By Kevin McCarty
February 1, 2010

Conference President Burnsville (MN) Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz and Conference CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran opened the Conference's 78th Winter Meeting with a session featuring special remarks and a video tribute for former Conference President Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

In his remarks at the January 20 session, Nickels reminded his colleagues of the challenge he set forth during the 2009 Annual Meeting in Providence. "There, I called for a ‘New Deal' with our federal government, one that recognizes in the 21st century that we must have different ways of doing business, different ways of solving problems, than we did in the 18th century when this country was created."

Nickels emphasized that the "answers are going to begin in America's cities. We will have the opportunity to lead."

In discussing the work of mayors on climate protection, an area that defines his own leadership and legacy within the organization, Nickels urged his former colleagues "Not to be limited by the words on paper, whether it is a treaty that came out of Kyoto, from Copenhagen, or what comes out from Mexico City, that tells us what is a minimum on climate." He then said, "We can step forward, we can lead and solve America's problems."

He closed his remarks with praise of the mayors for their leadership. "I thank you for your friendship, but I thank you, as a citizen of the United States, for your leadership on the issues that are so critical to our people, our families and our neighbors."

In her remarks on Nickels and his leadership among the nation's mayors, Kautz said, "History will record his [Nickels] legacy on one of the most critical issues of our time — climate protection. His vision was recognizing the leadership that mayors could deliver to help save our cities, our nation and our planet."

"What happen in cities...will determine our success in addressing climate protection," she said.

Cochran said that "he was only President of this organization for six months, and yet he did so much." Cochran also praised Nickels' work and leadership on climate protection. "In 2005, he became President of the green issue and climate protection. Greg Nickels started a fire in this organization that will continue to light the world."