According to John Laughlin, Director of Political and Public Relations for Painters & Allied Trades, District Council #35, Grace Ross’s “long term commitment to economic and social justice, combined with your proven record of supporting workers rights,” has earned her “the endorsement and grassroots support of the Painters & Allied Trades District Council #35. Our members in Worcester know that they will be able to count on you when issues of job creation, responsible employer standards and union organizing are before the Worcester City Council.”

Laughlin also said, “The City of Worcester will be at the center of a large development and economic growth period over the next few years. Working families need your voice and your vote to represent us during this important period in Worcester’s future.”

Ross, an At-Large candidate for the Worcester City Council, responded to the endorsement by saying, “As someone whose life has been about bringing people together to improve income, health, housing and safety for regular people, this first union endorsement for my campaign for City Council is very exciting and an honor that I hope my work as a City Councilor will fulfill.”

“I very much want to thank the Painters’ for their early support—it will make a real difference.

“We are continuing our work reaching out across the community to build our campaign, but it does feel particularly appropriate given my years working with and supporting the welfare and rights of all workers. I am in my tenth year on the board of Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, I helped found Working Massachusetts and always find the particular solidarity of supporting workers standing for our rights particularly fulfilling,” further explained Ross.

“It is true, that in addition, I am continuing to work with and reach out to the other driving force behind, long term sustainable economic growth in our community - locally owned businesses and developers. I think the Painters captured my focus as well that ideally we as local workers and business owners should work together to re-inspire a vital local economy”.