The forum will be held in the Grand Ballroom in the Hilton, 6th Ave. and 53rd St.

Teamsters Local 237 will host its first ever political forum for candidates for New York City mayor, comptroller and public advocate on Saturday, April 18, at the New York Hilton. The forum, which expects to draw hundreds of people, including shop stewards, members, union officials and the press, will give a platform for the candidates to express their views and field questions from union members and the public.

“We will provide a forum for New Yorkers to see their candidates up close and hear first-hand their vision for the next four years, where they see the city now and where they see it going,” said Local 237 President Gregory Floyd. “We want candidates to speak candidly about their views on how New York will face the difficult times ahead and how they can make the city a better place for working families.”

With the city budget tightening as a result of the economic crisis, the union believes it is important to see where the candidates stand on important issues like wages, health care, affordable housing, pensions, city services and taxes.

Local 237 hopes to capitalize on the popular momentum of the Obama campaign to mobilize the public in support of the just passed stimulus package, and influence the city’s leadership.

The forum will be held in the Grand Ballroom in the Hilton, 6th Ave. and 53rd St

The union is currently in the process of confirming attendees, but plans to invite all major declared candidates for citywide office. More details will be available as the date approaches.