By Ilan Graff, UCSM Intern
June 23, 2003

On Saturday June 7, Conference Vice President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner recognized Mayor Joe Griffo for his years of dedicated service to the city of Rome (NY). Garner expressed appreciation for all that Griffo had accomplished during his three terms of service, and in particular for his role as an active member of the USCM. His tenure with the U.S. Conference has included a stint on the advisory board, membership on the homeland security task force, and co-chairmanship of the Mayor's Council on Amtrak. Griffo has also served as the President of the New York State Conference of Mayors.

"We don't want you to forget," Garner urged Griffo as he presented him with an honorary plaque at the morning plenary session, "once a mayor always a mayor." Griffo gratefully acknowledged Vice-President Garner, the gathered mayors, and the USCM. "We [mayors] confront a myriad of challenges and we also face great opportunities," Griffo observed, "and while at times it's been very frustrating and always demanding, it's always been exhilarating and meaningful." Griffo was to be sworn in as Oneida County's interim county executive on June 16.