Endorsements

I have had some time to think about the mayoral race and I have talked with both of the remaining candidates. I have also thought about the work that we the council and mayor have done over the past 16 years and the direction that the city is going. I think that Mr. Bosman is the candidate to continue the work of Mayor John Antaramian and the city council. During the campaign I stressed collaborative government, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and economic development and I will work with Mr. Bosman to make sure those things happen.

I am endorsing and supporting Mr. Keith Bosman for Mayor of the city of Kenosha and I encourage voters who supported me to support Mr. Bosman on April 1.

I will stay involved in the community and do all I can to make this a great place to live.

Sincerely,

Everett C. Butler

KEA ENDORSES BOSMAN FOR MAYOR

Kenosha Mayoral Candidate Keith Bosman has won the endorsement of the Kenosha Education Association. Bosman issued the following statement on the endorsement:

"I am very pleased to have gotten the endorsement of the Kenosha Education Association. It was very competitive. Any candidate for mayor would be excited to get this stamp of approval from the people to whom we entrust the education of our children.

I have been very fortunate to sweep all of the endorsements that have been made by labor groups and business organizations. This underscores that a Bosman administration will be able to bring people together to address the issues and concerns of people from all walks of life in our community.

The future of the City of Kenosha, the KEA and the KUSD are intertwined. I look forward to working with these groups to reach our common goals. I thank the KEA for their support."

For more information, contact Keith Bosman at 262-705-3186

UAW BACKS BOSMAN FOR MAYOR

Curt Wilson, recently retired shop chairman for UAW Local 72 and a election coordinator for the UAW Southeastern Wisconsin Area CAP Council, used the occasion of the meeting of UAW Local 72 Retirees to announce the UAW's endorsement of Keith Bosman for mayor of Kenosha.

The decision to back Bosman was made at the December 19, 2007 meeting of the UAW Cap Council in Milwaukee.

Fred Royal Jr. Chairman of the UAW Southeastern Wisconsin Area CAP Council said the affiliated locals, representing 13 local unions and approximately 14,700 active and retired members in Southeastern Wisconsin are solidly behind Bosman. "We are grateful to Mr. Bosman for his willingness to meet with us to discuss municipal legislative issues that affect our members," he said. "The fact that he has already gotten endorsements from the Kenosha AFL-CIO, Kenosha Firefighters and Southeastern Wisconsin Construction & Building Trades Council underscores the fact that Keith Bosman is the candidate all of our members should be voting for."

Daniel Kirk, President UAW Local 72, said there was little doubt who would draw support from the autoworkers. "Keith has been a resident of Kenosha his entire life and he has seen the pains this community has gone through with the ups and downs of American Motors, Renault and DaimlerChrysler. He is strongly committed to working with the local plant to secure the jobs we have here and to work on exploring expansion as well."

Bosman expressed thanks to the UAW for their endorsement and continuing support. "Needless to say, this organization and its members are the people who made Kenosha what it is today," he said. "Through the years the UAW has been a strong advocate, not just for their workers, but for all of the people of Kenosha. This is one of the most sought-after endorsements anybody running for office in Kenosha can get. I am proud to have received it." .

Pictured (left to right) are John Camosy, President of Camosy Construction and board member of Tri-County Contractors Association; Tom Reiherzer, President of the Southeastern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council; Keith Bosman, candidate for mayor; Larry Nelson, Sr.,Vice President of Bane-Nelson Inc. and Vice President of Tri-County Contractors Association; and Ed Gray, business agent for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 127.

CONSTRUCTION UNIONS, CONTRACTORS
ISSUE JOINT ENDORSEMENT OF BOSMAN

The Southeastern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council and the Tri-County Contractors Association have issued what is believed to be their first ever joint endorsement of a candidate for political office. The candidate that the construction unions and their employers are rallying behind is Kenosha Mayoral Candidate Keith Bosman.

The boards of both organizations voted this week to take the unusual step that is seen as a strong validation of Bosman's claim to be the candidate that can unite the community. "I am so grateful to these folks for this vote of confidence," Bosman stated. "These local businesses and unions represent what is great about Kenosha. I am elated to have their support."

Tom Reiherzer, President of the Trades Council, said Bosman was the obvious choice. "We want a candidate who has proven experience in solving problems and understands the need to expand our commercial tax base if we are going to control property taxes," he stated. "The Building Trades feel very strongly that Keith Bosman represents the best choice for mayor."

