Organized labor has enthusiastically thrown its support behind Councilwoman Joan Cergol’s effort to remain on the Huntington Town Board.

            Cergol recently won the endorsement of both the Long Island Federation of Labor, representing 250,000 union members on Long Island, and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, representing 38 affiliated local unions.

            “Our support for your campaign is based on your record and your commitment to working families,” the Long Island Federation noted in its endorsement letter, signed by President John R. Durso and Executive Director Roger Clayman. “We are confident that you share with us a common vision about the future of Long Island…We look forward to working with you to build opportunities for the next generation, to live and work here on Long Island in safe, strong and prosperous communities.”

            Building Trades Council President Matthew P.  Aracich wrote in his group’s endorsement letter, “The entire Council praises your genuine experience throughout your tenure as a community leader and member of the Huntington Town Board…Your work ethic and advocacy on behalf of hard working middle class families is second to none…From the very moment of approaching the council you brought a message that contains enthusiasm and optimism. I am sure we can make Long Island a more affordable, rewarding and safe place to live and raise a family.”

            “I am honored and humbled to have received these endorsements from two of Long Island’s major labor organizations,” Councilwoman Cergol said. “The endorsements affirm my hard work over the years to help working families and our middle class and recognize my commitment to continuing these efforts in the future. I eagerly look forward to working with the Long Island Federation of Labor and the Building Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties on initiatives to make Long Island an affordable and even more attractive place to live.”

            Councilwoman Cergol, who has the endorsement of the Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Women’s Equality Parties, has a public service record that includes expanding affordable housing and home ownership, providing job training for local residents, revitalizing downtown areas and supporting local businesses.

            Under her leadership, the Town created 550 new units of affordable housing and provided low-interest financing to homeowners for needed home improvements and emergency home repairs. Councilwoman Cergol partnered with the Long Island Federation of Labor to prepare and place residents in pre-apprenticeship training programs. She also managed many of the Town’s capital improvement projects, including the revitalization of Huntington Station, and secured over $20 million in grants for the Town. When the Town negotiated a Master Development Agreement with Renaissance Downtowns, she made sure that the agreement included a commitment to use union labor.