City Employees' Union AFSCME Local No. 307VC Endorses Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington — The American Federation of State, County and Local Employees (AFSCME Local 307VC) has endorsed Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt for Mayor of Vancouver. Local 307 is the labor union that represents 154 employees working in the City’s Water, Streets, Traffic, and Public Works Departments, as well as the clerical unit of the Law Department.

Ron Fredin, President of Local 307VC and Vice President of the Executive Board of Washington State AFSCME Council 2 says of their endorsement, “Leavitt is truly committed to collaboration and relationship-building, has respect for labor issues, and boasts an unmatched record on advocating for jobs that pay family wage.”

Leavitt joined the Vancouver City Council in 2003 and served on the City’s Planning Commission before that. During his time as a councilman, Tim has regularly attended Labor Roundtable meetings, met individually with union leadership, and held frank discussions about issues affecting both sides of the table.

AFSCME reps cite Leavitt’s dedication to fostering relationships of substance, and looking toward the future of Vancouver. “We’re supporting Tim because he walks the talk,” says Local 307VC member Joe Devlaeminck. “Tim is the candidate who has been building respectful and effective working relationships with us and throughout our community. He is never too busy to listen to our concerns, and he then works with us to try and find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. We intend to work diligently to see him become the next Mayor of Vancouver.”

“Our city employees are passionate about the future of Vancouver,” says Leavitt. “We are in absolute agreement that the City must stop cutting budgets for core services like roads maintenance, traffic control and street light repair, and utility services. It’s time to re-prioritize at City Hall. That is what I’ve been fighting for and one of the reasons why I have received support from the city employees.”

Leavitt has also been endorsed by Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 757 (C-Tran employees) and has received the informal support of Unite Here Local No. 9 (Hilton Vancouver employees).

Persons interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more may contact the campaign office at 360.609.4846, via email at leavitt4mayor@gmail.com, or by visiting the campaign website at www.leavitt4mayor.com. The campaign also has a Facebook page and group, at “Leavitt4Mayor”.