Shane Burkett, a candidate for Metro Council District 12, has received an endorsement from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents many Metro workers.

The endorsement is Burkett’s second endorsement – he has also been endorsed by Democracy for America Nashville (DFAN).

Burkett was chosen by the union based on criteria that its members think will make Nashville "one of the best places to live and work."

"These candidates were chosen by rank and file members of our union," said Doug Collier, director of SEIU Local 205. "Regular workers from all across the county participated in our endorsement process and we think they have chosen candidates that will continue to make Nashville one of the best places to live and work".

Burkett has stressed that one of his goals is to communicate better with the residents living in District 12, and that he remains concerned about controlled growth in the district, as well as being able to provide proper city services to Hermitage residents.

"My phone line will always be open to listen to the citizens of Hermitage’s thoughts, ideas and concerns," Burkett said. "I will make sure that we have several channels of communication so that Hermitage residents are aware of the issues, zoning and ordinance changes that may affect them."

The SEIU is the largest single labor union in North America, with a membership nearing 1.9 million members and is part of the new Change to Win (CTW) labor federation. Primarily, SEIU represents public sector, building trades, and healthcare workers and is one of the few unions in the United States that is growing.

"I am honored to receive this great endorsement," Burkett said.

Local 205 is chartered to represent workers in Tennessee, including Nashville, Chattanooga, Oak Ridge, and Memphis. In Nashville, Local 205 represents public employees in Metro Schools, Metro Hospitals, Metro General Government, the Metro Action Commission, Metro Development and Housing Authority, and the Nashville Electric Service, as well as workers in private sector companies including Meharry Medical College and the Nashville Auto Diesel College.

Early voting is from July 13 through July 28, and Election Day will be on August 2. A full list of dates and voting locations is available through the Davidson County Election Commission.