November 3 election will decide races in Minneapolis, suburban school boards, and suburban school levies

Election Day 2009 lacks the drama of last year's presidential contest, but voters this year will be voting in important local races Tuesday, November 3.

The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO has endorsed candidates for local office in Minneapolis, for Anoka-Hennepin School Board, and for the Monticello School Board.

The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation also has endorsed school levies in the Anoka-Henepin district and seven other communities.

Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, the ballot will include Mayor, all 13 City Council seats, and all nine seats on the Park and Recreation Board. Minneapolis voters will be voting in a new way, using the new Ranked Choice Voting system for the first time. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation has endorsed incumbent Mayor R.T. Rybak for re-election, along with a mix of incumbents and newcomers for City Council and Park Board.

In addition, the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation voted to oppose a proposed city charter amendment.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools

In the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the state's largest, three school board seats are up for election.

The candidates running with the AFL-CIO endorsement are incumbent John Hoffman, running in District 3, and incumbent Mike Sullivan, running in District 4.

Voters in the Anoka-Hennepin School district also are being asked whether to renew an $8 million general operating levy, which the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation has endorsed.

Monticello Schools

In the Monticello School District, voters will pick three at-large school board members. The Wright County Labor Council and the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation have endorsed candidates Scott Hill, Elizabeth "Liz" Leitch-Sell and Robbie Smith.

To volunteer to assist with the Get-Out-The-Vote effort, contact Anna Brelje at the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation at 612-379-4206 ext. 102.