Political notes: Unions switch brings harsh words about Wynn

Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007

Political notes: Unions switch brings harsh words about Wynn

E-mail this article \ Print this article

The decision by two local labor unions to support challenger Donna Edwards of Fort Washington in the primary race against Congressman Albert R. Wynn (D-Dist. 4) of Mitchellville last week brought a wave of criticism against the longtime incumbent.

‘‘In his 16 years in office, Al Wynn has put interests of big business and his corporate contributors ahead of those of his constituents,” said Terry Cavanagh, executive director of the SEIU Maryland State Council.

SEIU, which represents workers in the Prince George’s hospital system, was joined by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 in endorsing Edwards. Both unions endorsed Wynn in the last election.

Wynn and Edwards are considered the top two candidates in the crowded Democratic primary race for District 4, which includes parts of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. In 2006, Edwards came within three percentage points of the party nomination.

Though supporters say Wynn has consolidated his base and boosted constituent service in the year since his near-defeat, Edwards has come back with a better-financed and more organized campaign this year, according to those watching the race.

Officials for SEIU and UFCW pledged to add to the Edwards campaign by tasking 20 paid staffers to campaign on the challengers’ behalf before the Feb 12 Primary.

Wynn spokeswoman Lori Sherwood said Wynn is satisfied with the campaign, and listed his support from other union groups, including a recent endorsement by the Metropolitan Washington Council of the AFL-CIO.

‘‘He’s very pleased with the endorsements he’s received,” said Lori Sherwood, spokeswoman for the Wynn campaign. ‘‘He has an overwhelming, broad base of support from labor.”

County will take your tree

If you’re looking to get rid of your shedding Douglas fir along with the mountains of wrapping paper this week, you’re in luck.

Prince George’s County workers will accept leftover Christmas trees for recycling through Jan. 15.

Homeowners who have yard waste collection service simply need to place their trees at the curb before 6:30 a.m. on the designated collection day. Information on collection days is available at 301-952-7630.

Trees can also be dropped off for recycling at the county’s recycling facility at 6601 Southeast Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro or at the Brown Station Road Center at 3501 Brown Station Road in Upper Marlboro through mid-January.

The Crain Highway center can only accept one tree per car, and is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Brown Station center will accept multiple trees at a time and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Recycled trees are shredded into mulch. Last season, the county recycled more than 420 tons of leftover trees.

Trees dropped off for recycling should not include decorations or lights. For more information, call 301-883-5045.