The nation's mayors send their ideas for Obama

South Carolina

Columbia, SC
Pop. 116,278
Bob Coble, mayor
1. Make alternate energy the centerpiece of his energy policy. Specifically, I would like to see hydrogen research funded at a higher level. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be used as a fuel directly or in hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen could free us from Middle East oil, reduce pollution and carbon emissions, and be the start of a new green economy.
2. I would like to see funding of police officers and security cameras be a national priority. Crime is increasing across the United States with the falling economy, and there is a great need for federal resources to combat crime. More officers and a national commitment to security cameras would have an immediate impact on reducing crime in our communities.

Hardeeville, SC
Pop. 2,700
Bronco Bostick, mayor
1. Education: Relevant to my small town, I would like for President-elect Obama to address and rectify the No Child Left Behind Act. Our schools and library, like many throughout the nation, are underfunded. I would like the president-elect to push more funding into rural and inner-city schools, ensuring that these children are not at a disadvantage because of their geographical location. I would also like to see more grants given by the government to libraries to foster reading and research.
2. Economy: In a town where many Joes can not afford the luxury of a six pack, I would like President-elect Obama to work hard toward solving the economic crisis. My town consists of many small-business owners who are concerned about the health care policies he will enforce. I would like him to address their fears. I would like to see programs that will help, not hinder, their businesses.

Spartanburg, SC
Pop. 39,673
William Barnet III, mayor
1. Financial crisis: Need stability and banks to be in position to fund small business and residential needs. All about confidence in the system and people creating business expansion and thus job creation.
2. Infrastructure. Funding projects that will reduce unemployement and stabilize the pressure on families and wage earners. Allow people to avoid foreclosure and rebuild our roads and bridges and infrastructure needs.

South Dakota

Brookings, SD
Pop. 18,504
Scott Munsterman, mayor
1. One thing I have learned from my experience as a local elected official is that government can play a big role in helping get things started through public and private partnerships. Many times it only takes a little seed money in the form of a grant to help initiate a greater movement in a local community. As an example, Brookings was the recipient of a grant for a downtown renovation project. In light of the federal deficit, it is my hope the federal government will continue to provide grant support, even if small, to encourage community development, especially in our rural communities.
2. President Lincoln was instrumental in forming the land grant university system to help propel us into the agricultural economy almost 150 years ago. It is my opinion we must re-energize our efforts and reinvest in our land grant universities by investing in research, development and commercialization, to usher in the new economy.

Tennessee

Chattanooga, TN
Pop. 168,000
Ron Littlefield, mayor
1. Infrastructure. This includes streets, highways, high-speed rail transit, bridges and sewer systems. We must address the critical need to replace out-dated and inefficient roadways, bridges and sewer systems. High-speed rail transit needs to be discussed nationally as an environmentally conscious alternative to overcrowded roadways and airports. 2. Housing. We must increase access to affordable housing and provide for the increasing populations who are at risk of becoming homeless or are already homeless. Increased access to services that will address the reasons for homelessness must also be provided to ensure success in any housing effort.

Collierville, TN
Pop. 45,000
Linda Kerley, mayor
1. Federal aid to cities: Collierville has been one of the fastest-growing towns in Tenn. for quite some time, but in the last year we have seen a reduction in building permits (2007 permits 253, 2008 permits 77) due to the slowdown of sales in real estate. Our year-to-date number for 2007 for home sales was 830, and for 2008 is 603, a reduction of 27 percent. We are a progressive community with a priority on keeping the traditions of a town in place while growing into a city. The federal dollars that have been severely reduced to states has created a severe reduction (almost zero) to local municipalities. 2. My next question would be to ask President-elect Obama to select our former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. to serve  within his administration. Congressman Ford is a fine Southern gentleman who would serve loyally and be a wonderful representative for our country.

Cookeville, TN
Pop. 28,000
Sam Sallee, mayor
1. Much like during the Eisenhower era with the interstate highway system, I think it is time for the country’s leadership to rally and make big decisions that move this country in a sustainable direction. First, I recommend President-Elect Obama move forward unconditionally with a nationwide mass-transit system. This would reduce demand for foreign oil; create a substantial amount of high-paying construction jobs and long-term jobs which strengthens the nations economy; help protect our environment; and open greater opportunity for tourism. 2. I would regulate health insurance companies. Their profit margins are disproportionate, and people of all socioeconomic levels are feeling the pain of health insurance costs. Health care should be attainable to all, and regulating it might help companies keep jobs in America rather than offshoring. Good luck, President Obama. I’m here to help.

Crossville, TN
Pop. 10,433
Justice Henderson Graham III, mayor
Help us to right a wrong, to serve justice by proclaiming March 29, 2009, and every March 29th henceforth as Vietnam Veterans Day to gratefully acknowledge this special group of veterans. They were really never welcomed back home properly. I chose March 29 because, on March 29, 1973, the last 2,500 troups were withdrawn from South Vietnam, thus ending military involvement in what is now the longest war in our Country's history. It is time for all of us, in the spirit of pride and gratitude, to recall the heroic accomplishments of the men and women who survived and the 58,195 brave souls who fought and died. As President Kennedy said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces, but the ones it honors and the ones it remembers."

Franklin, TN
Pop. 60,000
John Schroer, mayor
Growth and infrastructure are our two biggest issues. However, I am not looking for President-Elect Obama to solve these problems. Coming from a predominantly Republican state and an overwhelming Republican city, we traditionally believe that less federal involvement the better. I believe his number one challenge, even more important than the economy, is to bring this country together. I have never before seen the divisiveness that affects this country. I think he has the unique ability to help bridge the gap. I pray that he understands his importance in this task and that he looks past the partisan politics and focuses on what is right. I have heard people who know him say that he is a man that is determined to do what is right for America, regardless of the politics involved. Our country needs that more than ever and I believe he has been called to do just that.

Memphis, TN
Pop. 650,100
Willie W. Herenton, mayor
Two issues I would like on President-elect Obama's to do list: Universal health care, and fix our economy.

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