Mayor Palmer: Republican's Misplaced Priorities Hurt American Cities
The DNC's Podcast hosted Mayor Doug Palmer of Trenton, New Jersey, President of the National Council of Democratic Mayors, who participated in the DNC's annual Mayors' Conference this week. The conference is part of Chairman Dean's ongoing efforts to reach out to Democratic leaders across the country to create a unified Democratic Party. The DNC is working with Democratic officeholders at all levels, from Mayors to Governors and members of Congress, to extend the party's organizational reach and get-out-the-vote capacity for 2006 and beyond.
During his interview, Mayor Palmer explained how the Bush Administration and the Republican Congress's misplaced budget priorities are hurting America's cities.
"When you look at the massive tax cuts that they're giving the super rich, the effect that it has on the deficit, our tremendous deficit, our debt ceiling continues to grow, and our great grandchildren are going to be paying for this. And as a result of these tax cuts and tax breaks for the rich, the domestic priorities continue to get smaller and smaller," said Palmer.
Mayor Palmer also contrasted the leadership of President Bush and former President Clinton.
"Look at the COPS program that was very successful, a program that mayors and police chiefs, under the leadership of President Clinton, that was put forward to make our cities safer. You see what happens now, at a time when we see the increase of gangs and gun violence in the cities and suburban areas, the COPS program was cut 79% in the President's budget. These are misplaced priorities. We have to keep American citizens safe in our cities and suburban areas and help grow our economy. [President Bush's] priorities are out of whack."
To listen to the audio, click here.
The DNC's Podcast, an audio broadcast that listeners can download for play on portable music devices or on computers, gives listeners a chance to regularly hear from party leaders, newsmakers, strategists, policy makers, and the grassroots of the Democratic Party.
