The North East Area Labor Council has announced the endorsement of several candidates seeking local office.
The candidates received endorsement after a screening held in August by the Koochiching County Labor Assembly.
“We are proud to be supporting these local candidates. They will fight for good paying jobs, fairness, realistic budgets, and for working families in our communities.” said Council President, Alan Netland.
The following candidates received endorsement:
International Falls
City Council
• Mayor — Paul Eklund
• At-large council — Pete Kalar
International Falls
School Board
• Michael Holden
• Michelle Hebner
• Mark Lassila
Ranier City Council
• Mayor — Ron Wilcox
• Councilor — Tony Cole
Koochiching County District 5 Commissioner
• Linda Dreher
The North East Area Labor Council is a coalition representing over 40,000 workers. Its affiliates include the Koochiching County Labor Assembly, the Iron Range Labor Assembly, the Duluth Central Labor Body, the Carlton County Central Labor Body, and Minnesota AFL-CIO affiliates in Northeastern Minnesota.
According to Netland, the organization’s goal is to constantly and consistently enhance the mobilization efforts of the labor movement in northeastern Minnesota to better the lives of working people.

