December 18, Julie White, director of the NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, gave less than seven hours’ notice with the following request for modifications to mayoral economic stimulus wish lists.
. . . I am concerned that we are including projects that are not meeting the three criteria we have read in the press for the lists [(1) ready to go, (2) job creation, (3) infrastructure].
As you look at your list look at it with the perspective of a reporter because they will be reviewing our list. We do not want articles such as the Wall Street Journal piece on the U.S. Conference of Mayors list which could discredit our efforts to demonstrate that cities have ready to go, worthy projects which will stimulate the economy and create jobs. Please let me know ASAP if you need to remove anything from the list you have previously sent me. I have a deadline of 5pm to get this out the door.
Noting pitfalls of responding to calls for “‘urgent’ action,†Asheville City Councilman Dr. Carl Mumpower objected to receiving belated notification with no opportunity for council input. Unfortunately, like many local governing bodies, Asheville City Council would not meet until the new year.
