Northeast carpenters union endorses DeFusco for Hoboken mayor

The Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters endorsed Hoboken 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco for mayor, calling him “a progressive Democrat” that supports the middle class.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, because we share the same values of working to expand the middle class and increase wages,” DeFusco said in a statement.

“My vision for Hoboken’s future is of a vibrant city that attracts innovative new businesses and makes the long overdue, critical investments we need in infrastructure and education. I know that union labor must play a central role in making it a reality.”

The NRCC said they only provide endorsements to candidates that support prevailing wage protections, encourage the use of Project Labor Agreements, fight 1099 Worker Misclassification and support fair wages and benefits for working people.

John Ballantyne, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the NRCC, believes that DeFusco’s smart business growth platform will help city workers and citizens.

“We decided to endorse Mike DeFusco for City of Hoboken Mayor, as he is a progressive Democrat who believes in supporting the middle class and using union labor to help build the City’s infrastructure,” said Ballantyne.

“As Hoboken’s next Mayor, DeFusco will bring good paying construction jobs to the City, encourage more businesses to invest in Hoboken and help to improve the quality of life for its residents.”

Those following the Hoboken mayoral race closely are hardly surprised by the formal support, given that the NRCC has donated $1000s to the DeFusco campaign.

With less than three weeks to go, it’s a given that candidates will be rolling out a number of endorsements.

Earlier today, Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla secured the backing of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825 and the Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) New Jersey.