LiUNA Local 1652 Endorses Eileen Higgins for Miami Mayor

News Summary

LiUNA Local 1652 has officially endorsed Eileen Higgins for Mayor of Miami, highlighting her strong support for labor and commitment to vital infrastructure investments. This endorsement demonstrates the organization’s faith in Higgins’ track record of advocating for affordable housing and enhanced labor rights. As Miami’s mayoral race heats up, Higgins remains a competitive candidate among several others, with a focus on securing fair pay and improving city livability.

LiUNA Local 1652 Backs Eileen Higgins for Miami Mayor

In a significant move for Miami’s upcoming mayoral race, LiUNA Local 1652, a collective bargaining organization representing construction and craft workers in South Florida, has officially endorsed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins for Mayor. The organization praised Higgins for her strong labor support and her commitment to infrastructure investments, which are critical aspects in promoting job creation and affordable housing in the region.

Overview of LiUNA Local 1652

LiUNA Local 1652 is affiliated with the Florida AFL-CIO and comprises members from various areas including Miami-Dade County, Broward County, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, and Fort Myers. The organization represents a significant force in advocating for the rights and interests of construction workers across these counties. Their endorsement indicates strong support for Higgins, particularly in her efforts to enhance labor rights and promote infrastructure development.

Factors Behind the Endorsement

LiUNA Local 1652 highlighted several key factors regarding Higgins’ performance and initiatives that influenced their endorsement decision. The organization commended her track record on labor interests and her commitment to expanding opportunities for affordable housing construction. The members of LiUNA expressed their belief that Higgins is a leader who recognizes that investing in critical infrastructure not only creates robust jobs but also contributes to building stronger communities.

Higgins’ Achievements and Plans

Higgins is the longest-serving county commissioner in Miami-Dade, which speaks to her experience and dedication. She undertook significant projects such as the MetroCenter, which focuses on expanding affordable housing on county land while also preserving historic structures and workforce housing. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in securing hundreds of millions in state and federal funding for local transit and infrastructure development. Her advocacy for enhanced living wage requirements and paid sick leave for workers further solidifies her position as an ally to the labor community.

Broader Support for Higgins

The endorsement from LiUNA Local 1652 adds to a growing list of organizations that have expressed support for Higgins, including SEIU 32BJ, Equality Florida Action PAC, EMILY’s List, and Ruth’s List Florida. This broad spectrum of endorsements speaks to her appeal and effectiveness as a candidate who prioritizes labor interests and community improvement.

Promises for the Future

With support from labor groups, Higgins asserted her commitment to ensuring fair pay and safe job sites if she is elected mayor. She advocates for meaningful investments in projects that increase city affordability and enhance overall livability in the community. Her dedication to these issues resonates strongly with voters who are eager for a leader focused on infrastructure and housing development.

The Competitive Mayoral Race

The race for Miami Mayor is shaping up to be competitive, with Higgins among 13 candidates vying for the position. Other Democratic candidates include Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, Elijah Bowdre, and Michael Hepburn. On the Republican side, candidates include Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, former Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla, and former City Manager Emilio González, among others. The general election is scheduled for November 4, and if no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes, a runoff will follow between the top two contenders.

Conclusion

As the election approaches, the endorsement from LiUNA Local 1652 adds a strong voice to Eileen Higgins’ campaign, emphasizing her commitment to labor support and infrastructure investment. Her history of advocating for working families and dedication to building affordable housing continues to attract further endorsements and interest as voters prepare to make their decision.

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Additional Resources

• Florida Politics: Eileen Higgins Endorsement
• Wikipedia: Labor Union
• Miami Herald: Mayoral Race Update
• Google Search: Miami Mayor Election 2023
• Florida Politics: James Reyes Endorsement

Author: James Rivera

Infrastructure Reporter. Covers FDOT contracts, highway expansion, and transit projects across Florida. Former civil engineer with 12 years in highway design before transitioning to construction journalism.