Ullico’s Ed Smith backs Marsha Griffin for Illinois House

By CARL GREN

Illinois Correspondent

Jonesboro, IL – Southern Illinois Labor supporters have a chance this year to elect a state representative from a union family who has already been endorsed by several unions and by Ed Smith, CEO of Ullico and president emeritus of Laborers Local 773 in Marion.

Marsha Griffin, a public school teacher from Jonesboro, is making her second run in the 115th House District, again challenging Republican incumbent Terri Bryant.

The largely rural district includes much of the territory between the Carbondale area and the Metro East, including Jefferson County and parts of Jackson, Perry, Union and Washington counties.

“I will stand up against politicians who try to implement an anti-middle class agenda,” Griffin said after the primary. “I have never backed down to anyone, and I won’t start now. It is the people of this district that I will be fighting for.”

A VOICE FOR LABOR

Smith said union members and union-supporting voters have a great chance to improve their strength in the Legislature by supporting Griffin.

“I have known Marsha and her family all my life,” Smith said. “Marsha grew up in a union family and understands the importance of workers’ rights. She is a union member and officer in the Illinois Education Association, and her life’s work is in teaching our most valuable asset, our children.

“I know Marsha will be a strong voice for southern Illinois, its people and its economic promise. She has the judgment, knowledge, energy and compassion to truly represent us in Springfield.”

Griffin’s father, Kenny Roach, was business manager for Laborers Local 1330 in Jonesboro. Her uncle Richard Reynolds was business manager of the Southern & Central Illinois Laborers’ District Council.

STANDING UP TO RAUNER

“I’ve already talked with hundreds of people across the 115^th District, and I’m hearing the same message – that they are ready for independent leadership who will stand up to the failed policies of (Governor) Bruce Rauner.

“I’m ready to be that voice for working men and women and to fight for the values and ideals that we hold dear here in southern Illinois.”

She has also received the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, United Mine Workers of America, Service Employees International Union and United Food and Commercial Workers.

Griffin’s campaign can be contacted at 618-305-5871, on Messenger @MarshaGriffinforStateRep or by mail at P.O. Box 899, Jonesboro IL 62952 or on its Facebook page.