City Unions Release List Of Endorsements

CINCINNATI -- Unions representing Cincinnati police and city managers released their lists of who they want you to vote for this November.

Mayor Mark Mallory does not have the support of the Fraternal Order of Police or CODE, which stands for Cincinnati Organized and Dedicated Employees.

The unions also said they'll campaign against the four council members who sided with the mayor, asking for furloughs from police and other city workers.

With a projected $51 million deficit for 2010, the unions say the budget as well as concessions will continue to an issue.

"It's actually probably one of the most important elections that we've seen," said Kathy Harrell, FOP president. "The absolute most important election that we've seen because we know that they're going to come at us again. They're going to want concessions in 10. My membership isn't going to give concessions in 10."

The unions said they will throw their support behind the four council members who argued against employee furloughs, and a slate of newcomers.

"We expect to be out putting out yard signs, literature dropping and helping these candidates as much as we can to get the majority on council that we need that will cut the fluff out of the budget," said Code President Diana Frey.

The Fraternal Order of Police is endorsing newcomer Brad Wenstrup for mayor. For council, the organization is endorsing incumbents Chris Bortz, Leslie Ghiz, Jeff Berding and Chris Monzel. The group is also endorsing Amy Murray, Kevin Flynn and Charlie Winburn.

CODE is also endorsing Brad Wenstrup for mayor. The incumbents being endorsed by CODE are Chris Bortz, Leslie Ghiz, Jeff Berding, and Chris Monzel. CODE is also endorsing newcomers Amy Murray, Tony Fischer, Anitra Brockman and George Zamary.