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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2009
Contact: Paul Newell, Communications Director, paul@newellnyc.org, 347-351-7285
Chuck Zlatkin, Legislative and Political Director, New York Metro Area Postal Union, c.zlatkin@nymetro.org
PETE GLEASON ENDORSED BY METRO AREA POSTAL UNION
The New York Metro Area Postal Union, APWU, AFL:-CIO, endorsed Pete Gleason for City Council on Tuesday, citing Gleason's strong advocacy against closing of local Post Offices.
Clarice Torrence, President, New York Metro Area Postal Union, APWU, AFL:CIO said "We have endorsed Pete Gleason because we are working people, union people, who live and work in New York City. Pete has been one of us and understands our plight. He also understands the impact of post office closings on a community. We look to Pete Gleason to be a voice for all working people on the city council in this time of crisis."
Pete Gleason was pleased to have the Postal Workers support. "I've been a union-member since I was 16 years old," Gleason said. "I'm thrilled and delighted to accept the support of the New York Metro Area Postal Union. Lower Manhattan has suffered greatly, and poor planning plays a major part. When people lose their local post office, not only are people losing their jobs, but there's a total break down of the community infra-structure. This is a big city, but it should run on communication with the local voter first. "
Pete Gleason, now a Civil Rights Attorney, was an FDNY Firefighter on the Lower East Side for 10-years and prior to that as an NYPD Officer in the Manhattan South Task Force. Gleason cited his long history in the community when calling for local post offices to remain open. "Post Offices are a focal point of our communities. The Pitt Street post office on the Lower East Side and the Battery Park City Retail Post Office on Rector Street are essential parts of our neighborhoods. We cannot afford to lose them."
The NYMPU represents thousands of the clerk, maintenance and motor vehicle crafts and is the largest local in the American and Postal Workers Union (APWU).
Gleason will be campaigning today in front of the Pitt Street, Battery Park City Retail and SoHo Post Offices.
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