Scott Powers
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has received the endorsements of the local Fraternal Order of Police’ and Laborers’ International unions’ locals in his bid for re-election to a fifth full term.
On Friday his campaign announced endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25, which represents Orlando police officers, and the Laborers’ International Union of North America’s Local 630, which represents a wide range of workers from sanitation specialists to IT technicians and accountants.
Dyer is facing City Commissioner Sam Ings and three other candidates, including non-profit executive Aretha Simons, heading toward the November election. All three are Democrats, though the race and office are officially non-partisan. Earlier this week Ing got the endorsement of longtime Dyer power rival, Orange County School Board President and former Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
“Our decision to endorse Mayor Dyer is based on his views and commitment to improving public safety for the citizens of Orlando and his willingness to engage in dialogue with Orlando Police Officers to develop solutions to the challenges facing our community,” Shawn Dunlap, president of FOP Orlando Lodge 25, stated in a news release issued by Dyer’s campaign. “The Fraternal Order of Police has enjoyed working with Mayor Dyer and we look forward to continuing that relationship in the future.”
“It’s an honor and privilege for our members of LiUNA Local 630 to endorse Buddy Dyer as our candidate for Orlando Mayor,” Ronnie Burns, business agent for LiUNA Local 630, stated in the release. “It’s vitally important to have someone who is willing to listen to our members and we believe Mayor Dyer is what the City of Orlando needs.”
