Just hours after the March 5 primary election results came in, SEIU 721 members held a press conference to announce their endorsement of Wendy Greuel in the LA mayor’s race. Greuel finished in the top two of a crowded field, along with City Councilman Eric Garcetti.
The event, attended by 22 media outlets, featured SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover, Greuel and LA city trash truck driver, Andy Morales.
“This is a very important day for our city. SEIU 721 represents 10,000 city workers in Los Angeles. Every day, my co-workers and I collect your trash, pave your roads, trim your trees, care for orphaned animals and keep this city running, which is why we think the announcement we’re about to make is so important for us and the people of LA.”
Morales introduced SEIU 721 President Schoonover:
“Wendy knows that members of SEIU 721 and the Coalition of LA City Unions kept the city going during the last budget crisis by agreeing to a package that saved the city $850 million. … What we need is a mayor who is willing to open her door and listen. That mayor is Wendy Greuel. And that’s why I am proud to announce that SEIU 721 is endorsing Wendy for mayor of Los Angeles.”
Greuel thanked SEIU 721 members and gave a rousing speech, highlighting the importance of unity and partnership between the mayor and public workers.
“I am running to be the Mayor for all of Los Angeles, so that nobody is left behind. Today’s endorsement underscores this key theme in my campaign, because it demonstrates that the working people of SEIU 721 know that I’ll be a champion for each and every one of them– no matter where they live in Los Angeles.”
Media Coverage of the Event
NBC (Video): Greuel, Garcetti Off and Running in Final Lap of Mayor’s Race
Fox 11 (Video): Garcetti, Greuel Prepare For LA Mayoral Runoff
KTLA (Video): Mayor’s Race: Garcetti, Greuel Headed for Runoff
LA Times: SEIU, a key city union, endorses Wendy Greuel
LA Times:
Headed for May 21 runoff, Greuel gets influential labor backing
LA Daily News/Daily Breeze: L.A. Mayoral hopefuls Wendy Greuel, Eric Garcetti back at it
KPCC (NPR affiliate): LA mayor’s race: Could Greuel’s union support backfire in contest with Garcetti?
LA Times: Stage set for runoff in L.A. mayoral election
CBS and KCAL also covered the press conference, along with Spanish language outlets Telemundo, Univision, La Opinion and Mudo Fox.