Mayors Oppose Attack on Iran, Cite Effect of War on Cities

"The resolution's initial sponsor was Mayor Bob Kiss of Burlington, Vermont. 'Cities across the US are already paying a high price for war with thousands of servicemen and women killed and wounded and other resources diverted away from important national priorities like infrastructure, education, housing and human needs,' said Mayor Kiss. 'Our experience in Iraq makes it even more critical to pursue diplomacy with Iran - talks anytime, anywhere.'

The mayors brought the resolution to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that was held in Miami from June 20-23. Unfortunately, it was tabled for another year when a small group of mayors voiced opposition. Some said it sounded disrespectful to the troops, others said it was just too controversial and they did not want to see a rerun of the divisive debate the year before when a resolution against the war in Iraq was put forth.

Undeterred, the mayors and their supporters used the Conference to gather more support and vowed to continue the campaign. The goal is to get 100 mayors from across the country on board, and then, in September, descend on Washington DC to deliver the resolution to Congress and the White House."