By Matthew Roman, USCM Intern
July 12, 2004

Before the vote on the numerous arts resolutions before the Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee, the mayors heard from a few public and private officials on programs that might benefit their communities. Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, Chair of the Committee, moderated the discussions and introduced each presenter.

The presentation was made by Paul Cothran, the executive director of the non-profit "VH1 Save the Music Foundation." In his speech, Cothran focused on the importance of music education in the schools, beginning as early as elementary school. He asked for the support of the mayors to implement the program in their respective cities, in which the foundation would provide money to be used for the hiring of music educators.

In the second presentation, Vice President of Governmental Affairs Nina Ozlu talked about how Americans for the Arts has the ability and is willing to do the research to find out the number of artistic industries in an area and represent it graphically. She talked about how important art is to revitalize communities.

Thirdly, Michael Mohamad Senior Vice President for Marketing, The History Channel, gave remarks about the "Save Our History" program. The program has now joined forces with Laura Bush's "Preserve America" to preserve historical sites around the country, the first ever profit organization to get PSA's from the First Lady. The main purpose of the program is to get students involved in preserving historical sites so that the past can continue being taught to the future of America, and they asked for support from the mayors in continuing their fight.

The last presentation was given by Michelle Holcomb, a vice president of public affairs for the Coca-Cola Enterprises Bottling Company, Florida Division. Holcomb addressed the increase in obese individuals among Americans and about ways Coca-Cola is fighting this increase with physical activity, nutritional education and youth groups.

Following the presentations, the mayors discussed and voted upon the resolutions.

Resolution 1 talks about the importance of creative industries in our local economies and encourages their growth.

Resolution 2 calls upon mayors to celebrate October 2004 as National Arts and Humanities Month.

Resolution 3 calls for the creation of a Secretary of Arts, Culture and Tourism similar to national ministerial positions in other countries.

Resolution 4 supports the passage of The Great Outdoors Act that encourages physical activity and recreation programs at the local level.

Resolution 15 supports local leadership efforts in obesity and overweight prevention.

Resolution 35 supports community-based after school and out-of-school programs.

Resolution 82 calls for full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR).