LYNN — In recent weeks, candidates for councilor at large Buzzy Barton, Brian Field, and Marven Hyppolite have received endorsements from local unions and labor groups for the upcoming election.
Barton and Field received endorsements from Lynn Firefighters Union Local 739, while Hyppolite was endorsed by labor and community groups SEIU Local 509, the North Shore Labor Council, and Mijente.
The president of the Lynn firefighters’ union, Matt Reddy, said the union endorsed Barton and Field because they were the two candidates who sought the union’s endorsement and who carry the same vision going forward.
“They understand our concerns as far as the firehouses, equipment, staffing and the city growing at such a rate, and our ability to service that and get the equipment to do so,” Reddy said.
Barton and Field said it is an honor to receive the endorsement of the local fire union ― especially for Barton, who was a firefighter for 28 years.
“It just means a lot to me,” Barton said. “And I’m also the chair of public safety, so it’s great to get endorsements from people in public safety.”
Field said he feels the endorsement is a reflection of his strong support for public safety and he is truly humbled to receive it.
“We see how hard firefighters work every day responding to some of the most difficult situations imaginable and they deserve our support to keep them safe,” Field said. “Many of the members of Local 739 are active in our community, too. They are coaches and volunteer with many other youth activities. They and their families understand the risk of their profession and they know I have their back.”
Hyppolite said his recent endorsements from the North Shore Labor Council, SEIU 509, and Mijente mean everything to him.
Kathleen Santora, a leader with the North Shore Labor Council ― which is the city’s largest labor organization and represents 50 local unions ― said Hyppolite will make sure the diverse, working-class communities that make Lynn great have a real seat at the table.
“Workers need a strong voice in City Hall in order to bring good jobs into Lynn and make sure
the good union jobs we already have here stay here,” Santora said.
SEIU 509 organizer and Lynn resident Orlando Pena said Hyppolite will work to represent everyone in the community.
“The rising cost of living has put so many of our members in a tough spot where they’re struggling to afford to stay in Lynn even with a good union job,” Pena said. “Marven gets these challenges and will work tirelessly for a Lynn that works for everyone.”
Michael Birenbaum Quintero, a Lynn resident and member of the national progressive Latinx and Chicanx organization Mijente, said electing people like Hyppolite who have a “firsthand understanding of the challenges Lynn’s immigrant communities and communities of color face is the most important thing we can do.”
Hyppolite said labor and community groups are leading the way in advocating for the interests of the city’s workers and communities of color.
“We are at a turning point in this city,” Hyppolite said. “We can choose to give tax breaks to developers, while rising rent and property taxes make it impossible for Lynners to afford to stay in the city, or we can invest in our people and build a city where all of us can stay and thrive.”
The city election is on Tuesday, Nov. 2 and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on this election, visit the election office webpage at www.lynnma.gov/departments/clerk_elections or call City Clerk and Elections Chief Janet Rowe at 781-598-4000.
