Washtenaw County's largest employee union backs Yousef Rabhi in bid for county commissioner
Washtenaw County employees are throwing their support behind Yousef Rabhi in his bid for the 11th District seat on the county board.
AFSCME Local 2733, which represents 612 county employees, has endorsed Rabhi, a University of Michigan student and community activist seeking the seat being vacated by Jeff Irwin.
Yousef Rabhi
In making the endorsement, union officials cited Rabhi's commitment to the interest of working families in Washtenaw County.
"I feel deeply honored to receive this endorsement," Rabhi said in a statement. "Knowing that many of the county workers are supporting my candidacy gives me confidence that my ideas about sustainability and governmental efficiency are tangible. Throughout my campaign, I have been clear that the rights of workers are an essential piece of my vision for the county."
With the county facing budgetary uncertainty, unions and their members will be central in helping the county survive and thrive, Rabhi said.
"Additionally, the county's workers have a wealth of firsthand, on-the-ground experience and knowledge that needs to be listened to as we attempt to make our government operate more effectively while providing high-quality service," he said.
AFSCME Local 2733 represents several different groups of county employees, including those in the trial court, friend of the court and juvenile detention.
Rabhi faces three opponents in Tuesday's Democratic primary: Mike Fried, Alice Ralph and LuAnne Bullington.
The 11th District is one of four county board districts that cover a portion of the city of Ann Arbor.
• Click here for a map of the district.
• Read about the 11th District candidates in AnnArbor.com's Voters Guide.
• Click here for coverage of the recent 11th District candidate debate.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
snapshot
Wed, Aug 4, 2010 : 8:50 p.m.
I'm sure those county workers are going to let you know their job isn't needed. Unbelievable.
snapshot
Wed, Aug 4, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.
Must mean the working nion families. Just another reason to cross over and vote republcan.
Speechless
Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 10:47 p.m.
Hopefully, Rabhi succeeds in getting past the more conservative Fried and wins by a plurality. This won't be easy, as remaining candidates Bullington and Ralph will likely cut into his percentage of the total vote. Best of luck tomorrow!
xmo
Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
I am a part of a working family in Washtenaw County and I know that Yousef Rabhi does not have my family interest in mind. He will not lower taxes or cut government spending. "union officials cited Rabhi's commitment to the interest of working families in Washtenaw County"