By Ed Somers
January 13, 2003

Conference President Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino met with the Chairman of the National Governors' Association, Governor Paul Patton of Kentucky, on January 3 to discuss cooperative efforts related to both homeland security and economic security.

During the meeting, Mayor Menino stressed the Conference's position that while the states should receive 25 percent of homeland security funding, the remaining funds must go directly to cities and counties. Menino also offered to work with the Governors on developing a consensus on issues related to economic stimulus and investment priorities.

In commenting on the meeting, Mayor Menino said, "I was pleased that Governor Patton accepted my invitation to sit down and discuss our common issues. We had a good session. States and cities need each other and we need Washington's attention to pull out of this continuing recession."