By Debra DeHaney-Howard
July 1, 2002

Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer and Conference of Mayor's Executive Director J. Thomas Cochran welcomed over twenty-five mayors to the new mayors' orientation session at the 70th Annual Meeting in Madison and encouraged them to become active members of the organization, "your voice in Washington."

Palmer, who serves as chair of the Conference's Membership Standing Committee, told the mayors "One of the most valuable things about this organization for me has been the opportunity to share and exchange ideas and Best Practices with my fellow mayors."

In addition to touting the many benefits of the organization, Palmer said, "As a member of this esteemed organization, I can truly say that this organization has afforded me the opportunity to bring greater federal resources to my city. With the networking forum that the Conference provides, I have met cabinet and congressional leaders alike."

Conference of Mayor's Executive Director J.Thomas Cochran who provided the participants with an overview of the organization, acquainted them with the five-day meeting agenda, and reviewed the top issues that were to be debated at the meeting also joined Palmer.

"As an active member, you'll have the chance to have direct involvement in shaping national policy on issues such as homeland security, the Community Development Block Grant Program, local law enforcement program, funding for local parks and recreation, and increased capital funds for improvements for local airports and transit systems," said Cochran.

The Conference established the new mayor's session some time ago in response to mayors' desire to become quickly acquainted with the organization. The orientation is one part of an effort to involve new mayors in the organization as quickly and seamless as possible. Other efforts include the "buddy system," a program where veteran mayors are paired with new mayors during the meeting.