January 29, 2001

Former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson recently announced plans to run for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. Jackson, the first black mayor of Atlanta, will oppose Democratic fundraiser Terry McAuliffe for the position. The DNC's 451 members will elect a new chairman later this winter.

Yuma (AZ) Mayor Marilyn R. Young is celebrating the honor of having her city receiving a Heritage Area Designation. Legislation making the designation possible - the first award west of the Mississippi River - was pushed by Arizona Senator John McCain and Congressman Ed Pastor. The city of Yuma is in western Arizona, on the border of Arizona and California. Senator McCain praised Mayor Young for her level of commitment and support in pushing for the designation.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, after a year in office, is being credited with progress on his crime pledge that was the cornerstone of his election campaign. A lengthy New York Times article January 3rd notes that Mayor O'Malley has led a campaign to reduce the city's 10 straight years of gun violence, and a record homicide rate in the city of 632,000.