One City Union, No Longer Holding Back On Mayoral Endorsement, Says It Supports Eileen Brady

By COREY PEIN

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48, which represents about 100 city of Portland workers, was one of four union locals that last month made a show of not endorsing any candidate for mayor.

At the time, IBEW 48 business agent Joe Esmonde cited the Columbia River Crossing as a top issue for his union and others that would work on the controversial construction project. 

Today, the mayoral campaign of Eileen Brady, who has declared her support for the bridge, announced that she'd obtained the IBEW endorsement. 

The other three unions at last month's press conference, including city police and fire unions, have not yet made endorsements. Neither has AFSCME, the largest city union, which represents about 1,000 workers.

Former City Commissioner Charlie Hales and state Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland) are the other leading candidates for mayor. Also today, Cameron Whitten, a 20-year-old Occupy Portland protester, launched a website promoting his own campaign. 

WWeek 2015

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