By Judy Sheahan
September 9, 2002

The U.S. Conference of Mayors- delegation, consisting of Conference of Mayors Vice President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner, mayoral delegation leader Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, and Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle sponsored a reception for the World's mayors on Thursday, August 29. Over 60 mayors and deputy mayors from around the world attended the event.

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors has been to Germany, France, Italy, and China," Garner said, "and it does not matter where you are from to learn from one another regarding how you can improve your own community."

Mayor Clavelle talked about how mayors and the world should recognize the anniversary of September 11 with defiance and strong conviction to make their communities vibrant. "We cannot live in fear but be bold in our actions to improve our communities and make them stronger and healthier," Clavelle said.

Mayor Brown expressed local government's commitment to take on the challenges of improving the environment and to push the national agenda on climate protection and renewable energy.

"I have called on the United States to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol and to pledge a commitment of $50 billion for renewable energy," Brown said. "We need to act now to improve the environment," he added.

Mayor Garner invited the mayors to attend the next International Conference of Mayors meeting to be held in Denver on June 6 in conjunction with the Conference of Mayors- Annual Meeting. The mayors expressed enthusiasm with continuing a mayoral dialogue at a future event.