Local 149 Backing Two Candidates In April Election

United Association Local 149, the plumbers and pipefitters union representing hundreds of families across East Central Illinois, is endorsing two local candidates in the April 4 General Election – including one of their own members running for office.

• Nick Farney is a 21-year member of Local 149 vying for a seat on the Unit 7 School Board, representing areas like Savoy, Tolono, Sadorus and Philo. Farney has a strong record of labor activism – helping lead fights to ensure worker rights are protected, prevailing wages are honored and tax dollars are used responsibly.

“Nick Farney is deeply committed to his community and someone who will always put the best interests of his neighbors first,” said Matt Kelly, Business Manager for Local 149. “We are proud to call him our Brother and proud to support his interest in serving his community on the Unit 7 School Board.”

• Kathy Shannon, running for an At-Large seat on the Champaign City Council, brings a proven record of labor support, as she has spent the last eight years on the Unit 4 School Board. She has been vocal in ensuring workers’ rights are protected and that union labor is prioritized on public infrastructure projects. She serves as finance director at the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation.

“Time and again, Kathy Shannon has taken steps to ensure we are investing in the community and creating opportunities to improve the lives of others,” Kelly said. “We have had a strong working relationship with her on the school board and know she will bring that same dedication to the Champaign City Council.”

The endorsements come after Local 149 asked dozens of candidates for public office to provide information about their positions on key issues that impact labor, including Project Labor Agreements, right-to-work laws and other workplace-related topics.

As part of their endorsements, Local 149 will provide financial resources and also help get out the vote for both Farney and Shannon.