Labor endorses 3 in C.R. council races
Reprinted from The Gazette, Friday, October 12, 2007, page 3B

By Rick Smith
The Gazette

CEDAR RAPIDS — Hawkeye Labor Council’s Committee on Political Education has endorsed candidates in the three City Council races: District 2 challenger Monica Vernon and incumbents Chuck Swore in District 4 and Tom Podzimek in the at-large contest.

The committee’s decision comes after a review of responses to a candidate questionnaire and from personal observations of many of the candidates, according to Alan Bernard, the labor council’s executive director.

Bernard said the labor group was impressed with Vernon’s background in strategic planning and her 25 years of community leadership; with Swore’s many years of experience in leadership positions in both labor unions and business; and with Podzimek’s understanding of working family issues and his record as a ‘‘thoughtful’’ member of the current council.

Vernon, 49, 326 23rd St. Dr. SE, is challenging District 2 incumbent Sarah Henderson, 32, 118 Teakwood Lane NE; and Robin Tucker, 43, 275 Tomahawk Trail SE.

Swore, 64, 2609 Iris Ave. NW, is in a race with Kathy Rickertsen, 59, 148 Cherry Hill Rd. NW; and Chuck Wieneke, 63, 2191 Wes Ct. NW.

And Podzimek, 50, 1044 Maplewood Dr. NE, is competing with Nancy Bruner, 64, 2612 31st St. SW; P. Thomas Larson, 50, 225 29th St. Dr. SE; and Larry Sharp, 68, 3614 Sue Lane NW.

Candidates run for city offices without party designation.

Of note, though, is that the labor council’s endorsements cover the political spectrum: Vernon is a registered Republican; Swore, a registered Democrat; and Podzimek, registered no party.