Diaz: Feds 'have abandoned' cities

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Miami Herald

Posted on Tue, Jun. 24, 2008
Diaz: Feds 'have abandoned' cities
By MICHAEL VASQUEZ

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, anointed leader of the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Monday, used his first address as president to blast the federal government's commitment to America's cities.
''It's plain and simple -- they have abandoned us,'' Diaz said to the hundreds of mayors gathered for his induction ceremony. ``They engage in endless debate and partisan bickering, while people throughout this country suffer.''

Diaz cited federal budget cuts in housing, education, and crime-fighting as proof of Washington's failure to invest in cities.

But with a national election looming, Diaz said mayors have a chance to demand a greater commitment from the next president.

Forging ties with both major candidates seeking the White House will be ''priority number one'' as he assumes the new national post, Diaz said in an interview.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/580724.html

[Ken Burch]

1. Er...why "anointed leader"? Did they do some sort of ritual?

If so, who did they sacrifice?:yoiks: