District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams, in welcoming mayors to the 69th Annual Winter Meeting, said that success in running Washington as the nation's capital city has a direct impact on all cities of the United States.

A visible presence at the Winter Meeting, where Mayor Williams also hosted an evening reception, the mayor noted that many Senators and Representatives view cities through the prism of living both in Washington and maintaining a residence in their respective states and congressional districts.

Thus, the Mayor noted, how the District governs its 450,000 citizens has an impact on every city in the United States.

Mayor Williams delivered a short and succinct political primer for mayoral delegates and other attendees, pointing out that the District of Columbia has only one non-voting delegate in Congress, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, to handle the District's legislative and lobbying efforts.

He explained the political purpose of the new DC license plates (Taxation with Representation) and other goals of his Administration. They include a continued focus on lowering the crime rate, providing affordable housing in a time of escalating housing costs and rental rates, and, overall, in providing a rejuvenated political climate in his city as the vibrant core for a burgeoning Washington metropolitan area.

As proof of the Mayor's presence, on January 24th following the Inauguration ceremonies for President George W. Bush, Mayor Williams was one of the first U.S. Mayors granted a private audience at the White House with President Bush.