MIAMI MAYOR MANNY DIAZ CALLS ON PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO ADDRESS LOCAL ISSUES

 

-Urges them to “view their role as Mayor of the United States” -

 

October 12, 2004 - (TEMPE, AZ) - Miami Mayor Manny Diaz (I) joined other elected county and city officials today to call on the presidential candidates to focus on issues of domestic importance that affect America’s cities and metropolitan economies.

 

“If all politics is local, we have just heard from local leaders who are frustrated with the lack of attention to local issues,” said Mayor Diaz. “We don’t want to see a repeat of the Miami debate where in 90 minutes, not one second was devoted to our neighbors in this hemisphere, especially in a city with 62% foreign born residents.”

 

At a news conference overlooking the site of the final debate at Arizona State University, elected officials representing Republicans, Democrats and Independents, said the time had come for the candidates to tell the American people where they stand.

 

While metropolitan areas are the combined economic engine that drive the nation’s economies, very little focus has been placed by either candidate on issues of local importance. The United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and National Association of Counties all joined in Tempe to call upon the candidates to devote more time and attention to issues of local importance.

 

Mayor Diaz also spoke about the work of local elected officials to create a climate for economic prosperity while having to face federal issues over which they have little or no control.

 

“What good is it for me to create more jobs if people can’t afford to drive to work, or make it easier for small businesses to flourish if they can’t pay health insurance?” asked Mayor Diaz. “While they continue their quest for the most powerful position in the world, we need and want someone that will also view his role as Mayor of the United States.”

 

Mayor Diaz serves as trustee of the United States Conference of Mayors, and was elected to office in 2001 to serve a four-year term. During his tenure, Mayor Diaz has overseen the largest economic upturn in Miami’s history, increasing the city’s bond rating to A+, solidifying city finances, and improving the overall quality of life for Miami residents.

 

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