Two large labor unions won’t back either candidate in the District 5 Fresno County Board of Supervisors race.

Representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 521 — which represents nearly 5,000 county employees — said they won’t endorse Clovis City Council Member Nathan Magsig or community activist Debbie Poochigian. They are vying to replace Supervisor Bob Waterston.

Joining in that decision is SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, which represents about 10,000 Fresno County home health care workers.

“Our members weren’t confident enough that either candidate would support issues important to our members and the people they serve and care for,” said Tom Abshere, director for SEIU Local 521.

That means the candidates won’t have the money and manpower that typically comes with a union endorsement.

One person who will benefit from SEIU’s support is Supervisor Susan Anderson. The union has endorsed her in the Board of Supervisors District 2 race, where she is facing Fresno City Council Candidate Brian Calhoun and certified public accountant Paul Dictos.

Abshere said the union, which has long supported Anderson, will “work to get her re-elected.”

-- By Kerri Ginis