Clinton: Cities are where things are 'getting done'

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton told more than 200 mayors gathered Sunday in Indianapolis that cities are “where things are happening and getting done,” despite, she argued, local leaders not receiving help from the federal government.

“Instead, like other Americans, you see grandstanding, you hear threats to default on our nation’s debt or shut down our government,” Clinton said in her address to the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Instead of solving problems, Washington is too often making them worse.”

In contrast, Clinton said mayors “show up” and work on the front lines in improving their communities. She pledged if elected to give mayors flexibility to use federal funds in ways that respond to their priorities, including in areas of infrastructure, housing and re-entry programs for offenders.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Clinton said. “We need to listen and respect one another. That’s why I will never plan for you. I hope we will plan with you.”

Clinton focused much of her 30-minute speech on ending the gridlock in Washington and repeating her calls for Congress to strengthen the nation’s gun laws. She also waded into international politics, making her first public comments on the United Kingdom’s historic decision to leave the European Union.

Clinton said the referendum is a “reminder that what happens around the world has consequences that can hit home quickly,” noting Americans lost $100 billion from their retirement plans as markets plunged in the aftermath of the so-called "Brexit." She then took a swing at presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying “steady, experienced leadership” and not “bombastic comments” are important in handling difficult situations.

Back at home, Clinton said congressional inaction is frustrating Americans. She said Congress remains “paralyzed” at the idea of adopting gun reforms that she argued a majority of the country supports.

“No person should be gunned down while learning, teaching, praying or dancing,” Clinton said in remarks that followed Orlando, Fla., Mayor Buddy Dyer's detailed account of how he responded to this month’s shooting at a nightclub that left 49 victims dead.

Orlando mayor urges cities to prepare for terrorism

On the local level, Clinton told the mayors people they serve are more than just their voters — they're their neighbors. They see them in supermarkets, where they worship and at their kids' athletic games. They hear about their constituents’ problems and their ideas.

“They count on you to help move your city forward,” Clinton said. “You can’t respond with a snarky tweet. You’ve actually got to deliver results because you know you are going to see them. …”

In continuing to improve their communities is where Clinton said she sees herself as a partner.

Some experts think the country is in the “Decade of the City” because urban areas are growing rapidly, Clinton said. That growth has helped the country recover from the recession, which is why leaders need to continue addressing challenges at the local level, she said.

Clinton said her administration would focus on infrastructure funding, including creating an infrastructure bank so private-sector dollars can better support public investment. Other areas where she intends to focus include investing in public transit, fixing failing water systems, renovating public schools and supporting small businesses.

“We’re going to set some big, ambitious goals,” she said.

Responding to the speech, Nan Whaley, mayor of Dayton, Ohio, said Clinton understands “it’s not about partisanship.”

“Her first plan being around infrastructure is something that is really key to us in this election,” said Whaley, a Democrat. “We have significant unmet needs when it comes to roads, transit and water.”

Jerry Willey, the Republican mayor of Hillsboro, Ore., said he also liked Clinton’s focus on infrastructure.

“She talks about collaboration with the mayors across the country with the federal government,” Willey said, “and I think that’s also a good impact.”

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Clinton’s speech marked her first time in the Hoosier state after winning enough delegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.

Clinton, a former secretary of state, lost Indiana to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the May 3 primary. She toured two Northern Indiana factories and held a rally in Indianapolis during the run-up to the primary. At those campaign events, Clinton signaled a desire to grow manufacturing jobs, a critical part of Indiana's economy.

Trump also was invited to speak at the event but has not confirmed whether he will make an appearance.

Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee, will speak at the conference Monday.

Call IndyStar reporter Chelsea Schneider at (317) 444-6077. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyStarChelsea. 

Orlando mayor urges cities to prepare for terrorism