(July 11, 2006) -- The following statement was made by Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill as part of a formal address as president of the "U.S. Conference of Mayors," a private advocacy group funded mainly by taxpayer money (spent by city halls for dues, memberships and the like). The address was delivered June 3, 2006 at the group's meeting in Las Vegas.

"We are in enviable positions as Mayors. We have the best and the most difficult position in the country. Mayors are the only ones in a position to make direct and positive changes in their cities."