PRESS RELEASE

CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES JOSEPH RUGGIERO FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE

(Beacon New York, September 13, 2007)

The regional chapter of CSEA publicly endorsed Joseph Ruggiero today for Dutchess County Executive. The endorsement took place at a press conference at CSEA's regional headquarters at 568 Rte. 52 in Beacon NY at 10:00am.

CSEA, New York's Leading Union, represents 265,000 public and private sector workers across New York State. It is Local 1000 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which in turn is one of the largest affiliates of the AFL-CIO.

"Joe Ruggiero is the best choice for Dutchess County," said CSEA Southern Region President Diane Hewitt. "In his six years as Wappinger Town Supervisor, Joe has shown he is a friend to labor. His accessibility has allowed for smooth labor-management relations for our Town of Wappinger Highway Department members, an open relationship that is badly needed in Dutchess County government."

"I am honored by this endorsement and the pledge of support that comes with it," said Ruggiero. "The working families of this county will not regret backing me in this race. Come January 1st there will be a new leader in the County Executive's office who will work with CSEA and all the employees who serve our community."

"The current administration has had a closed-door policy toward union leadership, something we know will change once Joe Ruggiero becomes County Executive," said CSEA Dutchess County Local President Liz Piraino. "The current weak labor-management relationship has led to a lack of prompt and fair resolutions of labor disputes. I know we can count on Joe Ruggiero to work together with CSEA so Dutchess County residents receive the best service possible from their county workforce." She went on to say, "This is the first time in 16 years we have made an endorsement for Dutchess County Executive. We have found a winner. We have finally found the candidate who will be fair to our hardworking county workforce and friendly to the labor movement in Dutchess County. Joseph Ruggiero has promised that his door will be open to CSEA. CSEA has reached out time after time to strengthen our relationship with Bill Steinhaus and he has not opened his door to us."

The CSEA Southern Region PAC represents over 40,000 CSEA members living and working throughout the Hudson Valley. Over 6,800 active and retiree CSEA members live in Dutchess County. This is the first time that the Dutchess County unit of the Civil Service Employee Association has openly endorsed a candidate running against the current 16 year incumbent County Executive.

Joseph Ruggiero for County Executive
PO Box 294
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
(845) 233-1199

Copyright 2007 Joe Ruggiero for Dutchess County Executive

Site Designed, built and maintained by
Arrow Web Design, Inc.