Thomas Breen photo
Mayor Toni Harp.
The Greater New Haven Central Labor Council has endorsed Mayor Toni Harp in her reelection bid, granting the mayor her fourth labor nod of support in two weeks.
Harp, who is slated to face off against mayoral challenger Justin Elicker in the Democratic Party primary on Sept. 10, received the latest labor endorsement Thursday afternoon.
“As alder,” CLC President and UNITE-HERE Local 35 President Bob Proto is quoted as saying in the release, “Mayor Harp was a leader on forward-looking policies like establishing universal free breakfast for New Haven’s school children and writing a community policing ordinance. As a state senator, she has one of the highest records of support for labor in Connecticut’s legislature. As mayor, she has always supported labor and has prioritized all neighborhoods in New Haven.”
Harp has also won endorsements from Local 34, District 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, and the New England Regional Council Carpenters, Local 326.
Read the full release below.
The Greater New Haven Central Labor Chapter (CLC) is proud to endorse Mayor Toni Harp in her reelection campaign. Our chapter represents thousands of working families in New Haven. As we fight for the economic security and dignity of our members, we know that our struggle is tied to the fate of all working people in New Haven.
Leaders from the CLC cited Mayor Harp’s long support for working families as the reasons for endorsing her. Bob Proto, President of the CLC, said, “As alder, Mayor Harp was a leader on forward-looking policies like establishing universal free breakfast for New Haven’s school children and writing a community policing ordinance. As a state senator, she has one of the highest records of support for labor in Connecticut’s legislature. As mayor, she has always supported labor and has prioritized all neighborhoods in New Haven.”
Carmen Reyes, Fair Haven Resident, Steward of OPEIU Local 153, and CLC Executive Board Member, said, “Mayor Harp has always fought for working people and neighbor- hoods of need. We know that she is the best candidate in the mayoral race for low-wage workers.”
In a city that is as diverse as New Haven, governing requires bringing people together. In a city that depends on significant revenue from the state, governing the city requires support from the governor and the state delegation. The deep relationships that Mayor Harp has forged through decades of fighting for working people leaves her the best suited to help every neighborhood in our city thrive.
I am embarrassed to say that long ago, I was a member of the CLC. Those in charge should be really ashamed but obviously aren't. Will they be so " proud to endorse" her when all the corruption is exposed? remember the FBI raid? We won't hear what was found until well after the election but we will hear . What does the CLC think about the recent headlines re: Supt. Birks ' unethical actions , or is that not important to them as long as they continue to control city government?