The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 205 announced a list of candidates endorsed by the organization for this year’s city council elections on March 7th. SEIU Local 205, which represents Chattanooga city employees, endorses Jerry Mitchell in District 2, Ken Smith in District 3, Russell Gilbert in District 5, Carol Berz in District 6, Chris Anderson in District 7, Anthony Byrd in District 8 and Yusuf Hakeem in District 9.
The group said:
Jerry Mitchell is an experienced leader in the public and private sector running for his second term in District 2.
“Jerry has been an advocate for workers. As a former city department head, he understands the concerns facing city workers and values the services they provide every day,” said Cyndy Workman, a family services assistant.
Ken Smith is a local businessman and community advocate running for re-election in District 3. “Ken Smith believes that employees are the most important asset in the city and taking care of them and their families are a priority,” said Robert Ledford, an electrician.
Russell Gilbert is a community advocate running for his third term in District 5. “Russell Gilbert believes that agreement between administration and employees helps both sides have a better work environment,” said Stephen West, an equipment operator. “Russell has been the city workers’ biggest proponent of issues regarding fair pay and benefits.”
Carol Berz, mediator and businesswoman, is running for her third term in District 6. “Dr. Berz always makes sure that workers have a voice at the table when comes to city issues and ensuring our issues and concerns have truly been heard.” said Nancy Nason, an I.T. project analyst.
Chris Anderson, a political activist is running for his second term in District 7. “Anderson was the first elected local official to lead the fight against state legislation to end union agreement with local governments,” said Greg Hinton, a building maintenance mechanic. “Chris understands that workers have a right to free speech and to advocate in their own best interests.”
Anthony Byrd is a challenger in District 8. “As a public sector employee, Byrd understands first-hand the challenges public employees face on a daily basis. He will be a fierce advocate for city workers and their issues,” said Sharron Pryor, a recreation center crew worker.
Yusuf Hakeem, a community leader, is running for re-election in District 9. “As a former union member, Mr. Hakeem knows that the benefits of organized labor are a benefit to the city. He advocated for workers to have their first M.O.U. with the City of Chattanooga,” said Alonzo Strickland, an equipment operator.
“The decision to endorse these candidates was made by rank-and-file members of our union,” said SEIU representative Kate Sheets. “Rank-and-file public workers from all across the community participated in this process, and they are determined to provide better quality of service to the City of Chattanooga by addressing the issues important to city workers.”
Early voting began Wednesday and Election Day is March 7.