By Ed Somers

The major presidential candidates seeking nomination by their parties have been invited to participate in the 67th Annual Conference of Mayors in New Orleans, June 11-15, 1999 - the bi-partisan political event this year for the nation’s mayors.

On the Republican side, invited to attend are former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander, Pat Buchanan, Texas Governor George W. Bush, Elizabeth Dole, Steve Forbes, Rep. John Kasich of Ohio, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and former Vice President Dan Quayle.

On the Democratic side, invited to attend are Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley.

The invitation was issued by the officers of the Conference, led by Conference President Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini. The invitation points out that, "as a bi-partisan organization, The U.S. Conference of Mayors has for over the past 60 years been active at both national party conventions to ensure that there is a connection between the party platform, the candidates, and the bi-partisan agenda of the nation’s mayors as they represent the citizens of America." This message is being echoed by hundreds of letters sent by individual mayors urging participation in the Annual Conference.

The candidates are being invited to present their agenda for America’s cities if elected President, and to respond to the priorities of the nation’s mayors.

More than 350 mayors and over 1,000 total participants are expected in New Orleans, with major national press coverage.