Public Employee Press

ELECTION 2013
Campaigning
Union members meet primary candidates

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Members met City Comptroller John C. Liu and other candidates endorsed by District Council 37 for the Sept. 10 primary election at a July 26 get-together organized by the Political Action Dept. The session brought political leaders such as City Council candidate Melissa Mark-Viverito and Brooklyn borough president candidate Eric Adams to union headquarters.

All the candidates shared an understanding of the importance of the work union members do to keep the city running, deep appreciation for the support they have received from DC 37 and strong commitments to meeting the needs of working people and their communities.

"You are the backbone of this city," said City Council member Gale A. Brewer, who has been endorsed by DC 37 in her bid to become Manhattan Borough President. "You know what it takes to make this city work."

"I remind people every day that labor saved this city from bankruptcy," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, now running for comptroller with the union's endorsement. "I will watch out for working people," he pledged.

"With DC 37's support we can make a big difference. When DC 37 makes an endorsement it means a lot," said state Assembly member Rory Lancman, who is running to represent the 24th District in Queens on the City Council.

Liu, running for mayor in the Democratic Party primary with the strong support of DC 37, was the star of the evening.

"No one has spoken out more about the millions of dollars that are wasted on contracting out in this city than John Liu, and that's why we are supporting him," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts as the room erupted in cheers.

"We are getting rid of the contracting out. We're going to get the work done the right way - by city employees," he promised. Speaking of the mayor's controversial stop-and-frisk policy, the former City Council member from Queens said, "We can keep people safe without humiliating them."

Liu promised to continue working closely with the union if elected.