Annise Parker scored a major endorsement on Thursday night. HOPE Local 123 and SEIU Local 1 voted to give Parker their seal of approval.
This combined group represents more than 14,000 city employees. More importantly, it is accompanied with significant financial support and volunteerism.
Melvin Hughes, President of Local 123 had this to offer, ““After a long and formal process, the leadership bodies of HOPE Local 123 and SEIU Local 1 have unanimously voted to endorse Annise Parker for Mayor. We were so appreciative to have several pro-working family candidates, including Gene Locke and Peter Brown. This evening all three campaigns spoke passionately about their vision for Houston and the welfare of all municipal and service workers. Ultimately, our members decided that the experience Annise Parker brings makes her the best candidate to lead our city.”
SEIU Local 1 unites more than 50,000 property service workers throughout Texas and the central United States. Our members include janitors, security officers, residential doormen and maintenance workers, window cleaners, industrial workers, and theater and stadium workers.
HOPE Local 123 is a joint AFSCME-SEIU local that represents 14,000 City of Houston workers. In March 2008, HOPE negotiated a historic contract. This contract marked the first time in Texas history that civilian municipal workers negotiated a union contract.
So, Parker gains HOPE in the endorsement game.
