Labor Rally in Support of Mayor Jean Quan and Opposition to Recall Efforts

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Northern California District Council of Laborers and its affiliated Laborers' Local 304 hosted a rally in support of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan on Friday, January 13, 2012 in Oakland, California.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120113/DC35948-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120113/DC35948-b)

The purpose of the rally was to support Mayor Quan, recognize her significant accomplishments during her brief tenure as Oakland Mayor and to condemn the recall efforts against her.  The rally was attended by over 200 community leaders, elected officials, labor organizations, local area businesses and resident citizens.   

"Mayor Jean Quan has the experience, leadership and vision to lead Oakland through these challenging economic times," stated Laborers' Local 304 Business Manager, Fernando Estrada.  "Since taking office last year, Mayor Quan has worked hard to create good paying jobs.   She has proven to be a strong advocate for the working men and women of LIUNA."

Mayor Quan is the 49th Mayor of Oakland.  She is Oakland's first woman mayor, and the first Asian-American woman mayor of a major U.S. city.  Prior to taking office as the Mayor of Oakland, Mayor Quan was on the Oakland School Board for 12 years, and a City Council Member for Oakland District 4.  She has been a community activist and a strong supporter of organized labor.

On December 7, 2011, Oakland City Clerk's office approved the request by the Committee to Recall Mayor Quan to begin collecting signatures to qualify a recall measure for a future ballot.   It is estimated that a Recall Election would cost the citizens of Oakland an estimate of $1,000,000.  A Recall Election has been widely opposed by organized labor and community citizen groups. 

Oscar De La Torre, Northern California District Council of Laborers, said, "In my over 25 years working with city government, Mayor Quan stands out as an effective mayor.  She has an uncanny ability to balance the interests of business, labor and the community, and she has made significant progress towards creating jobs and crime prevention.  A recall election would be an unnecessary distraction that takes away from securing good paying jobs. "

With over 35,000 Laborer members and 1,700 signatory employers strong, the Northern California District Council of Laborers, is on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers and employers who are proud to build Northern California.

SOURCE Northern California District Council of Laborers