Two unions representing hundreds of City of Renton employees have decided to stand by their endorsement of Ed Prince for the City Council.

The decision to stick with Prince follows a decision by the Renton Police Officers Guild to pull its endorsement of Prince this week.

The two unions, the International Association of Firefighters Local 864, and Local 2170 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, talked with Prince before making their decisions.

Prince said he didn’t talk with the police guild before its decision to pull the endorsement.

The unions reconsidered their endorsements from earlier this year after receiving information from Rosemary Quesenberry, a campaign volunteer for Robin Jones, Prince’s opponent.

Using public disclosure requests, Quesenberry collected documents related to jobless benefits Prince is paying back, a default on his condominium mortgage and a bank debt.

Prince said Tuesday he’s happy with the union’s decisions.

“I feel that these attacks are not relevant to what I have done for the city or what I would bring to the city as a council member,” he said. “It’s time to getting back to talking about the issues.”

Leadership of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 2170, meet Monday night and again today (Tuesday) to discuss Prince’s endorsement.

Pat Miller, the Local 2170 president, said the local looked at when the incidents occurred, including during tough economic times,  and also considered that the election is near. The team “had a good discussion” with Prince.

“He explained a little more about personal stuff,” Miller said. The team also reviewed the documents provided by Quesenberry, coming away satisfied with what was learned, he said.

“He’s a solid candidate,” Miller said.

Doug McDonald, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 864, said Prince provided the local with information “that allows us to maintain our endorsement.”

Prince, he said, will provide “strong leadership as a Renton council member.”

Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and amends, he said, in relation to the issues raised by Quesenberry.

The local has never done background checks of a candidate before considering an endorsement, he said.