HGEA announces candidate endorsements
HONOLULU - The Hawaii Government Employees Association, which represents state and county workers in supervisory, technical and scientific positions, has endorsed six incumbents for Maui County Council.
In its announcement on candidates endorsed for election in 2008, the union also issued support for eight incumbents seeking re-election to the state Legislature from Maui County.
The union did not explain its endorsements, except for a statement supporting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
"Senator Barack Obama is the candidate who will reverse eight years of failed policies under the Bush administration and move our country in the right direction," HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira said.
"His background, record, as well as his proposals to deal with critical issues, such as the nation's economy, access to health care, and the war in Iraq make him the obvious choice. We look forward to Barack Obama being the first Hawaii-born president of the United States."
In other races that will be on Maui County ballots, the HGEA endorsements went to:
* Rep. Mazie Hirono for the 2nd Congressional District.
* Sen. Roz Baker for the 5th District.
* Sen. J. Kalani English for the 6th District.
* Rep. Joseph Souki for the 8th District.
* Rep. Bob Nakasone for the 9th District
* Rep. Angus McKelvey for the 10th District.
* Rep. Joe Bertram III for the 11th District.
* Rep. Kyle Yamashita for the 12th District.
* Rep. Mele Carroll for the 13th District (unopposed).
* Council Member William Medeiros for the East Maui residency.
* Council Member Joseph Pontanilla for the Kahului residency.
* Council Member Michael Molina for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency.
* Council Member Gladys Baisa for the Upcountry residency.
* Council Member Danny Mateo for the Molokai residency (unopposed).
* Council Member Michael Victorino for the Wailuku residency (unopposed).
There were no endorsements for the West Maui, South Maui or Lanai residency seats on the Maui County Council.
