Our votes truly make a difference, particularly during local government election years when turnout at the polls is historically lower.
The results of these local elections can have a very strong impact on our daily lives, so it’s important we get out to vote on November 5.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer speaks with Westchester County Unit members in this 2018 file photo.
A success story
If anyone needs an example of how we can make positive change when we stick together and vote for labor-friendly candidates, look no further than our members’ efforts on behalf of Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
Latimer handily defeated incumbent Rob Astorino for the county’s top job in 2017, thanks in large part to CSEA members in Westchester County not just voting, but also campaigning on Latimer’s behalf.
The victory ended a painful era for CSEA members working for Westchester County, who grappled with Astorino’s austerity budgeting and refusal to negotiate a fair contract.
After Astorino cut more than 1,000 county positions during his two terms, members were fed up and ready to act.
“Our members recognized that if we were going to reach a contract agreement, it would come from a new county executive,” said Westchester County Unit President Karen Pecora. “They realized the power we had, to elect a county executive who would work for us instead of against us. Since George Latimer took office, we’ve been able to settle a contract after going seven years without reaching a deal with Astorino. We’ve had other positive movement since then, most recently securing inclement weather language for our workers.”
Member volunteers devoted months to the campaign, volunteering regularly at phone banks, participating in labor walks, and posting regularly on social media.
The time they invested contributed to Latimer’s victory.
“Our members showed up in force at the polls, and not only did Latimer win, he won by a landslide,” said Pecora. “We knew within an hour of the polls closing that he was the clear winner.”
Showing strong support
Nearly two years after Latimer’s victory, CSEA members in Monroe County are working hard to get out the vote for Adam Bello, our union’s endorsed candidate for Monroe County Executive.
Our members’ efforts include distributing campaign literature, phone banking, knocking on voters’ doors and sharing social media content about why Bello is the best choice for working people.
Bello, presently the Monroe County Clerk and former supervisor of the Town of Irondequoit, has steadfastly shown his commitment to fighting for working people.
“It’s important for us to recall that labor is not a commodity, but something to be protected and respected, that’s why I’m honored to receive the endorsement of CSEA and AFSCME,” said Bello, after receiving our union’s endorsement earlier this year. “Labor is the cornerstone of our community, and it is time to once again recognize that we can accomplish more together than we can apart. Our community deserves a government as good as its people. One that lifts people up and fosters an environment where every hardworking family can grow and thrive. Because no matter who you are, where you live, or who you know, you deserve the very best from those who serve you.”
Bello’s support for working people, along with a strong track record, has earned our members’ respect. Whether you live in Monroe County or elsewhere in our state, you can make a major difference in your community by going to the polls and voting for candidates who support you.
To get more information on endorsed candidates in your area, visit cseany.org/vote.
— Jessica Ladlee and Ove Overmyer
Rochester Area State Employees Local President Renee Jackson: A matter of trust
Jackson
“For all the CSEA folks who live and work in Rochester and Monroe County, this election has become a referendum about trust. Adam Bello has earned our trust. He respects the rights of working people and includes government employees in conversations when things need mending. It is very hard to trust Ms. Dinolfo and her self-serving administration to do the right thing. They have proven time and time again they care very little about the welfare of working people and even less about honoring collective bargaining agreements.”
CSEA Monroe County Local President Bess Watts: ‘Bello is in a class by himself’
Watts
“CSEA has enjoyed a terrific relationship with Adam Bello over the years, dating back to his days as chief of staff for the Monroe County DA’s office, Irondequoit Town Supervisor and now as Monroe County Clerk.
Adam’s respectful demeanor and his ability to problem solve puts him in a class by himself. When we interviewed both Mr. Bello and Ms. Dinolfo for this job, there was a clear distinction between the candidates. Mr. Bello has an exceptional track record of improving public services, and he understands government should work for everyone.
He has also proven he honors and respects the work of the people who deliver on that promise every day. Simply put, Ms. Dinolfo does not.”
