About the Mayor

Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, reinforcing the value of education to students and her Minnesota Community, greeted students on the first day of school with an unusual surprise. The Mayor distributed dictionaries at the Sanford Middle School, pointing out that children should be armed with knowledge, not guns.

Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci is looking for a few experienced gondoliers. The Wall Street Journal September 9 edition reported on the Mayors efforts to spur tourism in Rhode Island's capital by using two authentic Venetian gondolas to ply the rivers in his city, and take passengers on scenic tours. The project has some problems since gondolas require special skills to operate but the mayor has plans for a permanent dock for the boats, and training programs for the gondoliers.

St. Louis Mayor Clarence Harmon has organized a local volunteer effort to prepare for the January visit of Pope John Paul II. The program, St. Louis In Action, will coordinate a massive effort for the Pope's visit, and bring international attention to the city.