July 8, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – Teamsters Joint Council 16 has announced endorsements in three competitive New York State Senate races. The union is backing Senator Gustavo Rivera for reelection in his Bronx district, SEIU1199 veteran Dell Smitherman to unseat Senator John Sampson in Brooklyn, and Queens Deputy Borough President Leroy Comrie against incumbent Malcolm Smith.
“We looked at the map strategically and decided these were three races where we could make a difference by endorsing early,” said Teamsters Joint Council 16 President George Miranda. “Over 1,000 Teamsters are registered to vote in each of these districts. By mobilizing our members, we will have a big impact.”
As elections near, Teamsters Joint Council 16 will be mailing, phone banking, and organizing Teamster activists to vote and volunteer in these three races.
“Gustavo, Leroy, and Dell all share our values and will get Teamster strength on the ground,” Miranda continued. “Senator Rivera is an ally in Albany, whether we needed him to speak out publicly or work behind the scenes to advocate for New York’s workers. He champions traditional labor concerns and our other priorities, like immigrant rights. Deputy Borough President Comrie has a long history in New York City government and a record of standing with labor. Dell Smitherman spent years in the rank-and-file of the labor movement and has shown his talent for mobilizing the power of working people for real change, a welcome addition to Albany.”
