By Larry Jones
August 9, 2004

Democratic mayors were highly visible during the four-day Democratic National Convention in Boston, July 26 — 29. In addition to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino serving as host to delegates and attendees, mayors served in key leadership roles, made committee reports, seconded the nomination of Senator John Kerry for President, and spoke out on a variety of topics.

Conference President Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic was one of eight mayors to address delegates and attendees during the convention. Speaking on behalf of the nation's mayors, Plusquellic told delegates on July 27 that while people are moving back to cities in record numbers, many cities are losing good paying jobs to support these residents. Citing the latest report on metro economies, he said the nation has lost over three million good paying jobs during the recent recession. "Now during this slow recovery, we are regaining jobs, but many of them are lower paying jobs with no health benefits," he said.

On a personal note, Plusquellic told delegates that in his home state of Ohio, "a battleground state" in the presidential election, "We-ve lost good paying manufacturing jobs at an alarming rate. Our people are suffering and our cities are feeling their loss. That is why we must invest in cities and metro economies, and we must create good jobs that stay here in this country."

Plusquellic also pointed out that the nation's infrastructure is in a dismal state with bridges in danger of collapsing and overly congested roads and highways, which cause millions of hours of lost productivity. "While we-re rebuilding Baghdad, let's also rebuild Boston, Atlanta, Cleveland and every other city in between," he said. Further, he commented "by investing in cities and metro areas, we can create jobs, promote small business development, and create hope and opportunity for millions of Americans."

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley spoke to delegates on July 28 about the threat of terrorism and the need for federal support. Three years after the 9/11 terrorists attacks, O'Malley explained, "America's cities and towns, America's ports and borders, and America's heartland remain needlessly vulnerable." He further pointed out that firefighters and police officers from New York to Los Angeles, and from St. Louis to Miami still lack the funds and the protective gear they need to protect families and save American lives. "We need a president who will stand with our cities, with our fire fighters, with our police officers, and with our families. We need a president who will make America strong at Home," he said.

President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer addressed delegates on July 26. Commenting on the economy and homeland security, he said mayors across the nation "keep telling me how their best efforts are being thwarted by a faltering national economy and failed national policies." He explained that cities have been hurt by tax incentives that encourage corporations to export American jobs but not American products. Citing a recent Conference survey, he said, "Half our nation's cities have not received any assistance from the federal government to protect their people against another terrorist attack. We not only need homeland security, we need hometown security."

Other mayors speaking at the Democratic National Convention included Menino, who welcomed convention delegates to the host city; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who served as co-chair of the Credentials Committee and provided delegates a report of the committee on July 26; Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, who seconded the nomination of Senator John Kerry as President on July 28, Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick and Toledo Mayor Jack Ford who addressed delegates on July 28 and July 29 respectively.