Sanworkers Union Backs DA Hynes's Re-Election

USA photo by Jim Cummins TWO HANDS-ON GUYS: Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes (left) got the endorsement of Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association President Harry Nespoli after lending his support to the union's effort to get assaults on Sanitation Workers reclassified as felonies.

The Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association May 20 was the first union to endorse Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes for re-election because of his support for a bill to make assault of a Sanitation Worker a felony.

The endorsement of Mr. Hynes, who is running unopposed, was also the first of any candidate by the union in this election cycle.

'A Hands-On Person'

"Here's somebody who took the time out to reach out and say, 'Are there any other issues you are worried about?' '' said USA President Harry Nespoli. "He's been around a long time. He has the track record. To me he is a hands-on person."

Mr. Hynes worked with Mr. Nespoli to pass a felony assault bill for Sanitation Workers after a 74-year-old sanman was beaten with a shovel by an enraged motorist on his route last year. "Charlie recognizes the working person," he said. "We shouldn't be assaulted for doing our job." This year the Brooklyn DA's Office added assaults on Sanitation Workers to a list of public servant assaults it was focusing on prosecuting. The bill has not yet been approved.

Mr. Hynes, who is running for his sixth term, has been supported so far by the Brooklyn Republican, Conservative and Democratic parties. "We greatly appreciate the support of the union and for the recognition of his long career serving law-enforcement," said a campaign spokesman, Morty Matz.

Mr. Nespoli offered no clues on what his union's next endorsement might be. He would not rule out an endorsement of Mayor Bloomberg after the USA received a 3.5-percent raise in top pay in November under a re-opener clause in its contract. The union endorsed Mr. Bloomberg's bid to allow term-limited elected officials to run for a third term.

"Right now it is a little too early," he said. "I have to see how this scene in New York City shakes out."