By Judy Sheahan
June 27, 2005

Representative Michael R. Turner (OH) was presented The United States Conference of Mayors 2005 National Legislative Leadership Award for his efforts in working to save the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program at the June 11 opening Plenary Session at the 73rd Annual Conference of Mayors Meeting.

Turner, former mayor of Dayton, said, "The fight over CDBG is not over, we still have much more to do." Turner outlined the next three critical steps including House Appropriations, Senate Appropriations and the Conference Committee. "Every item throughout that process will be scrutinized," Turned warned. "It is a tough time for cities and a bad time to cut CDBG."

Turner outlined other legislative priorities including double taxation on dividends which he said will hurt low income housing tax credits. "My advice is to sit down with members of Congress and explain how this works," Turner said. "Make them a fan of CDBG and other city programs," he added.

Turner is Chair of House Speaker Dennis Hastert's Saving America's Cities Working Group. Turner told the mayors that Hastert has established a National Advisory Council, which will advise the Working Group. The Advisory Council is made up of some of the Conference's past presidents, including Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, former mayor of New Orleans. Other dignitaries include former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former HUD Secretary Jack Kemp, former House member J.C. Watts, and Cincinnati City Manager Valerie Lemmie.

Turner also announced the formation of a mayors caucus in the House within the next few weeks. According to Turner, the purpose of the caucus is to be able to mobilize on city issues quickly and efficiently.

"It is time for the next generation of ideas for cities," Turner said. "Mayors are like CEOs: they just want to run their cities in a nonpartisan nature. We need to harness a bipartisan in Congress effort to help you accomplish your goals," he added.