Government Employees Union Endorses Re-Election Bid By Bridgeport Mayor

The president and vice president of the local branch of NAGE, Local R1-200, threw their support behind Finch's campaign in a joint statement.

"We urge all Bridgeport NAGE members and their families to give Bill Finch four more years,” said President Dwayne Harrison and Vice President Mike Freddino.

The union covers 700 non-supervisory City of Bridgeport employees, including clerical workers, custodial workers, security guards, school nutrition aides, inspectors, and 911 dispatchers.

Harrison and Freddino noted that recent negotiations with Finch were amicable.

“Together, we were able to negotiate a contract that has both benefited the City of Bridgeport, and our members,” said Harrison and Freddino. “We received fair cost of living increases and job protection.”

NAGE's national president also released a statement supporting Finch.

“Bridgeport has faced more challenges than many cities have, but during your two terms as mayor, Bridgeport has made admirable progress,” said David J. Holway.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive an endorsement from such a respected labor organization,” said Finch in response. “I look forward to fighting for hardworking Bridgeporters, including NAGE employees, for another four years.”

This marks the 12th public endorsement Finch has received since launching his re-election bid. He faces a primary challenge in September from former mayor Joe Ganim, who served seven years in federal prison on corruption and bribery convictions. 

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