By Dana Bykowski
June 23, 2003

Governor Howard Dean hammered home the issues he considers central to his campaign: a balanced federal budget accomplished with health insurance for every American, increased support for education, investment in infrastructure, and the creation of new jobs when he spoke to the nation's mayors on during a plenary luncheon at the 71st Annual Conference of Mayors Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Upon receiving a warm welcome from the mayors, Dean called for the repeal of the Bush tax cuts, cautioning roughly 180 mayors that these tax cuts are hardly a stimulus package. They are creating deficits that soak up capital, divert money from the private sector and will make the economic situation worse, especially at the local level. Dean also declared, as President, he would repeal every dime of President Bush's tax cuts.

"The tax cuts are going to the wrong people. They aren't helping to balance the budget," said Governor Dean.

Appealing to a bi-partisan group of mayors, Dean called for an end to unfunded mandates. Dean was well aware of the concerns mayors raised at the Conference about proper funding from the federal government for homeland security and first responders at the local level. He proposed a funding program to repair the country's most dilapidated schools. The government would provide a bridge loan during renovation for three years, and then pay the school district 30 percent of the cost of the renovations.

"The Dean Administration, the Democratic Party would reclaim the mantle of fiscal responsibility," said the former Governor.

As a former governor, Dean has actually dealt with these issues at the local and state level, making decisions on allocation of funds and prioritizing various homeland security programs in his state. Dean emphasized that effective homeland security begins at the local level where individual citizens, local jurisdictions, police forces, and medical professionals are empowered with the resources and information necessary to protect the homeland.

"Under the Dean administration, every program will be fully funded, or I will get rid of it," said Dean.

Dean, who has been one of the most vocal opponents of the war against Iraq, also criticized the president for creating a hostile international climate, and said that he would pursue a foreign policy based on "cooperation not confrontation". Dean did acknowledge, however, that he thought President Bush was making progress in brokering peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and commended the President for America's involvement in the peace process. Dean believes that the US should remain committed to ensuring Israel's defense and security and to helping it maintain its military advantage in the region in order to help Israel take risks associated with peacemaking. Dean believes the Administration must hold up their promises made to both the Iraqi and American people before the war, and create a world after the war that is safer, more democratic, and more united in winning the larger struggle against terrorism and the forces that breed it.

Dean is described as fiscally conservative and liberal on social issues. During his time as the governor of Vermont, Dean cut the income tax twice, removed the sales tax on most clothing, and reduced the state's long-term debt. Governor Dean asked for the Mayors support and guidance throughout his presidential campaign, noting that their support was critical to his victory. Dean is one of nine candidates currently vying for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.