
Mayors Gather to Talk Tough Times, Sticking With It
LENOX, Mass. — More than 20 mayors and representatives from around the state gathered at Cranwell Resort beginning Wednesday for the annual Massachusetts Mayors Association Conference. But if they were hoping for good news on the fiscal front, they were sadly disappointed.
Lt. Governor Timothy Murray addressed the municipal executives in a private meeting on Thursday morning. The dialogue was aimed at preparing cities for more tough times ahead as well as informing them of the ever-changing budget news from Washington, D.C.
Picking and choosing what to support and what to put on the backburner is a tough decision to make during a recession. Patricia Mikes, director of communications for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said mayors and town officials are throwing their hands up and opting out of public roles.
"I think we're seeing a big turnover at town and city levels," she said. "The fiscal struggles and less state aid for towns, plus the enormity of health insurance increases is overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Also, in times like these, residents have a lot of opinions and they are posting their opinions in blogs and cyberspace and they're faceless, so that even if they wanted to, officials can't respond. The last three years have been particularly hard for mayors."
Hardship aside, Mikes said the MMA wanted to ensure that mayors have the proper training and information, even as they run their cities from their Blackberries as the conference goes on.Mayor Setti Warren of Newton was among those in attendance and instead of opting out, he's looking to take on more civic responsibilities. The Democrat announced on Monday that he will challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown next year.
Warren said his role as mayor has prepared him for the challenges of the Senate.
"Being a mayor actually offers me a unique perspective," Warren said. "I understand how government impacts people's lives. I've done two budgets and I'm also an Iraq War veteran. I have a perspective on the importance of defense and the importance of the Defense Department in being cost effective and bringing our troops home. American families are still hurting and one of my primary objectives is job creation and expanding the job market, especially in renewable energy and biotechnology."
Warren said Brown, in addition to not providing an "independent voice" to the Senate has also slashed funding that is needed for Pell Grants and Head Start programs across the state.
"We need the kind of education and training that will come with these new jobs," he said. "Believe it or not, that education starts very early. I was visiting a Head Start program in Brockton and the kids were just 4 and 5 years old but they were already at an advanced level. They are ready to learn and absorb even at this young age. We have to support that if we want to be successful."
In addition to Murray's appearance, Don Borut, executive director for the National League of Cities, will also be at Cranwell to instruct mayors on any changes to campaign statutes which they will need to know for the upcoming election year.
The conference continues through Friday.
