The Massachusetts Teachers Association has recommended Sean Garballey for state representative in the 23rd Middlesex district, serving Arlington and West Medford. In the Feb. 5 primary, the Democrat faces fellow School Committee member Jeff Thielman, who has been endorsed by two unions, and Andrew E. O'Brien, a first-time candidate.

In an e-mail to YourArlington Jan. 17, Garballey sent the following statement:

“'The Massachusetts Teachers Association is recommending Sean Garballey because he understands students’ needs and will be an advocate for our public schools and colleges,'” said MTA President Anne Wass.

“'Sean is committed to reducing class sizes, improving technology in our schools, and providing our higher education system with the resources required to help build a bright economic future for our state. He also will work hard to bring people together to reverse the cuts that have taken such a heavy toll on our public education system in recent years.'”

An MTA spokeswoman told YourArlington that the union does not use the word "endorse" but prefers "recommend."
  
MTA says it represents 107,000 members in more than 400 local associations throughout Massachusetts.

In addition, according to the candidate's Web site, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) is supporting Garballey.

The Web site quotes Donna Kelly-Williams, MNA vice president and Arlington resident:

"The Massachusetts Nurses Association is proud to support Sean Garballey in his bid for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Sean is a bright, energetic and dedicated public servant who will be a strong advocate for patient safety and safe RN staffing in hospitals.  He is incredibly knowledgeable about health care policy, and he will bring a great energy to the State House."

Meanwhile, Bryan French wrote the the Arlington e-mail list Jan. 16 that Arlington Firefighters Local 1297 has endorsed Garballey.

Thielman has been endorsed by SEIU Local 509, the largest union of human service workers in Massachusetts, and the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts (AFTMA). 

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