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CONTACT: Shane Wolfe – (914) 500-7560 | [email protected]
February 16, 2023
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Endorses Dave Calone for Suffolk County Executive
RWDSU is the latest in a growing and broad coalition of Long Islanders working to elect Calone and move Suffolk Forward
Stony Brook, NY: Today, Dave Calone, the former prosecutor and business leader running for Suffolk County Executive, announced the endorsement of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), including the full support of RWDSU Local 338 and RWDSU Local 1102.
The RWDSU represents thousands of workers across Suffolk County who enable the local economy to function, including farmers, grocery workers, and bus drivers.
In response, Dave Calone said “I am honored to have RWDSU’s support in my campaign for County Executive. As a proud son of a Brookhaven engineer and teacher, I will be a County Executive who stands up for workers rights, fights to increase wages, and works to lower costs for Long Island families.”
Leaders from each of the endorsing unions voiced proud support for Calone’s campaign.
Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU said: "Our members make Suffolk County move every day and they're a critical part of the local economy. We need a strong voice in the County who has workers backs and Dave Calone is that person. Workers need a County Executive who understands justice and fairness. Having prosecuted corporate fraud, Dave knows the tricks big business can use to skate by, and he will not let Suffolk workers be cheated."
John Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW said: “I’ve had the chance to work with Dave Calone on a number of initiatives and I know that Dave has the knowledge and the experience to fight for and expand opportunity for working families across Suffolk County. As President of Local 338 I’m proud to endorse Dave Calone to be the next Suffolk County Executive, and I urge my sisters and brothers in the labor movement to join with us.”
Alvin Ramnarain, president of Local 1102 RWDSU said: "Dave Calone is laser focused on creating good paying union jobs in Suffolk County. He knows our members continue to be the backbone of our economy and if we don't support them, we fail only ourselves. As County Executive we know he will fight for our members and future members. We know Dave will stand with us to ensure workers across the County have someone they can count on, not just at election time, but all the time!"
The RWDSU’s endorsement is the latest evidence of the growing momentum for the Calone campaign. In the labor movement, RWDSU joins a growing group of Calone supporters, including the Ironworkers and IBEW. More broadly, Calone has cleared the Democratic primary field, built a warchest of $1.7 million, and earned a broad set of endorsements from people across Suffolk County.
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Dave Calone, a former prosecutor, businessman, and community leader, is running for Suffolk County Executive to move Suffolk forward by making our communities safer and expanding opportunity for everyone. The son of a public school teacher and engineer, Dave was born and raised in Suffolk County. After studying economics in college and then graduating from law school, Dave served our country as a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice and as a New York State Special Assistant Attorney General. In that capacity, he prosecuted corporate fraud and helped prosecute an al-Qaeda terrorist for his role in the 9/11 attacks. For the past 16 years, Dave has pursued innovation and entrepreneurship by working to start and build companies, helping to create jobs right here on Long Island and across the country. He has worked with both the private and public sectors to grow companies and increase opportunities for Suffolk County residents. He’s also a husband and dad to three kids, so he has a very personal stake in strengthening the future of Suffolk County for the next generation. You can learn more online at http://www.caloneforsuffolk.com/.