By Guy F. Smith
July 16, 2007

During a Sunday evening June 25 celebration honoring Conference President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, the 65th President of the conference, eight past Conference of Mayors presidents took the stage to add their own historical presence to this special evening events at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The variety of individual policy leadership over the years of the eight past presidents attested to the scope and depth of these individuals who have served as presidents.

Palmer listed the accomplishments of the eight in his personal remarks. The highlights:

Conference President Long Beach (CA) Mayor Beverly O’Neill, 2005-2006, led the USCM response to provide support and relief to the Gulf Coast states following the devastation created by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. O’Neill also provided leadership in leading a mission to China during her tenure and on education policy and port security.

Akron (OH) Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic served as 2004-2005 President. Plusquellic, as Palmer noted, led the national lobbying effort to save the Community Development Block Grant program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a premier program of the Conference for 32 years. Said Palmer, “This was a huge effort. the loss of CDBG would have meant a loss of clout for the Conference in the nation’s capital and a major loss of critical resources for cities.”

Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner, President 2003-2004, fought for direct homeland security funding for cities following the tragic events of 9/11 and got President Bush to say he would “un'stick” money sent to states that was bottled up in the federal pipeline.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Mernino President 2002-2003, fought for expanded federal involvement in national housing policy, and to this day is still a recognized leader on affordable housing. In addition, Mernino led a national lobby day when mayors from across the country pressed their support of policy objectives in Congress and also was a host mayor for the annual conference in Boston.

Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb served as president 1999-2000. He was leader of the task force that helped pass the 1994 crime bill and helped make public schools a conference priority. He also established a “Wall of Death” to highlight the thousands killed by guns each year, and the urgent need for federal action on gun control legislation.

Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini was president 1998-1999. She helped convene a School Violence Summit with Attorney General Janet Reno following the Colorado Columbine shootings and called for national action on childhood obesity long before it took center stage as a prominent national issue.

Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke served as president 1997-1998. He led the national conference effort to elevate the issue of brownfields as policy of the federal government and as long time advocate on gun safety as mayor, now heads the Brady Center on gun violence in Washington (DC).

Louisville Mayor Jerry E. Abramson was President 1993-1994. He led a national campaign which saw Congressional passage of an unfunded mandate law and led the national campaign which resulted in the 1994 Crime law.

From 1987-1988, Kansas City Mayor Richard L. Berkley, as conference president led a USCM mission to Japan and also pushed for natural recognition of mayors as leaders in the 1988 Presidential campaign.

The first woman president of the Conference was Lincoln (NE) Mayor Helen G. Boosalis, 1981-1982. Booalis forced a national discussion on federalism and the relationship between cities and the federal government.