I've written before about my Mom the Detroit cop and one of the first members of the Detroit Police Officer's Association in 1944, and how so many people from Michigan understand that it was the labor movement that helped regular working people earn decent wages and send their kids to college.

Simply put, unions help make life better and more fair.

In the course of my campaign I've made a serious effort to meet with many groups and individuals, including the local labor movement. I visited the Iowa City Federation of Labor, the group that unites many local unions. I also visted AFSCME Local 12, which represents UI merit staff, and let me tell you, these folks were fun. I felt right at home.

I have talked informally with AFSCME Local 183 members who work for Iowa City and hope to meet with leaders of the Iowa City Professional Fire Fighters Local 610 and from the Iowa City Police Labor Relations Organization. Most recently I had a terrific lunch with leaders of the SEIU (Service Workers International Union).

I've met with local labor to discuss the hopes and concerns of the people who make Iowa City work--union members drive us to work on the bus, check out books to us at the public library, teach our children, and care for us when we are sick. As I've known all my life, the labor movement is the backbone of the progressive coalition locally, statewide, and across the country and I'm proud to count many of these people as friends and supporters.

I know I'll be a friendly face to labor if elected to the City Council. While local unionists and I will not agree on every issue I will continue to seek their advice and assistance. I know that will help me be a better city councilor.