North Shore Labor Endorses Salem City Council, School Committee

SALEM, MA — The North Shore Labor Council endorsed candidates in the upcoming Salem general election.

The Labor Council said it is endorsing Alice Merkl and Ty Hapworth for Councilor At-Large, Bob Mcarthy for Ward 1, Caroline Watson-Felt for Ward 2, Lev McClain for Ward 4, Jeff Cohen for Ward 5, and Amanda Campbell, Beth Anne Cornell and Manny Cruz for School Committee.

The Labor Council did not say it backing a candidate in the mayoral race between incumbent Kim Driscoll and City Councilor Steve Dibble.

"Across the North Shore, workers are facing rising housing costs, stagnant wages and loss of benefits," NSLC Executive Director Katie Cohen said. "With unprecedented federal and state investment coming to our communities, we need advocates who will proudly fight for our working families.

"That is why the North Shore Labor Council is proud to stand by these candidates on the campaign trail and beyond."

The Labor Council said it based its endorsements on candidates' completion of a questionnaire and interview, answering questions ranging from preventing privatization and building new schools, to racial justice and responsible development.

The city primary was held on Sept. 21. The general election is Nov. 2.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)