The Nation's Mayors Applaud President Obama's Call Today for Quick Action on Gun Violence

Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in Response to President Obama's Announcement that Vice President Biden Will Lead Team to Tackle Guns and Violence in America

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released by USCM President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter today in support of President Obama's announcement today regarding guns and violence in America:

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"President Obama's call today for concrete proposals to "reduce the epidemic of gun violence that plagues this country every single day" comes as welcome news to the nation's mayors who must deal directly with the consequences of gun violence in their cities, too often on a daily basis.  If the horrific experience of Newtown could produce a positive outcome, it would be a national commitment to reduce the culture of violence, the easy access to guns, and the lack of access to needed mental health services.

"Putting Vice President Joe Biden in charge of this effort is a reflection of its importance to the nation.  No one is better equipped than Vice President Biden to lead a diverse team from President Obama's Cabinet and outside organizations in the quick development of a set of "real reforms," with reforms to our gun laws and mental health system at the top of the list. 

"Through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the nation's mayors look forward to working directly with Vice President Biden and participating in the development of long-needed reforms."

On Monday the Conference of Mayors sent an open letter to President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress calling for stronger gun laws, a reversal of the culture of violence in this country, a commission to examine violence in the nation, and strengthening and more adequately funding the mental health system.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,295 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors