December 20, 2010

Philadelphia

Conference of Mayors Second Vice President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu and other members of the newly created Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (ERAC) November 30 for its inaugural meeting in Washington (DC). As the committee's only elected official, Nutter and other members will advise and work directly with Chu on energy efficiency and renewable energy issues, including input on the Energy Department's long-range plans, priorities and strategies.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has been named the second best mayor in the world by a group based in London.

The World Mayor Project recognizes top mayors each year. Cornett won second in this year's competition behind Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. Cornett was the top placing U.S. mayor and one of only two in the group's top 10.

Cornett said the award is more about the city's progress than him. "It's more embarrassing than anything else to the extent that the award seems to be about one person," Cornett said. "I think it's an acknowledgment of Oklahoma City's progression. The citizens should feel good about it."

In explaining why Cornett placed second and won a World Mayor Commendation for services to his city, the group credited Cornett for the city's recent economic success.

Louisville Mayor Jerry E. Abramson was honored by Partners for Livable Communities at an event on December 7 in Washington (DC). Abramson was presented the Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award for his "21 years of visionary leadership and devotion to the social and economic wellbeing of Louisville, Kentucky."

Laredo (TX) Mayor Raul Salinas camped out on the roof of HEBplus! building on December 14 to help collect blankets, scarves, hats, gloves and other items for Laredo's elderly. All items will be donated to Laredo Organized Volunteers for the Elderly and Disadvantaged, a local non-profit organization that assists the elderly year-round. "Warm your heart and help me keep our ancianitos warm at the same time by donating to this very worthy cause," Salinas said. "The elderly feel the cold much deeper than we do; this will help them find warmth and joy this Christmas winter." Salinas will camp out on the roof for three days, and has camped on rooftops every Christmas season for 18 years.

Arlington (TX) Mayor Robert Cluck, mayor for the hometown of the Texas Rangers, made good on his friendly World Series wager with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on December 15, flying to San Francisco to pose with Newsom and the World Series trophy at city hall.

"Sorry to do this to you," Newsom, a die-hard Giants fan, told Cluck as he led him up to the trophy and a bank of cameras, "but I-m going to enjoy this," according to a press report.

Cluck also put on a Giants jersey and coached a youth baseball team in the city's Bayview district against a team coached by Newsom.

"I don-t know how he survives this politically," Newsom joked as he watched Cluck put on his jersey.

"It's not going to be permanent," Cluck said with a chuckle. "It was a fair bet. I lost, and I still win, because I get to come to San Francisco to do some community service."