<b><i>GET ON WITH IT:</i> Mayors Push Congress For Quick Resolution To Clinton Proceedings; Urge Fast Return To Issues Vital To Cities</b>
For Immediate Release
GET ON WITH IT: Mayors Push Congress For Quick Resolution To Clinton Proceedings; Urge Fast Return To Issues Vital To Cities
Salt Lake City (September 29, 1998) -- After gathering signatures here during the Summer Leadership Conference of the United States Conference of Mayors, a bi-partisan group of 41 mayors from cities large and small today delivered a letter to Congressional leaders, urging them to "move quickly to closure" on proceedings related to President Clinton and swiftly resume their focus on matters important to American cities.
"It is essential that we move forward on the issues facing us in urban and suburban America," the letter said, naming "drugs, crime, schools, housing, economic development, welfare-to-work, empowerment zones, summer youth jobs and many others."
"We do not believe prolonged and excessive hearings on these issues serve the nation," the letter added. "We want to get back to business and can only do so if the Congress does."
The letter was hand-delivered early this morning to Congressman Henry Hyde, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.
The six-paragraph letter was developed and circulated during the Conference's Leadership gathering, held late last week in Salt Lake City. Signatories were comprised of mayors, both Democrats and Republicans, ranging from Boston, MA to Long Beach, CA, and included the mayors of Minneapolis, Portland (Oregon), St. Louis, Dallas, Denver, Tulsa, Boise, Reno and New Orleans, among 31others from every quadrant of the United States.
The letter was also signed by Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini, who is the president of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Tom Cochran, the organization's executive director.
Far from condoning the President's behavior in the current controversy involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, the mayors said in their letter that they "deplore the actions taken by the President," and that they "regret particularly that this kind of discussion is presented daily to our nation's children." The letter also takes no position on whether legal, impeachment, censure or other proceedings should or should not continue against Mr. Clinton. Rather, it says in essence, whatever is done, do it fast.
"We implore you to conclude this process promptly and proceed with the critical issues before the Congress," the letter concludes. "You will have our strong support and that of the American people for this course."
Contact: Rob DeRocker or Melissa Rossi Wood, DCI, 212-725-0707.
The United States Conference of Mayors
J. Thomas Cochran, Executive Director
1620 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 293-7330, FAX (202) 293-2352
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