UPPER ARLINGTON, Oh. — In response to a baseless accusation of being a union buster, Upper Arlington’s Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter today released the following statement:
“It is distressing that a media publication would say something that is intellectually dishonest and blatantly false for political gains. As a proud immigrant, I understand how important it is to have agency in life and at work.
“Throughout my time in public service, I have always sought to uplift working people and ensure they have the support they need to thrive. I understand that we are stronger together. The right to organize led to the eight-hour workday, safety and protection on the job and fair wages that allow hardworking people to care for themselves and their families.
“I also understand that my presence as a Black woman is threatening to the status quo. There are few identities more marginalized than that of a Black, immigrant woman. Regardless of these baseless and engineered attacks, I will continue to keep my focus where it should be: on working people.”