The Alliance Network, a multi-ethnic public issues advocacy group in Syracuse, announced its endorsement for independent Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh for re-election as mayor.  Mayor Walsh received the endorsement at an announcement event on Saturday, October 30 at the Fountain of Life Church on South Avenue on the city’s southwest side.

“Steady leadership throughout these unprecedented times has allowed him to distinguish himself from the other candidates. Walsh is a compassionate and introspective thinker, who has demonstrated a willingness to challenge antiquated processes and right historic wrongs,” said the Alliance Network in its endorsement. “Like many politicians, he campaigned on a platform of diversity and inclusion. During his time in City Hall, he has delivered on that promise, yielding an administration of highly-effective people who appropriately reflect the diversity in our neighborhoods.”

The Alliance Network was formed in 1996 by local community leaders, businesspeople, activists, and other concerned citizens. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the Central New York community politically, socio-economically, educationally and spiritually.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Alliance Network to continue as mayor of Syracuse.  I’m especially humbled by the group’s support for the work our team has done over the past four years and for its affirmation that we have delivered on our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Mayor Walsh. “I consider the announcement as inspiration to continue the work we have started and to fulfill our vision of Syracuse as a growing city that embraces diversity and creates opportunity for all.”

In its announcement, the Alliance Network praised the independent Mayor’s ability to collaborate and advance progress: “We finally have government agencies that work together. Mr. Walsh has demonstrated a commitment to living up to his campaign slogan: Rise Above. Despite differences in philosophy, he remains respectful and open to working with others from outside of his base and within County, State, and Federal leadership structures. As he has no political party affiliation, Ben Walsh works to find common ground, allowing him to remain focused on bringing diverse people together to address the problems faced by us all.”

This article appeared on syracuse.com, and was written by Advance Media NY Editorial Board.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced he has received the endorsement of the Syracuse Teachers Association (STA) for re-election as mayor. The STA represents 3,100 employees in the Syracuse City School District, including teachers, health professionals, food service workers, and other employees supporting school children and families.  

“During Mayor Walsh’s first term in office, the Syracuse Teachers Association has been encouraged by our working relationship with his administration,” said Union President Nicole Capsello. “It is our hope that Mayor Walsh will continue to uphold strong union values each day that he serves in office. Unions have kept the workforce safe and working throughout this pandemic. We must have leaders who stand with us in solidarity, so our workforce can continue to grow and strengthen to keep our communities thriving.”

”The members of the Syracuse Teachers Association have been there for our children, their families and our community during the unprecedented times we have been through in the past four years.  As the father of two children in city schools, I am deeply appreciative of their work each and every day,” said Mayor Walsh.  “I’m also profoundly honored to have the support of the STA as I seek reelection.”

Walsh is a former union member (Laborers’ Local 633 and UFCW Local One) and employee of the New York State AFL-CIO. With this latest endorsement, Walsh has now received the endorsements of twelve major unions including Teamsters Local 317, IBEW Local 43, IBEW Local 97, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, United Food and Commercial Workers District Union Local One, UAW Region 9, Sheet Metal Workers Local 58, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 81, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158 and the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 4, Local 31.

This article appeared on localsyr.com, and was written by Andrew Donovan.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced he has received the endorsement of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 81 for re-election as mayor. Local 81 represents over 1,400 highly trained craftsmen who fabricate, install, and service residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems. Located in Syracuse, New York, the union’s geographical territory covers over 14 Counties from the border of Pennsylvania to the United States border with Canada.

“We feel that you will continue to support and fight for the issues that will help benefit not only the 1,400 union members that make up our local, but also all the working families in the state,'' said union business manager Greg Lancette.

”The Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 81 not only effectively represents its members, it plays a leading role in standing up for the interests of working people across all of Syracuse and Central New York,” said Mayor Walsh.  “It is a great honor to have the support of Local 81’s leadership and its members.”

Walsh is a former union member (Laborers’ Local 633 and UFCW Local One) and employee of the New York State AFL-CIO. With this latest endorsement, Walsh has now received the endorsements of eleven major unions including Teamsters Local 317, IBEW Local 43, IBEW Local 97, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, United Food and Commercial Workers District Union Local One, UAW Region 9, Sheet Metal Workers Local 58, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158 and the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 4, Local 31.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced he has received the endorsement of Sheet Metal Workers Local 58 for re-election as mayor.

Local No. 58 has been supplying the construction industry in New York State with qualified Sheet Metal Workers for over 100 years. The expertise and qualifications of its members covers an expansive array of sheet metal disciplines including but not limited to heating, ventilating & air conditioning.

“It is a great honor to receive the endorsement of the Sheet Metal Workers.  Local 58 represents hard working people who make important contributions to our community and help ensure we have safe and healthy built environments across Syracuse and Central New York,” said Mayor Walsh.  “I am grateful for the endorsement of another leading local labor organization.”

Walsh is a former union member (Laborers’ Local 633 and UFCW Local One) and employee of the New York State AFL-CIO. With this latest endorsement, Walsh has now received the endorsements of ten major unions including Teamsters Local 317, IBEW Local 43, IBEW Local 97, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, United Food and Commercial Workers District Union Local One, UAW Region 9, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158 and the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 4, Local 31.

This article appeared on urbancny.com.