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SEIU Local 517M Endorses Virg Bernero for Michigan Governor

The SEIU Local 517M Board of Directors voted at their July 22, 2010 meeting to endorse Virg Bernero for Michigan Governor.  A letter will be sent to the membership, a copy of which is below.

Dear SEIU Local 517M Member:

The 2010 Primary election is just days away. This primary will determine which candidates will oppose each other in races from County Commissioner to Governor in the November elections. We are writing to encourage you to get out and vote on August 3rd for Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, for Governor.

The SEIU Michigan State Council held an extensive screening process, inviting all declared candidates, Democrat and Republican, to determine which candidate for Governor would fairly balance the interest of average families with that of corporate interests. Three Democratic candidates participated in our process, including the “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program, attending meetings with SEIU members and completing a candidate questionnaire. None of the Republican candidates chose to participate.

Gubernatorial candidates Virg Bernero, Andy Dillon, and Alma Wheeler Smith (candidate Smith later withdrew from the race) were evaluated by the members and all were determined to be qualified to be our next Governor. However, one candidate Virg Bernero, rose above, demonstrating that he is on the side of working people, effective at getting things done, fiscally responsible, and innovative.

Mayor Virg Bernero has spoken out passionately several times on national television during the debate to save the auto industry in Michigan and spoke out against the free trade policies that have sent manufacturing jobs overseas. As Mayor, Virg Bernero attracted millions of investment dollars into the City of Lansing working with business and labor to create thousands of new jobs for Lansing. He helped secure the City of Lansing designation as an “International Business Investment Zone” to attract foreign investments. He has proposed the establishment of a state bank like the hugely successful North Dakota State Bank, that would generate capital to provide loans to businesses that will grow jobs right here in Michigan.

FOR ALL THESE REASONS AND MORE, WE BELIEVE THAT VIRG BERNERO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE TO LEAD MICHIGAN AS OUR NEXT GOVERNOR. WE RECOMMEND YOU . . .  “VOTE FOR VIRG ON AUGUST 3RD”.