Local Labor Federation Issues Early Endorsements

Labor Unions representing workers across Albany County announce first round of endorsements for local elections

ALBANY, NY (08/08/2013)(readMedia)-- The Albany County Central Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (ACCFL) issued their first round of endorsements at their monthly Delegates meeting this week, which is the culmination of a process that spanned several months and included extensive written questionnaires as well as dozens of interviews with candidates for local public offices.

This first round of endorsements focused on a number of candidates in the City of Albany who were explicitly seeking support for their Primary Election campaigns, as well as other key races across Albany County.

ACCFL President Bill Ritchie noted, "We had an especially energetic crop of candidates this year, particularly in the City of Albany with the numerous retirements from the Albany Common Council. I'm confident that this type of legitimate and spirited competition for election to these public offices will ensure a more engaged electorate and better outcomes for all voters."

He went on to add, "I want to thank all of the candidates that interviewed, as well as the dedicated Delegates who volunteered many hours of their time to thoughtfully and thoroughly screen them. We're looking forward to hitting the streets for our endorsed working class champions."

The ACCFL intends to execute a vigorous field program and mobilize dozens of members to hit the streets in support of endorsed candidates, including door-to-door as well as phone canvassing and will participate in targeted "Get Out The Vote" (GOTV) efforts.

Endorsements were issued for the following candidates:

Countywide, County Legislature

  • Sue Kushner, Albany County Family Court Judge
  • Alison McLean-Lane, Albany County Legislature (District 14)

City of Albany (Citywide)

  • Kathy Sheehan, Mayor
  • Darius Shahinfar, City Treasurer
  • Leif Engstrom, Chief City Auditor

City of Albany (Common Council)

  • Andres Rivera, Ward 1
  • Kelly Kimbrough, Ward 4
  • Richard Conti, Ward 6
  • Cathy Fahey, Ward 7
  • Lenny Ricchiuti, Ward 8
  • Judy Doesschate, Ward 9
  • Leah Golby, Ward 10
  • Judd Krasher, Ward 11

Town of Colonie

  • Paula Mahan, Town Supervisor

The ACCFL is comprised of over four-dozen affiliated unions, representing over 30,000 union members and their working families across Albany County. For more information about ACCFL and the local labor movement, be sure to visit www.cdalf.org.