Endorsements
Teamsters Local 238
Teamsters Local 238 Endorses Tricia Gavin
Democrat Tricia Gavin vows to stand up for workers’ rights across the state
WEST DES MOINES — Democratic State Senate Candidate Tricia Gavin has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 238 in her candidacy for the Senate District 22 seat, which includes Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights and portions of West Des Moines.
Jim Romar, political coordinator for Teamsters Local 238, announced the endorsement in a statement issued November 13. Romar said, “Gavin will work hard on workers’ rights, work to restore chapter 20 rights, and protect Iowa’s public pension system that is so important to attract and retain ethical employees.”
Romar continued, “Gavin will work tirelessly to fund public education and public safety, and she will also work to make sure Medicaid goes back to actually work for Iowans.”
Gavin stressed the importance of this endorsement and emphasized her commitment to being an ally to Iowa’s workforce. “This endorsement is a huge honor,” she said. “Coming from a union family, I realize the important role that labor unions play in protecting the rights of Iowa’s workers, fighting for sustainable wages, and enhancing Iowa’s future economic growth.
“Iowa currently ranks 44th in business environment,” she continued. “We need to entice companies and industries that bring good paying, unionized jobs to Iowa, and promote policies that will add to the workforce of businesses already in the state. Union jobs give hard working Iowans an opportunity to make a good living and puts them on career paths that support the needs of our communities.”
Gavin said she would make raising Iowa’s minimum wage a top campaign issue. “We haven’t raised the minimum wage in years, and it needs to be a priority,” she said.
“I vow to bring back collective bargaining for public and private sectors. Under my leadership, I also will protect both private and public retirement funds that ensure the future of hard working Iowans for generations to come. No one should have to worry about making ends meet after devoting their life to work and contributing to the economic growth of the state,” Gavin said.
About the International Brotherhood of Teamsters:
The Teamsters Union is North America’s strongest and most diverse labor union. In 1903, the Teamsters started as a merger of the two leading team driver associations. The Teamsters are known as the champion of freight drivers and warehouse workers, but have organized workers in virtually every occupation, both professional and non-professional, in the private and public sectors.
Lonnie Dafney, West Des Moines School Board Member
Tricia Gavin of West Des Moines, a candidate in the Democratic primary for the Iowa Senate District 22 seat, has received the endorsement of West Des Moines School Board member Lonnie Dafney.
Increased funding for education is one of Gavin’s primary concerns, and she supports returning collective bargaining rights to teachers, as well as better mental health support for students. Dafney mentioned Gavin’s strong interest in educational improvements as one reason she supports her candidacy.
Dafney, the first African American to be elected to the West Des Moines School and a Board Commissioner for the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission, said this about Gavin:
“Since meeting Tricia, I’ve been impressed by her leadership and passion for people. Tricia has jumped right in working to connect and meet the people of our district. She has been diligent in asking what is on the minds of our community. I believe she will be a voice and advocate for all.
Gavin said she was pleased and grateful for the support. “Lonnie has devoted years of activity and community service to multiple groups working for a better quality of life in Iowa,” Gavin said. “She continually stands up for others, and I am proud to have her standing up for me in this race.”
Dafney said, “Tricia is running for Iowa Senate District 22 and her focus on improving education, water quality, and our economy will move Iowa in the direction it should be going.”
Armel Traore dit Nignan, Recent Waukee School Board Candidate
Tricia Gavin of West Des Moines, a candidate in the Democratic primary for the Iowa Senate District 22 seat, has received the endorsement of Armel Traore dit Nignan, a recent candidate for Waukee School Board who is active in several community groups.
Increased funding for education is one of Gavin’s primary concerns, and she supports returning collective bargaining rights to teachers, as well as better mental health support for students. Traore dit Nignan mentioned Gavin’s strong interest in educational improvements as one reason he supports her candidacy.
Traore dit Nignan made this statement:
“Living in Iowa could be overwhelming as presidential elections near, with countless ads, numerous conversations with presidential candidates, volunteers and neighbors – not to forget the endless social media posts.
“When it is all said and done, it is the engagement we have with our neighbors, and our local and civic engagement that matters more. In this election cycle, I had the opportunity to meet great people, and one such person is Tricia Gavin, running for District 22 in the Iowa Senate. Her passion to improve our education system, access to quality water, and to improve our local economy would make her a great ally for our community. I look forward to giving her my voice and I hope you will too.”
Gavin said she was pleased and grateful for the support. “Armel has devoted years of activity and community service to multiple groups working for a better quality of life in Iowa,” Gavin said. “He continually stands up for others, and I am proud to have him standing up for me in this race.”