March 1, 2004

Roll Call, a newspaper covering Capitol Hill, reported in its February 24 edition that Charoltte (NC) Mayor Patrick McCory is a possible candidate for Congress if Rep. Sue Myrick, a former Charlotte mayor, is a candidate for Senator or Governor.

McCory is in his fourth term as mayor of the state's largest metropolitan area, only the third person in state history to hold that office for that long.

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez supported a proposal to require a bittering agent in antifreeze, sold in his city. The measure, believed to be the first passed by an American city, is designed to protect pets and children from antifreeze poisoning. Chavez says the poison is readily available. The city council — approved ordinance would grant an exemption until January 1, 2005, for antifreeze already in possession of retailers and auto-repair business.

Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz and his efforts to restore confidence in his city is the feature of a laudatory article in the January issue of Governing magazine.

Stating that Miami now answers to a "business beat", the article documents Diaz's actions in bringing a new management team in helping Miami's recovery.

Recently, the city was host last November during the "potentially explosive" meeting of the 34 — nation Free Trade Area of the Americans. The city handled the demonstrations with aplomb, boosting prospects to be the FTAA's ultimate headquarters.

Diaz won election in 2001, and has named Joe Arriola, marketing and printing magnate, as new city manager.

Former Miami Beach Mayor Neisen Kasdia, who headed his city from 1997 to 2001, is quoted in the article as saying Miami now has a "cohesive leadership team" that works well together and puts the interest of the city first.