WHEREAS, the unsung heroes of the governing of this nation are the thousands of local elected government officials, Mayors, Council members and Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the nation honor the service of these dedicated officeholders by issuing a postal stamp in honor of one of their rank: former Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, Tom Bradley's career was the implementation of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and 70's. After 21 years of service to the Los Angeles Police Department, he retired with the rank of lieutenant in 1961 and began to practice law. In 1963 he ran for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council. He won and served for 10 years before becoming the city's 37th Mayor in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Bradley opened the doors of city hall; his staff and administration appointees represented the rich cultural fabric of the city. He attracted businesses to the city and established policies that resulted in the dramatic resurgence of the downtown Los Angeles economic center. He turned the city's harbor and airports into top-of-the-line businesses, expanding the number of people employed and the city's ability to compete in a world market; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Bradley also focused his attention on creating economic opportunities both for the inner city, as well as the entire city, where he put forward affordable housing and fair planning policies; and

WHEREAS, Tom Bradley's achievements as Mayor of a large metropolitan area helped to transform municipal government throughout our nation and gave new stature for city leaders on the international scene; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Tom Bradley's record of service to Los Angeles and to the nation is so exceptional that it is especially fitting that the achievement and legacy of this great man be marked by the issuance of a special commemorative U.S. Postal Stamp in his honor,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors recognizes the national interest in commending the dedicated service which all local elected officials provide to the nation through the issuance of a commemorative U.S. Postal stamp in honor of Mayor Tom Bradley, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be submitted to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service in support of the Committee's approval of the issuance of such a commemorative stamp.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors recognizes the national interest in commending the dedicated service which all local elected officials provide to the nation through the issuance of a commemorative U.S. Postal stamp in honor of Mayor Tom Bradley, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be submitted to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service in support of the Committee's approval of the issuance of such a commemorative stamp.