TRANSPORTATION WORKERS UNION ENDORSES BICHOTTE FOR ASSEMBLY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2014

Contact:

Samuel Pierre

spierre.bfa@gmail.com

718.607.6474

NATION’S LARGEST TRANSPORTATION UNION ENDORSES

RODNEYSE BICHOTTE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

TWU Local 100 Backs Bichotte for 42nd District Assembly

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – Today, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 announced their endorsement of Democratic State Committeewoman and District Leader Rodneyse Bichotte for her campaign for State Assembly.

TWU Local 100 has been a longtime supporter of Bichotte, with President John Samuelsen, noting that she is “a vigilant community partner on transportation issues.” Most recently, District Leader Bichotte worked with other community leaders on the installment of the City’s Select Bus Service on the B44, helping residents gain better access to transportation.

“We are proud to endorse Rodneyse Bichotte once again,” said President Samuelsen. “Ms. Bichotte has worked with TWU Local 100 and Transit Forward, the only community-based, grassroots coalition organized by both transit riders and transit workers in New York City.”

TWU Local 100 Political Director Marvin Holland added, “Rodneyse Bichotte shares TWU’s progressive, working class values.  She believes that safe, affordable, and reliable transit services and decent-paying, full-time transit jobs are critical to New York's working families and the overall economy of the city.  If elected to the Assembly, Ms. Bichotte will focus not only on the short-term, immediate fixes to our crumbling public transportation infrastructure, but also on mass transit's role in the long-term economic health of New York.”

 “I am thrilled to once again accept the endorsement of the Transport Workers Union Local 100,” said Bichotte. “Being raised in a household of union workers I understand the level of commitment and dedication it takes to get up every morning, go to work and ensure the city transportation system runs proficiently and swiftly.

“Throughout my career in public service, I have advocated vigorously on behalf of the many residents of New York who rely on public transportation. As your Assemblywoman I will fight hard to assure that all New Yorkers can enjoy safe and reliable public transit, as it is an essential element in sustaining our local and State economy.

“I will continue to fight against service cuts across the board, and I will strongly support the refurbishment of existing train stations and bus stops within my district. I will also continue to fight for the rights of unions to organize and demand fair wages, health care advantages and pension benefits."

The Transport Workers Union Local 100 is the nation's largest transportation union, representing 38,000 active members employed by MTA New York City Transit and private transportation companies in Queens and Westchester County.

As the current District Leader, Rodneyse Bichotte has been outspoken on issues concerning immigration, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing and other issues affecting the quality of life in the community. To learn more about the Bichotte for Assembly campaign advocating for positive change, go to www.rodneysebichotte.com.

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