Ed Gray, Business Agent of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 127, said Bosman will benefit from the grassroots support of the tradesmen. "Kenosha needs a mayor with a positive vision for Kenosha,' he said."It's important that we keep moving forward and we are convinced that Keith Bosman is the man to lead us in that effort. We'll be working very hard on his behalf."

The unions affiliated in the Southeastern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council are Boilermakers Local 107, Brocklayers and Allied Craft Workers Local 4, Bricklayers District Council, Carpenters Lcoal 161, Electrical Workers Local 127, Electrical Workers Local 430, Glaziers Local 1204, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 19, Iron Workers Local 8, Laborers Local 113, Operating Engineers Local 139, Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 599, Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 108, Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 934, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 118, Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, Roofers & Waterproofers Local 65, Sheet Metal Workers Local 18 and Teamsters Local 43.

Dan Ashburn, Vice President of the Martin Peterson Company and President of the Tri-County Contractors Association, said the employers embraced the idea of a joint endorsement because it underscores the strength of support for Bosman. "We believe we have a positive relationship with our employees and the unions they are members of," Ashburn stated. "This endorsement is evidence that we share similar goals and values in the communities that we live. We strongly agree that Keith Bosman is the most qualified candidate to be mayor of Kenosha."

John Camosy, President of Camosy Construction and a board member of Tri-County, said he is excited to be working alongside his employees as well as his peers to get Bosman elected. "I've watched Keith closely as he has campaigned very hard throughout the community," Camosy stated. "I am struck by his integrity and sincerity. Kenoshans should jump at this opportunity to elect such a qualified candidate."

The Tri-County Contractors Association represents over 80 building-related businesses in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth Counties.

"What can I say?" Bosman asked. "I am humbled by the wonderful support I am getting and I will do everything I can to show that I deserve it."

KENOSHA AFL-CIO COPE ENDORSES
KEITH BOSMAN FOR MAYOR

The Kenosha AFL-CIO, through its Committee On Political Education, has made an unprecedented primary endorsement in the campaign for mayor of the City of Kenosha.

The labor umbrella organization, representing affiliated unions in both the manufacturing and service sectors, is offering its support to Keith Bosman.

AFL-CIO President Ron Frederick said they gave the endorsement to Bosman because of what they saw as his "ability to strongly represent the property taxpayers of the City of Kenosha".

"We felt that Keith Bosman, more than any of the other candidates, understands issues of importance to our members and retirees," Frederick stated. "He worked closely with us during his tenure on City Council and we anticipate that he will have an open door policy when he is elected."

Bosman said he is extremely grateful for the AFL-CIO support. "This community was built by the people who are making this endorsement," he stated. "This shows once again that my campaign is generating interest throughout the community. We hope to take that positive energy and use it to move the community forward in 2008 and beyond."

BOSMAN WINS SUPPORT
FROM KENOSHA FIREFIGHTERS

Kenosha Mayoral Candidate Keith Bosman has won a highly coveted endorsement from Kenosha Firefighters Local 414. Bosman, a former alderman and member of the Police & Fire Commission, was pleased and excited about the primary endorsement.

"This endorsement really means a lot to me," Bosman stated. "Our firefighters understand that my highest priority is public safety. I will do whatever it takes to make sure Kenosha has adequate police and fire protection and this endorsement validates that."

John Kiel, President of Firefighters Local 414, said the members of Local 414 were won over by Bosman's integrity, his commitment to maintaining effective emergency services and his inclusive management style. ‘ From the public safety point of view, Kenosha's Fire Fighters believe Keith Bosman is clearly the best choice for Mayor," Kiel stated.

The endorsement by the local Firefighters union was hotly contested. "Any candidate running for mayor of this city would love to have the support of the firefighters," Bosman said. "This is one of those moments in a campaign that all candidates strive for." Bosman noted that the firefighters are known for working hard on behalf of the candidates that they endorse.

"Getting an endorsement this early, in the primary election, by a union I hold in such high regard is very rewarding for me," Bosman stated. "I look forward, in my administration, to having an open door to firefighters, police - all those who play such vital roles in making Kenosha the great city that it is," Bosman stated.

The primary election for mayor of Kenosha is February 19, 2008. Bosman won the endorsement over five other candidates vying for the post.