By Tom Momberg
Candidates for the vacant City Council seat in eastern Queens announced two new political endorsements this week.
Barry Grodenchik, director for community boards and parks in the borough president’s office, secured a labor endorsement from the Teamsters Union Local 831. And Rebecca Lynch, former deputy commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs office, received a political endorsement from the Progressive Caucus Alliance.
Teamsters Local 831 represents workers of the city’s Department of Sanitation. The Teamsters Joint Council 16, a different local organization of the powerful Teamsters Union that represents 120,000 workers in downstate New York, endorsed Grodenchik’s Council election opponent Rebecca Lynch earlier in the race.
“Barry understands the work our members do isn’t easy and that we are key to keeping New York City clean and protecting the quality of life we have come to expect in Queens. In his long history of public service Barry has always supported the work we do and we look forward to seeing him on the City Council,” Teamsters President of the Sanitation Workers Union Harry Nespoli said.
The Progressive Caucus Alliance is a group of City Council members who support certain progressive candidates in local elections. It is led by Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) and Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn). City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer is also a member.
“I am proud to endorse Rebecca Lynch, a real progressive, for the 23rd Council District,” Van Bramer said in a statement. “Rebecca knows about fighting for the middle class and the working people of her district. She has worked for progressive change for years and will work for change in real ways for the people of her district.”
Reach reporter Tom Momberg by e-mail at tmomb
