Carpenters Endorse McMahon for Congress

via campaign email;

NYC District Council of Carpenters Adds to Outpouring of Union Support for McMahon, Citing McMahon’s Dedication to Investment in Infrastructure
August 19, 2008 – Michael McMahon's congressional campaign picked up key labor support today from the New York City District Council of Carpenters, which represents over 25,000 tradesmen in the metropolitan area.

Council members are skilled in a broad range of tools and disciplines, including general carpenters, millwrights, dockbuilders, timbermen, cabinetmakers and floorcoverers. Carpenters are essential for building and maintaining the infrastructure New York City runs on, from building the City's skyscrapers and homes, to performing the shoring and sheeting for sewers, telephone lines and subway projects. The Council has committed to aggressive member-to-member outreach, phone banking and door knocking for McMahon.

"Mike McMahon understands the challenges Staten Islanders and Brooklynites face with streets that don't drain, subway trains that are overcrowded, and bridges, roads and communications networks that show their decades of age. Mike will be a strong advocate for the infrastructure investment New York needs to continue its growth, and the District Council of Carpenters is proud to endorse his campaign," said Michael Forde, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Council.

Once in Congress, McMahon is committed to fighting for increased funding for infrastructure to ensure that America's roads, rails, ports, energy and telecommunications networks, and sewer systems are able to support sustained economic growth, growing populations, and current standards of health and living. While federal funding for infrastructure has plummeted, the country's infrastructure has been pushed to the breaking point, as evidenced in the steam pipe burst in Manhattan, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, and the levee failure during Katrina.

Specifically, McMahon has pledged to push for funding for the North Shore light rail on Staten Island, improvements for sewer systems, and funding for upgrades for the overtaxed and outdated mass transit system in southern Brooklyn. He has also committed to championing the Cross-Harbor Rail Freight Tunnel connecting New Jersey and Bay Ridge, to create the first direct connection for freight to travel to New York City via rail. The tunnel would decrease traffic on Staten Island by 13%, in Brooklyn by 7%, create thousands of permanent jobs as well as temporary construction work, and reinvigorate Brooklyn’s ports.

"New York City has enjoyed unprecedented growth in the last decade, but too many families on Staten Island and in Southern Brooklyn have been left out of the progress, stuck with antiquated mass transit, poor storm drains and potfill studded roads. Families in this district need a strong voice for growth in Washington, and I promise to fight for the needs of Staten Islanders and Brooklynites as I have on the City Council for the past seven years," said McMahon.

There are 92,000 union households in the 13th District, making the support of working men and women a critical component of any successful campaign.

The McMahon campaign continues to gain momentum, having recently picked up other key labor endorsements from the New York State AFL–CIO, the United Federation of Teachers, 1199 SEIU Healthcare East, UFCW, RWDSU, UNITE HERE, CWA, CSA, CSEA, the Hotel and Motel Trades Council, the Public Employees Federation and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. McMahon has also received endorsements from elected leaders including Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Charles Schumer, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, former Mayor Ed Koch, and members of the New York City Congressional Delegation.

Yesterday, the New York Times endorsed McMahon in the Democratic Primary, citing his “deep understanding of transportation and infrastructure issues” and “strong commitment to mass transportation”.

Last month McMahon earned a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's vaunted "Red to Blue" program, signaling that the campaign is a top national priority for the Democratic Party. He was the only candidate from downstate New York included in the program. The "Red to Blue" program was a proven success in the 2006 cycle, raising nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns. It highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.

The Democratic Primary will be on September 9th, and the General Election will be held on November 4th.