LYNN — School Committee member Jared Nicholson has received endorsements from frontline workers from local unions, Lynn United for Change, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund for his mayoral campaign.
Tim Foley, executive vice president of 1199SEIU — which represents more than 70,000 health care workers across Massachusetts — said the health care workers of 1199SEIU are proud to endorse Nicholson for the next mayor of Lynn.
“As this pandemic has reinforced, we need real leadership that will take on our toughest challenges, including affordable housing and increased access to quality care,” Foley said. “That leader is Jared Nicholson, and we are proud to stand with him.”
Roxana Rivera, executive vice president of 32BJ SEIU — which represents about 20,000 human-service workers and educators throughout the state — said they are proud to support Nicholson for mayor in a city that many of 32BJ’s essential cleaners, security officers, and airport workers call home.
“Our mostly Black, brown, and immigrant workers and their communities need real change as the pandemic and resulting economic crisis continue to impact them, and that change starts with Jared Nicholson,” Rivera said.
Lynn United for Change Social Justice Organization, which is a grassroots community organization in Lynn, said it is endorsing Nicholson because he has the skills, experience, and understanding to develop smart, progressive policy in a collaborative process.
“He has shown a genuine interest in hearing the voices of Lynn residents of all backgrounds, is committed to important policies that respond to out-of-control housing costs and displacement, and has voiced strong support for critical social-justice issues,” Lynn United for Change said.
Lynn United for Change views Nicholson’s support for specific proposals as “critical to building a Lynn that works for all residents,” including inclusionary zoning and a development-equity ordinance that the organization said will ensure new projects benefit Lynn residents and do not cause segregation and displacement.
Lynn United for Change also supports Nicholson’s commitment to immigrant rights and his support for the creation of an independent unarmed crisis-response team.
The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund (ELM) endorsed Nicholson for his commitment to the environment and climate action.
“Jared Nicholson understands how issues of climate change, racial justice, and public health intersect to impact the lives of the members of his community,” said ELM Action Fund Executive Director Clare Kelly. “His plans to replace outdated infrastructure will make Lynn and all of its residents safer and more resilient as we face the effects of climate change.”
Some of Nicholson’s priorities include building resilient communities; creating waste-management solutions; and making clean, safe parks accessible to the city’s residents.
He also has plans to promote projects that will improve the walkability of Lynn to increase foot traffic and decrease carbon emissions.
“Jared Nicholson will be an effective mayor that will lead Lynn toward a sustainable, equitable future,” ELM said.
Nicholson said he is thrilled to have the support of these groups, which have joined the broad coalition that his campaign is building in support of a better Lynn that includes everyone.
“We absolutely want that coalition to include the many essential workers that SEIU represents, workers who have kept us going during the pandemic and who must be included in the bright future that we’re working towards in Lynn,” Nicholson said. “We deeply appreciate ELM’s recognition of our commitment to environmental issues like tackling litter, addressing increased flooding, and cleaning up King’s Beach.”
Lynn United for Change also endorsed Nicole McClain, Marven Hyppolite, José M. Encarnacion, and Hong Net for councilor at large; Elizabeth Figueroa for Ward 2 councilor; Coco Alinsug for Ward 3 councilor; and Natasha Megie-Maddrey for Ward 4 councilor.
The city election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.
