City of Mesa News Article
Mayor Scott Smith joins White House call on national budget
By: Melissa Randazzo
07/11/11 3:25 PM

Office of the Mayor
For Immediate Release: July 11, 2011
Contact: Melissa Randazzo
Public Information and Communications Specialist
480.644.3219
melissa.randazzo@mesaaz.gov

Today, Mayor Scott Smith participated in a conference call with President Barack Obama and top White House economic officials to discuss ongoing budget negotiations. The call was arranged by U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and included a select group of mayors.

In his remarks the President stressed to the mayors the importance of increasing the debt ceiling and asked them to help him achieve a balanced approach that would include both spending cuts now and revenue adjustments starting in 2013. After the President spoke, the mayors were able to ask questions and give input. During this portion of the call, Mayor Smith emphasized the necessity of reaching an agreement that brings certainty and stability to the nation’s financial situation.

“I appreciate the President speaking directly to the mayors and laying out his thoughts on how this serious issue can be settled,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “We need to get this issue resolved soon. The uncertainty in Washington is stifling investment on Main Street. Mayors want to get on with the work of fixing the economy and creating jobs, and we are willing to help however we can.”
Mayor Smith was recently elected to USCM Second Vice President and will be the organization’s president in 2013.

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