Washington, DC
September 14, 2012

The two national conventions brought opportunity for both Republican and Democratic mayors to push our Build A Better America agenda forward.

In Tampa, Conference of Mayors Vice President Mesa Mayor Scott Smith hit every news agency, both in Spanish and English. Mayor Smith emphasized to delegates assembled that our metro-mayors are leading the way working with their business community to strengthen their metro economies and thus strengthening the national economy during the great recession. Mayor Smith’s message, Build A Better America, reminded all sectors of his party that there are still federal infrastructure investments that we cannot afford not to invest in if we are going to be competitive with other nations. Overall we were very pleased with the strong interest from all media to Mayor Scott Smith as he so effectively carries our message forward.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Chair of the Republican Mayors, addressed the Republican Convention. Mayor Scott Smith, as Vice President and I hosted a great dinner for all Republican Mayors at the famous Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida located in famous downtown Ybor City. We were pleased that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn came from his busy schedule to be with us.

In Charlotte, mayors dominated the convention proceedings and side events more so than any national political event in history. Conference President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was nonstop in carrying our message and presence forward.

Immediate Past President of The conference of Mayors Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa served as Permanent Chair of The Convention. San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro was the keynoter. And many mayors, including our President, Mayor Nutter addressed the delegates.”

At both conventions, we were very pleased with the two forums of Arts where we partnered with the Americans for the Arts. TV Star and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee led the arts forum at the historic Tampa Theatre. Mayor Scott Smith represented us as he told the story of how this new performing arts center is affecting the economic vitality of his city. In Charlotte, at our arts forum, we were fortunate to have Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, our Second Vice President to participate in The Americans for the Arts/US Conference of Mayors event. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright also participated. The discussion centered on investment in the arts and the economic benefit a thriving arts community provides for the metro economies of the nation.

Arianna Huffington led two of the best forums ever held at the national political conventions. “What is Working” in Tampa and Charlotte moderated by former NBC Anchor Tom Brokaw brought a new dimension to both conventions. Both forums were a powerhouse of show biz, foundations, mayors, and business leaders. Their theme while Washington is confused, the leadership to create jobs in our cities is happening. Ms. Huffington continues to be our champion for cities and mayors. She continues to highlight “What is Working” to build a better America. Her thrust is the identical focus we have been leading at The U.S. Conference of Mayors – USA Metro Mayors – Building A Better America. She is our friend and the partnership continues.

Now that the conventions are over, we are looking straight ahead to the first Presidential Debate – and the only debate dedicated to domestic policy – in Denver October 3.

As U.S.Mayor goes to press, we are focusing on the Presidential Debate in Denver, October 3. As the Presidential campaign goes forward, Republican and Democratic mayors are hoping that the debates will focus on the smart infrastructure investments that are essential to the future competitiveness of our nation.