With an exciting and challenging election season on the horizon, AFT Local 1521 has approved its endorsements for the Los Angeles Community College District’s Board of Trustees in the upcoming November election.

At a specially convened meeting of the Guild’s Executive Board, the board voted to endorse David Vela for Seat #3 and Mike Fong for Seat #7. The EBoard had previously endorsed Board President Andrea Hoffman, who is running for reelection for seat #1, and Nichelle Henderson who is looking to unseat Scott Svonkin in Seat #5.

“This is a winning slate,” said President Joanne Waddell. “I have no doubt it’s going to take a lot of work and that this is not going to be an easy election, but I know we can count on each other to succeed.”

Guild Political Director Natalina Monteiro gave a presentation outlining the work of the Guild’s Committee on Political Education (COPE), a voluntary bipartisan political action committee. Committee members had interviewed Vela, Fong and their challengers before submitting their endorsement recommendations to the full board.

According to Monteiro, Vela and Fong both demonstrated themselves to be committed pro-union candidates with strong political connections and solid priorities.

“This is the time to build momentum,” said Monteiro. “We endorse and contribute to the best candidates for each office. We hold the politicians accountable at every level of government. COPE helps us win strong contracts and better benefits from our trustees. We don’t support those who vote against us.”