Members of Teamsters Local 120 volunteer for labor-endorsed candidate Noel Nix. Pictured L to R: Ben Alvarado, Paul Slattery, Noel Nix, Will Hassard and Marty Brinkman. (submitted photo)
Noel Nix is a familiar face to residents of St. Paul’s Ward 1, and he is the labor-endorsed candidate in a special election to fill the ward’s seat on the St. Paul City Council this year.
Nix worked as an aide to former Council Member Melvin Carter, who stepped down earlier this year, setting the stage for the special election Nov. 5. Nix believes the experience he gained working with Carter, who has taken an education-related position with the State of Minnesota, makes him the right choice for union voters.
“I’ve been working with community leaders, residents, business owners, non-profits and residents to tackle the challenges that are continuing to hold our neighborhoods back – and lead our neighborhoods to the places we want to take them over the next few years and over the next generation,” Nix said.
It’s a pivotal time for Ward 1, with the Central Corridor light-rail line opening soon. Nix sees an opportunity for economic development along the so-called “Green Line.”
He also has experience working with city staff. “I understand the ins and outs of the work they do to keep our city moving forward and running well,” he said.
He comes from a union background, having grown up in Flint, Mich. “My aunts, uncles, cousins and even my mom all worked for General Motors, and my mom was a labor attorney for much of her career, working with the United Auto Workers.
“For me, the fight for workers rights, the importance of ensuring that working families receive a good wage for an honest day’s work is just part and parcel of who I am.”
Union Advocate 