In a big race in the Portland area, the two Oregon AFSCME local unions that represents Metro employees have voted to endorse Tom Hughes for Metro President.

 

Metro is the regional government that includes large portions of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. AFSCME Local 3580 represents some 300 Metro employees proper, while sub-local Local 3580-1 represents another 60 workers at the Portland Expo, Performing Arts and Convention centers, which fall under the overall Metro umbrella.

 
"Tom Hughes has demonstrated the ability to bring diverse groups together to find solutions that benefit the whole community," said Local 3580 President Matt Tracy. "He brings the leadership and experience needed to move Metro and the region in a positive direction."

 

The AFSCME locals join other leading labor groups in endorsing Hughes, including IBEW Local 48, the Northwest Oregon Labor Council of the AFL-CIO, the Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council and Teamsters Joint Council 37. The AFSCME endorsement comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Hughes' campaign has also secured several significant endorsements from business groups as well.

 

"This is an honor," Hughes said of the AFSCME endorsement. "It means a great deal to me to be supported by the people who work at Metro."

For eight years as mayor of Hillsboro, Oregon's fifth-largest city, Hughes took a pro-active approach to helping companies invest in new facilities, and he is widely credited with helping Hillsboro lead the state in job creation during his tenure.

Hughes taught history and government in the Beaverton school district for 30 years. He served as mayor of Hillsboro from 2000 to 2008, having previously served on the Hillsboro City Council and several planning commissions. He has also volunteered with many civic organizations, and currently serves on the Governor's Green Jobs Council. Hughes lives in Hillsboro with his wife, Gayle, and they have two adult daughters.