Manno Endorsed by SEIU

Written by: Roger Manno on Jun 3, 2006 1:42 PM EDT

Media Advisory: Manno Endorsed by SEIU


Silver Spring, MD - Service Employees International Union Local 500, which represents some 10,000 working men and women, released its endorsement of Roger Manno, candidate for State Delegate (District 19).

Manno stated: "Having worked for pro-labor leaders in Congress and having come from a working-class family of labor organizers, I am extremely honored to have the support of SEIU -- a very strong voice for working men and women in our community. I look forward to our continued solidarity and work together in the years to come."

Manno's work as an attorney and Legislative Director in Congress has put him at the forefront of some of the most important federal and international labor battles in recent years, including opposing CAFTA, the "Central American Free Trade Agreement." Manno recalls, "I was proud to work arm-and-arm with labor in opposition to CAFTA which undermines U.S. workers and outsources U.S. jobs. Our fight for working men and women continues - and I am hopeful that it brings me to Annapolis where many battles remain for the next legislative session of the General Assembly."

Manno's labor roots run deep. "I grew up in a union household where my father was a proud and active member of the teachers union. My great-grandfather, Morris Scheinbaum, arrived in the United States and made a living selling 'job lot' hardware and trinkets from a pushcart. He later gave up opportunities to branch out and make his fortune and, instead, organized the first union of ladies' handbag workers. His handbag- organizing committee mounted huge demonstrations in New York's Union Square, demonstrations which began to worry the management bosses and ultimately landed him a clubbing and a cracked skull."

Morris Scheinbaum's labor organizing efforts became part of the social reform movement of the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union. "Later, my Uncle Lou worked as a member and steward of the Retail Clerks' International Union (which became part of AFL-CIO), and later married my Aunt Rhoda, the daughter of one of the original founders of New York's Kosher Butchers' Union," stated Manno. "And while he went on to open his own Kosher butcher shop, he never forgot the struggle, and always hired union workers." Manno has numerous other relatives who have fought in the labor movement, including his cousin Mark Scheinbaum, who has held leadership positions in three international unions.

SEIU also announced endorsements of 29 other Montgomery County candidates for the General Assembly. Notably, including Manno, only three other endorsed candidates are non-incumbents.

"Some races created very tough choices between strong candidates" stated Merle Cuttitta, president of SEIU Local 500. "We believe the candidates announced today are those who will best stand up for working families," Cuttitta said.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Sean P. Carr, 301-948-8766

Service Employees Announce Support of General Assembly Candidates, Franchot for Comptroller

Candidates that Stand for Working Families Gain Nod from 10,000-Member Union


Gaithersburg -- Citing their records on employee rights, health care and other issues important to working families, the 10,000-member Service Employees International Union Local 500 announced its support for candidates in eight General Assembly districts today. Local 500 members also reiterated their support for Peter Franchot for State Comptroller.

"Peter has been a friend to our members and working people in general in the House of Delegates. We trust he will bring credibility and accountability to the Comptroller's office," said Merle Cuttitta, president of SEIU Local 500.

The SEIU MD/DC State Council announced its endorsement of Franchot last week. Local 500 previously announced its support of Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan for Governor and Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Perez for Attorney General.

Union members evaluated the candidates in an open, democratic process that included questionnaires, personal interviews and a review of each candidate's record on worker issues. The SEIU Local 500 Committee on Political Education (COPE) and Executive Board are continuing to review candidates and will announce more endorsements in the coming days and weeks.

"Some races created very tough choices between strong candidates. We believe the candidates announced today are those who will best stand up for working families," Cuttitta said.

Maryland State Comptroller
Peter Franchot


District 14
House: Herman Taylor (D*), Anne Kaiser (D*), Karen Montgomery (D*)

District 15
Senate: Rob Garagiola (D*)
House: Jean Cryor (R*), Kathleen Dumais (D*), Brian Feldman (D*)

District 16
Senate: Brian Frosh (D*)
House: William Bronrott (D*), Marilyn Goldwater (D*), Susan Lee (D*)

District 17
Senate: Jenny Forehand (D*)
House: Kumar Barve (D*), Elbridge James (D), Luiz Simmons (D*)

District 18
Senate: Richard Madaleno, Jr. (D)
House: Ana Sol Gutierrez (D*), Jane Lawton (D*)

District 19
Senate: Mike Lenett (D)
House: Hank Heller (D*), Roger Manno (D)

District 20
Senate: Ida Ruben (D*)
House: Sheila Hixson (D*), Tom Hucker (D), Heather Mizeur (D), Gareth Murray (D*)

District 39
Senate: Patrick Hogan (D*)
House: Charles Barkley (D*), Nancy King (D*), Joan Stern (D*)

(* = Incumbent)

"In District 20, we have a unique situation. While the district has three seats, there are four excellent House candidates who we are proud to support. We believe each of them would serve their district and the working men and women of Maryland well," Cuttitta said.

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Service Employees International Union Local 500 represents almost 10,000 women and men working in education, public services and community services in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Local 500 members serve the public at the Montgomery County Public Schools, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, The George Washington University, Head Start organizations (Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Rosemount, SECO), Oxfam International, Public Citizen, and the United States Student Association.


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By Authority: Friends of Roger Manno;
Vilma White, Chairwoman; Roshan Hodge, Treasurer.
www.RogerManno.com

Tags:
Location: Silver Spring, MD 20906