By Juliette Jardim
February 2, 2009

Past President of The United States Conference of Mayors Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley spoke January 18 to the nation's mayors about their major obstacles in times of economic recession during the 77th Winter Meeting.

Daley was adamant in distinguishing between the difficulties faced by city governments from those of the federal government. Daley emphasized how mayors have to face the daily problems of their constituents, saying, "Who do they go to? They don't go to your congressmen; they don't go to your governor; they don't go to senators; they go to the mayors and it doesn't matter what size city you're in, we hear reality."

Daley explained how the economic downturn affected city governments, families and business alike, pronouncing, "It's more than a recession, it's a restructuring."

He indicated that they all own property and portfolios worth only half what they were valued just a few years ago and they all have budgets that need to be balanced.

"The federal government doesn't balance their budget. Any mayor here has had to balance their budget. We have to make tough decisions. We have to lay off people. We have to cut back services," declared Daley, as he described the problems mayors face in balancing their budgets by making major cutbacks.

Daley explained that layoffs produce less revenue from taxes for the local government, causing further layoffs in order to maintain balanced budgets that are mandated by state constitutions. He asserted that decisions made by the federal government affect mayors more than the federal government itself, pointing out that in the last year, the federal government hasn't made a single layoff.

Daley stressed that mayors need to be involved in these crucial decisions, and articulated the importance of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, saying, "When you talk to your congressman or senator, this organization has been the spokesperson on behalf of the citizens of the country. I deeply appreciate that, your boldness, your leadership, because as mayor, it's very, very difficult."

Daley advised mayors to work with the federal government and call for direct funding to cities, citing the experience of the President and so many of the White House staff with city politics.

Daley, who is currently looking to secure a bid for the 2016 Olympics in Chicago, left the crowd of mayors with words of encouragement and motivation. "When we go before Congress or the executive branch, remember, we're not lobbyists. We're duly elected officials that represent the people of this country, from all types of cities, from the largest to the smallest to medium size cities. Do not ever think you're a lobbyist. Do not think you're asking for a handout. You're basically trying to change the environment. You're trying to put people back to work. You really believe in rebuilding your cities in regard to giving people opportunities to live in a home, taking care of seniors, and homeless, and to me, that's what mayors are all about."