Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Governor

Today, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 announced their support for Mahlon Mitchell’s candidacy for governor. Local 998 represents more than 1,100 members in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha and Sheboygan.

“Mahlon represents the change we need in Wisconsin, and he has the proven leadership skills to move our state forward,” President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Union Local 998 James Macon said. “He knows that Wisconsin’s quality of life depends on having modern, job-sustaining transit systems. He also understands that we need to grow our middle class by creating good-paying jobs, expanding access to affordable health care, and improving public schools across the state. For all of these reasons, ATU Local 998 is proud to have all hands working for Mahlon Mitchell in this race.”

Mitchell, a 20-year firefighter and President of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, thanked ATU Local 998 for their support, and pledged to be a fighter for Wisconsins’ workers and middle class families as governor.

“I’m grateful for the support of the ATU Local 998 and the growing coalition of groups across the state supporting my candidacy for governor,” Mitchell said. “I will work every day to bring the change we need to Madison and make Wisconsin work for more of our people. Developing modern and safe transit systems is critical to the future of our economy, as families across Wisconsin rely on public transportation to get to work and to school every day. I’m proud to stand with our transit workers in this race, and will be a fighter for them as governor.”

In recent weeks, Mitchell has been endorsed by Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney, and the Operating Engineers Local 139.

About Mahlon Mitchell:

Mahlon Mitchell was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Delavan, Wisconsin. He now lives with his wife, April and two children, Sie’anna and Karson, in Fitchburg.

Mahlon followed in his older brother’s footsteps when he became a fire fighter in Madison twenty years ago. His two brothers are fire fighters in Atlanta and St. Paul. These careers came out of a family that instilled values of service and working for others.

This sense of service is also exemplified in Mahlon’s other activities. He was a counselor at the Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety’s Burn Camp, which he also directed for five years. This summer camp worked with burn-injured youth to help them cope with their unique situation and build a network of support.

Mahlon also worked as a street outreach coordinator with Briarpatch and Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin, where he linked at-risk youth with services from their community.

Recently, Mahlon was instrumental to passing two pieces of legislation that were a huge victory for fire fighters across the state. The Infectious Disease Presumption fought to make sure fire fighters are covered if they contract a disease or disability on the job. Additionally, the legislature passed a bill that ensures families and spouses of fire fighters who die in the line of duty will have their health insurance premiums covered.

When the fight over collective bargaining began in 2011, Mahlon led the fire fighters in a monumental stand of solidarity with other public servants. Despite being exempted from the bill, Mahlon and his fellow fire fighters marched on the Capitol with fellow working families that were threatened by the Budget Repair Bill.

Mahlon took the opportunity to travel the state as a fire fighter spreading the words about Scott Walker’s divisive policies.

In addition to his service in the community, Mahlon was a real estate agent for six years at First Weber in Madison. He currently serves as President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, being the youngest and first African American to serve in the post.

Mahlon Mitchell for Governor

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.