Major union endorsement brings in 18 Boston locals and other affiliates

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BOSTON, MA – Today, Josh Kraft’s campaign for Mayor of Boston announced the endorsement of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). This is the first major union endorsement of Josh Kraft since the campaign launched. The ILA’s 18 locals include Local 799 (Charlestown), Local 800 (South Boston), Local 805 (East Boston), Local 809 (Boston), Local 1066 Boston Clerks, and 1604 Boston Linehandlers which collectively represent 700 members in Boston.

The New England Dock and Marine Council, which represents 14 ILA Locals and other union affiliates in New England, brings an additional 600 members and joined the Boston Locals in their support of Kraft’s campaign, along with all of ILA as a whole, representing 85,000 members on the East coast.

“As a union that stands for the rights, dignity, and well-being of working families, we recognize the importance of strong leadership that not only envisions a brighter future for our city, but also takes action to make it a reality,” said Bernie O’Donnell, ILA International Vice President. “Josh Kraft embodies exactly that kind of leadership, and we are proud to offer our full and unwavering endorsement for his candidacy to be Mayor of Boston.”

Added O’Donnell: “Boston deserves a leader who not only sees its potential but also where things are moving in the wrong direction. We believe Josh Kraft is that leader and ready to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Boston.”

“Throughout his career, Josh Kraft has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the people of Boston, especially our youth,” said George McEvoy, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President. “His work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston–both as a leader and on a day-to-day basis–has meaningfully changed lives by providing young people with opportunities, mentorship, and a safe place to grow.”

“Josh also brings a fresh vision for Boston,” added McEvoy. “His leadership is not about politics as usual – or giving lip service to equality, economic opportunity, and the well-being of every neighborhood. He has always been about action and impact, and I have no doubt that as Mayor he will deliver real results for the people of this great city.”

“Maritime shipping is one of the cornerstones of a healthy and vibrant Boston economy,” said Kraft. “Just six weeks into our campaign, I couldn’t be more humbled and grateful to have the support of our longshoremen whose many members embody the very best of Boston in so many ways.”

According to the World Shipping Council, maritime shipping is the most carbon-efficient means of transporting goods, emitting only a fraction of the CO2 per tonne kilometre of a truck, train or airplane. 

About Josh

Josh Kraft has spent his 35 year career working in disadvantaged communities in and around Boston. He was most recently President of the New England Patriots Foundation, and for three decades he worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, including 12 years as its President and CEO.

Josh’s commitment to service began with his first job out of college as an outreach coordinator at a South Boston nonprofit. There he was responsible for making sure at-risk youth attended school in the morning, regularly visiting their families at home. It was in this role that Josh saw firsthand truancy, addiction and domestic violence, but also what is possible for communities when like minded individuals engaged in a common goal.

In 1993, he founded the Boys & Girls Club in Chelsea at a time when the city and its schools were in state receivership. Located in the basement of a public housing development, Josh went door-to-door raising money from local businesses to rehabilitate the facility and organize and fund a summer basketball league coached and refereed by local police officers he had personally recruited. Josh would serve as executive director of the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club for the next 15 years, building and managing an extremely loyal staff and deeply engaged local Board, leading major local fundraising campaigns and piloting innovative programming to create a safe haven for thousands of young people in one of Massachusetts’ most underserved communities.

Unanimously selected to serve as the Boys & Girls Club of Boston’s President and CEO in 2008, Josh fostered a community of more than 200 program partners throughout Boston and Chelsea, doubling the club’s budget to $26 million and leading a five-year campaign which raised nearly $132 million. During his tenure, Josh doubled the organization’s membership, deepened its impact and expanded its reach to Boston’s Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and Mattapan neighborhoods.

For more on Josh and the campaign, visit www.joshforboston.com

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Media Contact:
Eileen O’Connor
eileen@joshforboston.com
617-806-6999