FOR

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 25, 2013

Contact: Rachel Laing (619) 929-7946

JOSE BETANCOURT NATHAN FLETCHER FOR MAYOR

Rear Admiral Jose Luis Betancourt Jr. (Ret.) has endorsed Nathan Fletcher for mayor. Nathan served his country honorably as a Marine and was known for his effective leadership in the state Assembly, said Betancourt. It's rare that we have the opportunity to elect someone with such dedication to excellence and a true penchant for public service. I'm confident that Nathan will be a great leader for our city, and I'm pleased to endorse him for mayor. Betancourt joins a number of other military veteran leaders supporting Fletcher, including Jack Harkins of the United Veterans Council and Bill Rider of the American Combat Veterans of War. Since launching his campaign last month, Fletcher has built a diverse base of support from business, labor and environmental groups. Hes endorsed by the citys Firefighters, Police Officers Association, Lifeguards, Deputy City Attorneys and white-collar workers; Biocom; the California Small Business Association; Union Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 230; the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters; Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 89; UNITE HERE Local 30; United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Providers; the National Electrical Contractors Association; a coalition of interfaith clergy representing San Diegos underserved neighborhoods; the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors; and the League of Conservation Voters. Fletcher also has earned the endorsement of a number of local, state and federal elected leaders, including Gov. Jerry Brown, Congressmembers Juan Vargas and Scott Peters, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Assembly Speaker John Perez and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, State Sens. Marty Block and Ben Hueso, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, Chula Vista Councilmember Mary Salas, Escondido Deputy Mayor Olga Diaz, Southwestern College Governing Board President Humberto Peraza, Sweetwater Authority Chair Jose Preciado, and former San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee, as well as 16 state Legislators with whom Fletcher served during his time in the Assembly.
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