FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Martha McKenna, 410-528-8011
June 20, 2007- Just a week after formally entering the race, Mayor Sheila Dixon today gains the support of one of Baltimore's largest and most important unions-the United Auto Workers. The UAW's support comes as the second major union endorsement of the campaign, following last week's announcement from healthcare union giant 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
Citing her commitment to its 2,000-plus members and their diverse needs, Maryland Political Director Darren Petty and Local 239 President Fred Swanner say the union appreciates Mayor Dixon's vision for a cleaner and safer city. "Of all the candidates vying to lead Baltimore, Mayor Dixon, and her clear-cut plan to shape up the city, made the most sense to our members. By challenging Baltimore's problems at their roots, the mayor provides a sensible road map for citywide improvement," Petty said.
Mayor Dixon relishes the UAW's support, saying, "To know that still more Baltimoreans share in my vision gives me great hope for the years to come. When our auto workers, teachers, police officers, business owners-the true guiding force behind Baltimore-share a common understanding, we can roll up our sleeves and get to work."
Local 239 formally endorses the mayor at 1:30 p.m. at the UAW hall at 1010 Oldham Street.
A lifelong West Baltimore resident, Mayor Dixon is an active member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and numerous community boards. Before assuming her current role, the mayor worked as a public school kindergarten teacher and led the City Council as its distinguished first female African American president.
