Leopold Endorsed By AFSCME

County Executive John R. Leopold was recently endorsed by members of AFSCME, the largest union of represented County employees, for

his re-election to a second term in office.

While union endorsements appear to carry less and less weight in local elections, this might be an exception.  AFSCME is the largest union representing employees of Anne Arundel County. Coming out of two very fiscally difficult years which involved furloughs and other concessions, the support of the troops has to be a pretty substantial feather in the hat of Leopold as he tries to hang onto his office.

Currently, Leopold has two challengers–Joanna Conti, running as a Democrat, and Mike Shay representing the Green Party. Janet Owens was expected to enter the democrat primary, but declined to run earlier this week.

The press release from Leopold’s campaign is after the jump.

From Leopold’s campaign:

For Immediate Release
Contact: David Abrams, 443-370-7620

COUNTY EXECUTIVE LEOPOLD ENDORSED BY AFSCME
Largest employee union votes to support a second term

Annapolis, MD (July 1, 2010) – County Executive John R. Leopold was endorsed last night by members of AFSCME, the largest union of represented County employees, for his re-election to a second term in office.

“In these tough economic times, I was pleased to establish a good working relationship with union representatives that was built on mutual respect,” County Executive Leopold said. “AFSCME was one of the first groups to step forward and accept shared sacrifice to keep members employed and maintain a high level of service to our citizens.”

AFSCME is made up of more than 1,000 County employees, including secretaries, mechanics and personnel who maintain the water, wastewater and road systems for residents. The union worked with the County to renegotiate contracts that were affordable given shortfalls in revenue. County Executive Leopold led by example by returning his legally-mandated raise and taking a pay cut to mirror compensation of represented and non-represented County Employees.

“Even under dire financial circumstances in the County, John Leopold understands he has an obligation to the taxpayers and also to be fair to employees,” said Mike Akers, president of AFSCME Local 582.

County Executive Leopold has also been endorsed by Governor Robert L. Ehrlich and all seven Republican Delegates in the Maryland General Assembly from Anne Arundel County.

For more information about the Leopold campaign, go to www.johnrleopold.com

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