By Debra DeHaney-Howard
October 12, 2009

Conference CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran addressed more than 800 members participating in the 96th Annual Conference of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) in Chicago, urging them to press their Congressional delegation to pass federal energy and climate legislation that includes multi-year funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

In his September 26 remarks at the closing luncheon session, Cochran praised Conference of Mayors Board Members Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder and others for their strong leadership on the energy block grant. “Through Mayors Daley, Mulder, Davlin, and the hard work of many of you in this room, we now have money going directly to cities that will enable them to create the kind of energy efficiency we want in our cities,” Cochran said.

“The energy block grant, which was conceived by the Conference, will not only help transform America’s cities, but is a critical part of any successful national effort to reduce energy use and carbon emissions,” said Cochran.

Pledging to continue the strong relationship between the Conference and IML, whose September 24-26 meeting was the largest gathering in the organization’s history, Cochran noted that there are a number of issues the two organizations can work on, including securing continued funding for the EECBG program. “We need your help in getting the energy block granted funded in the cap and trade legislation currently making its way through the Senate,” Cochran said.

Cochran also said that their help is needed on other key priorities such as addressing the impact of the recession on cities, rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, and continued funding for the Community Development Block Grant program.

In introducing Cochran at the session, IML President Cape May O’Fallon Mayor Gary L. Graham said, “He is a tremendous asset to us.”

Speaking to the economic conditions of American cities, Daley said, “Despite what the federal government says, the economic recession is not over and that all mayors are feeling the effect of it…the recession not only impacts businesses but it also impacts people’s lives.” He explained, “The challenges we face today are greater than ever – this is the worst economic recession in modern times. But, even though we’re facing difficult times, I am confident we will get through them and that country will emerge stronger for it, just as we always have.”

Noting the impacts of the recession on Chicago, Daley said, “It hasn’t been easy but without the city’s ongoing efforts to cut spending and improve management, things would be far worse today even with the cuts in spending that have been and will continue to be aggressively implemented.” Daley also told his colleagues that he and the city’s top managers had already agreed to take 15 unpaid furlough days this year.

Before leaving for Copenhagen to campaign for Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Daley thanked mayors across the country for supporting Chicago’s efforts to win the 2016 Summer Games. “Hosting the Olympics will be a great way to showcase Chicago and our country,” he said.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn addressed the delegates, stressing how his budget addresses the key issue priorities of his Administration, including energy, public pension reform, creating new jobs, education, and public safety, despite unprecedented declines in state revenues.

In discussing the nation’s energy challenges, he said, “Challenge of our lifetime is to do things a sustainable way.” Citing the need to more efficient, he said these changes will mean that we are “not dependent on petro dictators.”

“I believe if we work together, we will come through this turbulent time and come out stronger,” he said. Referencing his predecessor, former Governor Rob Blagojevich, the first governor in Illinois history to be removed from office, Quinn promised to “restore integrity back into the government.” He then added, “Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the only policy and it’s my policy.”

At the conclusion of the two-day conference, a new slate of officers for 2009-2010 was sworn in. Springfield (IL) Mayor Timothy J. Davlin was sworn in as President, taking the gavel from outgoing President Cape May O’Fallon Mayor Gary L. Graham. Also assuming office was Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder as 1st Vice President. Notably, Mulder serves as a Trustee for the Conference of Mayors.