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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMApril 26, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
April 26, 2007
Contact: Solomon Jones
215.636.9850 / 215.370.5681
EMBARGOED UNTIL 4 P.M. TODAY
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Surrounded by members of Gas Workers Local 686 UWUA and other union supporters, Mayoral Candidate Chaka Fattah's momentum continued to build as he received his fourth major union endorsement of the last two weeks and his fifth overall.
The Gas Workers' endorsement is a significant indication of the groundswell of support for Fattah's candidacy. The union represents over 2,000 members locally, including retirees. Local 686 is the latest major union to endorse Fattah. The others are AFSCME D.C. 47, Steelworkers Local 404, SEIU 32BJ, and Stagehands Local 8.
"We support Chaka Fattah because he has spent his entire 25-year career supporting workers," said Keith Holmes, president of Gas Workers Local 686 UWUA. "We know he will work to stop violence because he's done it all his life. And he'll help our children to succeed by creating greater educational opportunity, expanding after school programs, and giving them a safe place to go."
The union support is just an indication of things to come, Fattah said. In the coming weeks, Fattah will build on the support he has already received from unions and community leaders from all over the city.
Fattah said he will reveal other major support as the election approaches. "The support we have received from the Gas Workers is an indication that Philadelphia's working men and women know who has been there and will continue to be there for Philadelphians," Fattah said.
"With their help, we look forward to winning this election and rebuilding this city by building the lives of our citizens."
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