By Larry Jones
October 13, 2008

Leaders of the “Big 7” state and local government organizations met September 29 in Philadelphia, the birth place of our national government, to call attention the importance of a strong partnership between the federal, state and local governments in addressing critical national issues, such as crime, a deteriorating infrastructure, energy conservation and climate protection.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Immediate Past President Trenton (NJ) Mayor Douglas H. Palmer explained, “When we examine the critical issues facing our citizens today, it is easy to see that many of them can not be dealt with effectively by any one level of government.”

State and local leaders issued a joint statement at the press conference pointing out that, “As a new administration begins, it is important to recognize that the foundation of this partnership must be developed early and continuously nurtured and strengthened.” Letters signed by the presidents of the Big 7 organizations were sent to Illinois Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic Party’s nominee for President and Arizona Senator John McCain, the Republican Party’s nominee asking them to commit to two main guiding principles.

First, they were asked to consult and cooperate with state and local leaders, who know best the effect of national policies and programs on the delivery of services to citizens in their areas. Second they encouraged the next Administration to promote innovation at the state and local level by providing state and local leaders maximum flexibility to implement national policies and programs.

Joining Palmer at the press conference were: Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who welcomed Big 7 leaders to the city; Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, chair of the National Governors Association; Delaware State Representative Donna D. Stone, immediate past president, National Conference of State Legislatures; Connecticut State Representative Bob Godfrey, co-vice chair of the intergovernmental affairs committee, Council of State Governments; Maricopa County (AZ) Board of Supervisors Chair Don Stapley, president, National Association of Counties; Northglen (CO) Mayor Kathleen Novak, first vice president, National League of Cities; and Highland Park (IL) City Manager David M. Limardi, president, International City/County Management Association.

To demonstrate commitment to strengthening the intergovernmental partnership and ensuring a productive relationship among the federal, state and local levels of government, state and local leaders called on the next Administration to take the following actions within 60 days of taking office:

• Reaffirm Executive Order 13132, a long standing order that directs executive departments and agencies to consult with state and local governments in developing and implementing federal policies;

• Establish an Office of Intergovernmental Affairs within the White House to serve as a conduit between the President and state and local leaders; and

• Meet with members of the Big 7 state and local organizations to discuss how best to develop a strong partnership to address national policy.