November 17, 2003

Former Alexandria (VA) Mayor Kerry J. Donley has been asked by Virginia's Democratic Governor Mark R. Warner to serve as the next chairman of Virginia's Democratic party. Donley, 47, is currently a vice president at Virginia Commerce Bank and stepped down from his position in June after seven years in office. Prior to that, he was on the city council for eight years. Donley supported and campaigned for present Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, a Democrat, who was elected May 6, 2003. He is the first African American mayor of the city in 161 years.

Fort Wayne (IN) Mayor Graham Richard has announced a new initiative designed to set up a human nutrition hub in Fort Wayne. An October 31 city hall press release said the mayor's new public-private initiative was worked out between the city and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.

Incorporated as Nuticore, the National Center of Excellence, will bring together experts in the food science industry to coordinated research efforts.

Also in the works are plans to apply for a grant from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Organization to support a major program on childhood obesity with Purdue, Ball State, Indiana Medical school and Notre Dame.

Puerto Rico has 78 "municipios" and, thus, 78 mayors from either the Island's pro-Commonwealth Party or pro'statehood Party.

Under the heading of "Good Government" in an October 23 edition of Caribbean Business, the Island's premier business publication, featured six mayors (three from each party) crediting them to delivering improved services to their constituents. Each featured mayor had an extensive profile and history in the publication.

Popular Democratic Party (pro-Commonwealth) mayors featured were Carolina's Jose Aponte, Ponce's Rafael Cordero, and Caguas' William Miranda Marin. New Progressive Party (pro-statehood) mayors in the front page photo were Fajardo's Anibal Melendez, Bayamon's Ramon Luis Rivera and Guaynabo's Hector O'Neill.

As the Island readies for 2004 elections in November, present Governor Sila Calderon, former San Juan Mayor, recently announced she would not stand for re-election.

Fresno's Autry Decides Not to Run for Re-election

Fresno (CA) Mayor Alan Autry has decided not to run for a second term in November 2004. His decision was based on personal, not political, reasons. Autry felt he needed to spend more time with his family and make sure his production company got back into a more pro-active business role. He has been a very active and vocal supporter of education improvement and reform in Fresno and nationally. Currently, he is serving on the transition team for Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Former L.A. Mayor Tapped as California Secretary of Education

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has been selected by Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger to be the new California Secretary of Education. While mayor, he took a very active role in improving the Los Angeles Unified School District including be a part of the selection of former Colorado Governor Roy Romer to be the school system's superintendent. Riordan has been a strong advocate for using technology in schools and firmly believes that mayors have a role as leaders in local education.