Unions, former District 3 councillor throw support to FitzGerald

John FitzGerald, an official at the Boston Planning and Development Agency and candidate for District 3, on Wednesday picked up endorsements from two major Dorchester-based unions and a former District 3 councillor.

FitzGerald, an Adams Village resident who has worked at both the quasi-public BPDA and within Mayor Marty Walsh’s administration, is one of a half-dozen or so candidates vying to succeed Frank Baker, who is not running for another two-year term on the 13-member City Council.

The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and IBEW Local 103 both came out in support of FitzGerald. “John is a partner unions and workers need—especially during this pivotal moment in our city,” Joseph Byrne, executive secretary-treasurer of the carpenters union, said in a statement. “If elected, we know he will be a strong voice for our members and their families on the Boston City Council.”

Lou Antonellis, business manager of the electricians’ union, added in his own statement that FitzGerald will fight for “quality jobs” and “safe working conditions.”

"I am honored to have the endorsement of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and IBEW Local 103 and am ready to work in partnership with them to build Boston's working class," FitzGerald said.

Maureen Feeney, who served as the District 3 councillor for nearly 20 years before stepping down and serving as city clerk, also endorsed FitzGerald on Wednesday. FitzGerald “has the experience needed to hit the ground running starting on day one,” said Feeney.

Baker was elected to the seat in 2011. Feeney backed his opponent at the time, John O’Toole.

The other District 3 declared candidates include community activist Jennifer Johnson of Meetinghouse Hill; Patrick O’Brien, state transportation department aide and Army veteran of Adams Village; former State House aide Barry Lawton of Savin Hill/Uphams Corner, Savin Hill labor attorney Matt Patton, and Boston Public Schools teacher Joel Richards of Fields Corner.


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