Help Save U.S. Conference of Mayors

The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be taking place in Providence this weekend without the participation of nearly a hundred Administration officials, including Vice President Joe Biden, who have pulled out in order "to avoid crossing the picket line of a local labor dispute."

The convention promised a welcome boost for local businesses and it would have generated national media attention. Most importantly, a White House visit offered the chance for our national leaders to see how Providence is on the front lines of the economic crisis and to make national policy part of our solution. It also offered us the chance to showcase some of our own innovative programs and initiatives that can and should serve as national models for other struggling cities.

The Providence Firefighters Union's picketing stance has changed that possibility.We are not seeking to take sides in this contract dispute. What we are doing is asking the firefighters to call off their picket of the conference this weekend so as to allow us and our city the opportunities we deserve.