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Albany Democrat Dan Cerutti’s campaign momentum continues as a diverse coalition of political figures, community leaders, and representatives of organized labor come together to endorse his candidacy for Mayor of Albany at a news conference today at one of the area’s largest union halls.

“Since this campaign began, I have seen our community come together, united by the notion that each day we should strive to make our future brighter, by focusing on what will bring positive change to Albany,” Certutti said. “We must strive to improve and commit to a ‘can do’ attitude. I believe our population can grow – because we our city is a welcoming and affordable place to live; our job base can expand - because our workers are talented and creative; and visitors will return - because we host attractions and activities in a safe and welcoming environment.”

While Cerutti has not previously held elective office, the campaign today received support from several prominent voices including five-term Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings; Albany County Comptroller Sue Rizzo; and Bishop Avery Comithier, the long-time pastor of the South End’s Elijah Missionary Church.

“It’s time to come together to support Dan Cerutti to be Albany’s next mayor,” said Jerry Jennings. “I was Mayor of Albany for 20 years, and I know what it takes to do the job. Dan Cerutti is prepared to be Mayor, and determined to get us back on the right track. I love this city. Two years ago, I met Dan Cerutti, and what I found was someone who was prepared to roll-up his sleeves, dig into complex problems, and develop solutions that will move Albany forward. The choice for Albany’s future is clear.”

“When you meet Dan Cerutti, you say, this is a breath of fresh air, and in my opinion, the kind person who can bring a sharp-eyed approach to City Hall and recognize opportunities for improvement,” said Rizzo. As we come together to elect the next Mayor, I am confident that he possesses the leadership qualities and values that were taught to him, and his five siblings, by his parents on South Main Avenue.”

Bishop Avery Comithier said, “When I started Pastors on Patrol a few years ago, religious leaders, law enforcement and members of the community came together – and one of the participants was Dan Cerutti. He would go with us, engage with the people, hear their concerns. It was clear he was a concerned citizen, willing to reach out and make a difference in a community - not a politician seeking a camera or headline.”

Also adding their support were representatives of various trade and public sector unions, including:

  • Teamsters Local 294 ;
  • Laborers Local 190;
  • Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2;
  • Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters - IAFF Local 2007; and
  • Albany Police Benevolent Association.

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Thomas Quackenbush, President of Teamsters Local 294 said:
“The Teamsters are America’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million workers in 300 locals across in the U.S. Local 294 is comprised of 5,500 members across the Capital Region And, we are committed to coming together and activating our membership and all available resources to ensure that Dan Cerutti is the next Mayor of Albany.”

Pat Tirino, President of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2 said:
“Dan has deep Union roots. His Uncle Joe Cerutti led the Bricklayers union. And his father, Dan, Sr., now 92, is a Lifetime Gold member of Local 2. You can still see his family’s work around Albany at places such as Albany Law School and the historic D&H Building at SUNY Plaza. We are proud to endorse Dan.”

Anthony Fresina, Business Manager of Laborers’ Local 190 said:
“Dan was a few years ahead of me and my brother at Christian Brothers Academy. And you know, back then, when he was at the top of his class, we all knew he had many gifts, and leadership, fairness, and kindness were among the greatest. Those were his values then, and they are his values now. And, that is why the women and men of labor are coming together because Albany’s values are union values.”

Rob Mengel, President of Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters - IAFF Local 2007 said:
“Each of the Albany’s Mayoral candidates pursued the endorsement of its fire fighters. Dan Cerutti was aware of the challenges we face each day and how our city and the job we do has changed. He understood the ongoing challenges associated with our personal protective equipment, the importance of ensuring frequent screenings for duty-related illnesses, and the role technology plays on our apparatus and when responding to calls. And while that was noteworthy, what helped us all come together was hearing him speak about our city and its people with passion and conviction.”

Michael Delano, President of the Albany Police Benevolent Association said:
“Dan Cerutti knows that recruitment and retention of officers must be a priority for our next Mayor. And he also knows that a service-oriented police department contributes to the success of the city because for all of us who patrol and protect Albany believe that is our mission too.”

Contact: News@DanForAlbany.com