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Mayor R.T. Rybak wins AFL-CIO backing for re-election From the Minneapolis Labor Review, February 26, 2009 MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has won endorsement for re-election by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. Rybak’s endorsement came February 11 at the MRLF delegate meeting as part of a first round of endorsements for Minneapolis races. MRLF delegates also endorsed seven City Council incumbents: Cam Gordon (Ward 2); Diane Hofstede (Ward 3); Barb Johnson (Ward 4); Robert Lilligren (Ward 6); Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8), Gary Schiff (Ward 9) and Sandy Colvin Roy (Ward 12). In addition, MRLF delegates endorsed two new candidates for Minneapolis Park Board, Michael Rainville (District 1) and Marty Demgen (District 5), as well as incumbent Bob Fine (District 6). Rainville and Demgen are running for open seats. Delegates also endorsed Carol Becker for re-election to the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation. A candidate endorsed by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation is the AFL-CIO endorsed candidate. With one exception, all of the candidates newly-endorsed by the MRLF will be seeking DFL Party endorsement. (City Council Member Cam Gordon is a Green Party member). The first test for all DFL candidates comes Tuesday, March 3, when the Minneapolis DFL will conduct precinct caucuses throughout the city, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The candidates will be working to win support at the caucuses, where delegates will be elected in two separate processes to attend DFL ward conventions scheduled March 14 through April 28 and the DFL city convention May 16. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation will be working to encourage union members to attend the precinct caucuses to support the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates. Mayor’s race In the race for mayor, incumbent Rybak is facing a challenge from Bob Miller, director of the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program. This year mark’s Rybak’s first campaign for mayor with AFL-CIO endorsement. In 2001, Rybak, then a political newcomer, defeated AFL-CIO endorsed Sharon Sayles-Belton, the two-term incumbent. In 2005, Rybak won re-election by defeating a challenge from Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, who ran with AFL-CIO endorsement. This year’s early AFL-CIO endorsement for Rybak acknowledges the mayor’s work over the past four years to work in a new partnership with labor. Rybak supported the proposed labor peace ordinance in 2007 and, in fall 2008, worked to make sure the policy applied to the city’s waste hauling contract. Rybak also has won endorsement for re-election from Operating Engineers Local 49, SEIU Minnesota State Council, Teamsters Local 120 and UNITE HERE Local 17. Rybak was one of Barack Obama’s earliest supporters in Minnesota and co-chaired Obama’s state campaign. In 2008, Rybak also led the Minneapolis school levy campaign as its co-chair. Rybak also campaigned vigorously for labor-endorsed candidates, including U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken and state House candidates. Franken opened a February 7 kick-off event for Rybak’s re-election campaign in south Minneapolis. “As a proud Minneapolis resident, I know who my friends and neighbors turn to when they want to get something done — they turn to R.T. Rybak,” said Franken, “But more important than filling the potholes, fighting crime, creating jobs and everything else that’s involved in running a big city, R.T. Rybak is a visionary who understands the important role the great American city plays in the future of our country.” “I love this city and I am as dedicated as I have ever been to fighting for reform and getting results to improve the lives of the people of Minneapolis,” Rybak said. “We have turned this city around and we are back on track, but our work is not finished. We face some tough times ahead and we need to roll up our sleeves and keep working as hard as ever.” “R.T. Rybak has been there for us when it counted and now it’s time for us to be there for him,” said Javier Morillo-Alicea, president of SEIU Local 26, addressing the campaign kick-off. “Minneapolis needs a leader like R.T. Rybak who not only fights for those who need an advocate, but who knows how to connect with people and give them hope as they deal with the challenges of life. SEIU Local 26 and the workers we represent stand with R.T. Rybak because he has stood with us.” Rybak said priorities for his third term include public safety, strengthening the city’s economy, investing in infrastructure, and helping youth succeed. Rybak, 53, grew up in Minneapolis. He is a former union member: From 1979-1985, he was a reporter for the Star Tribune and an active member of the Minnesota Newspaper Guild. He lives in south Minneapolis with his wife, Megan, and their two children. Contact:
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