Unions endorse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City races

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee, or AFSCME Iowa, has announced it is endorsing Monica Vernon for Cedar Rapids mayor.

Eight candidates are seeking the seat being vacated by two-term Mayor Ron Corbett.

Meanwhile, the four Iowa Area Labor Federations, including their chapters and delegates from local unions, have voted to endorse candidates in several races.

For Cedar Rapids City Council, endorsements include Dale Todd in District 3, Justin Shields in District 5 and Tyler Olson in the at-large race.

For Iowa City Council, the labor group endorsed Mazahir Salih and Kingsley Botchway II in the at-large race.

For the Coralville council, endorsements went to Meghann Foster, Miriam Timmer-Hackert and Elizabeth Dinschel.

The unions did not make endorsements in all races.