Unions flex Vermont power

By Ted Cohen/Patch.com

A veteran councilor in Vermont's largest city claimed a big boost with union endorsements four days before her party's caucus for mayor.

City Councilor Joan Shannon, who has two opponents in the Democrat party, was endorsed by the firefighters and police officers.

First responders shared their reasonings for endorsing Shannon, saying they remember how she engaged with their concerns when there were questions about reducing staff in 2020, according to WPTZ-TV.

They said they respect her collaborative approach and ability to hold those who don't follow the rules accountable.

“Joan understands that leadership means making tough, and at times unpopular decisions, but doing so with the knowledge and foresight required to safeguard the interests of all in our community,” said Joe Corrow, who heads the police union.

Corrow said Shannon, an ex-council president, is "the only candidate that has supported the Burlington Police Department and its officers.”

Council President Karen Paul, who is also fighting for the mayor's job for the first time it's been available in 12 years, has argued that she got the police department "the best union contract in the country."

A third candidate, CD Mattison, former vice chair of the city Democrat party, has made part of her platform fighting to reduce the level of crime in Burlington.
Mattison said she is focused "on creating a safe Burlington for all of us."

Outgoing Mayor Miro Weinberger, in office since 2012, took himself out of the running for another term amid trying to figure out how to fight a widespread public perception that violent crime is beyond his control.

The party caucus will choose one of the three Democrat contenders as its nominee for the March elections.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, meanwhile, is seeking the job as a member of the Progressive Party, of which she is a former state chairwoman.

In terms of endorsements, Paul claims two former Vermont governors in her corner, Howard Dean and Madeleine Kunin. Dean, a Burlington resident, is also a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and unsuccessful presidential candidate.

Mattison hasn't worried so much about influential endorsements, arguably believing that the one way to bring voters over to her is to show solid leadership that she told WCAX-TV has been missing for a decade or more.