New Yorkers for Thompson today announced the Correction Officers Benevolent Association’s (COBA) endorsement of Bill Thompson’s mayoral bid.
With over 20,000 active members and retirees, COBA is the largest municipal corrections union in the nation, and the second largest law enforcement union in New York City. It was also the first union outside of Illinois to endorse Barack Obama for President in 2007. COBA President Norman Seabrook cited Bill’s advocacy for working families including his push to create jobs, and make the City more affordable by reducing the taxes, fees, and fare hikes that are squeezing New Yorkers.
“It is my pleasure to announce on behalf of New York City's Boldest, our endorsement of Bill Thompson for Mayor of this great City," said COBA President Norman Seabrook. “For too long, middle class New Yorkers have been suffering and can no longer suffer anymore. They’ve been suffering from higher property taxes, water bills going through the roof, the higher cost of getting to and from work, being able to put food on the table, and an education system that has failed our kids. We can do better.”
President Seabrook added, "Bill has been a champion for the hard-working middle class New Yorkers who are the backbone of our City’s success. As Mayor, he will continue to fight for those who aren’t able to fight for themselves. I am proud to offer him our full support.”
COBA, which supported Bloomberg in 2001 and 2005, has been highly critical of Mike Bloomberg’s budget cuts on the backs of New York’s hardworking municipal employees. COBA’s endorsement of Democrat Bill Thompson highlights the degree to which Mike Bloomberg has failed to prioritize the needs of middle class New Yorkers – including City employees – over those of developers and the wealthy. As Mayor, Bill Thompson will shift the focus back to the hardworking men and women of New York City.
Of the endorsement Bill said, “I am proud and honored to have the support and endorsement of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association. The dedicated men and women of COBA represent the very best of our City’s workforce. Unfortunately, after eight years of Mike Bloomberg’s misplaced priorities and bad decisions, New York’s corrections officers are struggling with devastating cut-backs and layoffs, adding to the steadily-increasing ranks of middle-class New Yorkers who are finding it harder and harder to stay here. Eight years is enough. You deserve better, and with your help on November 3rd, we will bring new leadership to City Hall that will fight for ALL New Yorkers.”
