Organized labor came out in force for Bonnie Watson Coleman on Wednesday, showing its unified commitment to helping elect a longtime ally as the next congresswoman from New Jersey’s 12th District.
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Union members who are volunteering on Watson Coleman’s behalf before the Nov. 4 election got the opportunity to meet the candidate at this event co-hosted by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, the Mercer, Middlesex/Somerset and Union CLCs, and OPEIU International. The campaign kickoff at IBEW Local 269 in Trenton was a festive family themed event held under summer evening skies, featuring street-fair food, games for children and an outdoor beer garden.
Watson Coleman is a good friend of labor. During 16 years in the state Assembly, she:
- Voted ‘no’ on legislatively mandated pension/health benefits cuts.
- Advocated for Paid Family Leave law.
- Opposed privatization and supported cost-analysis legislation.
- Consistently voted in favor of prevailing wage, Project Labor Agreements and school construction.
- Championed progressive taxation of corporations and the wealthy to fully fund public-employee pensions.
Watson Coleman has shown throughout her distinguished legislative career that she would represent the interests of working men and women in Washington. Her understanding of diverse community perspectives and labor issues would provide all our state’s working families with well-rounded and strong-willed representation. Electing her to represent the 12th District also will make history since she would become the first African American woman to serve in the state’s congressional delegation. There are currently no women representing New Jersey in Congress.