Firefighters, 'Women Winning' Back Palmisano for SW Mpls. Ward 13 City Council

Minneapolis Firefighters Local 82 and the organization Women Winning have endorsed Linea Palmisano in the race to fill Betsy Hodges' seat as Ward 13 representative on the Minneapolis City Council.

"I am pleased to announce that I have been endorsed by the Minneapolis Firefighters!" Palmisano wrote on her campaign's Facebook page Wednesday.

Women Winning's committee vote was unanimous in support of Palmisano, according to her campaign's announcement.

The announcement came after Matt Perry, Palmisano's DFL rival, said Tuesday he has the support of two city council members: Robert Lillegren and John Quincy.

Hodges is running for mayor to replace R.T. Rybak, who is not seeking re-election.

Backing by firefighters can mean money for a candidate's campaign. In 2012, the Minneapolis Firefighters Fraternal Association's political action committee donated $15,750 to political candidates between Jan. 1 and Oct. 22 (the latest report available).

Here is the full text of Palmisano's announcements.

LINEA PALMISANO ENDORSED BY MINNEAPOLIS FIREFIGHTERS

MINNEAPOLIS FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 82 ENDORSES LINEA PALMISANO IN THE RACE FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL IN THE 13TH WARD

Linea Palmisano’s campaign is pleased to announce the endorsement of the Minneapolis Firefighters.

“This is an important endorsement for me. Ensuring excellent constituent services is part of what makes a city councilperson effective, and the firefighters are integral to a safe Minneapolis.”

Over the past few years, firefighter staffing numbers have shrunk considerably, and their injuries are at an all-­‐time high. “I know that the Firefighters and the City need a good relationship in order to provide a safe, healthy community for both residents and firefighters alike. I think that in me they’ve found a candidate they trust to ensure every voice is heard, and I’m honored to receive their endorsement.”

Palmisano is running for the open seat in the 13th Ward. Throughout her community organizing and career experiences, she has been connecting people to services they need to live healthy, sustainable lives. Professionally, Palmisano coordinates Health Care Reform initiatives that will improve the access, quality, and affordability of health care in our system.

“I have a proven track record of working collaboratively to get things done, and it is important to me that these essential city services are part of our ongoing discussion about improving Minneapolis.”

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Linea Palmisano’s campaign is pleased to announce the endorsement of the Women Winning, formerly the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund.

"We are proud to support Linea Palmisano for Minneapolis City Council in the 13th Ward. Not only does she have a big city vision that will benefit all families in Minneapolis, she has a track record of bringing people together to solve tough issues," said Lauren Beecham, Women Winning Executive Director. Their committee endorsement vote was unanimous.

“I am proud to be endorsed by Women Winning, and I know they don't get involved in every race. The fact that they chose this one means that the 13th ward is an important race to them, and demonstrates their confidence in me as a candidate."

The Women Winning endorsement comes close on the heels of another high-­‐profile endorsement by the Minneapolis Firefighters. “I think these endorsements show that people are taking note of the work that I’ve done in the community, and realize how effective I can be as a City Councilperson,” said Palmisano.

“I’ve worked hard to connect people to services they need to live healthy, sustainable lives, and have a proven track record of working collaboratively to get things done. I am excited to continue my campaign with support from Women Winning and the Firefighters as I work toward creating a more connected city that works for everyone.”