing 400,000 New York workers have united in support of Liu.

"Let's not pay attention to the opinion polls," warned DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. "They don't bother to call our members and our members know what John Liu stands for better than anybody."

Moira Dolan of the Research and Negotiations Dept. gave a brief update on contract negotiations and Sheana Smith of the Political Action Dept. reviewed the list of candidates endorsed by DC 37 and stressed getting friends, family and coworkers to vote.

Rabbi Michael Feinberg, from the Greater NY Labor-Religion Coalition, explained important facts about the religious traditions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism that activists should be aware of when engaging members of different faiths.

Union members who want to participate in the labor and faith outreach effort can get more information and a form at www.dc37.net.