Ford to attend meeting of mayors in Washington

1/15/2005

Mayor Jack Ford will join more than 250 other mayors Monday through Wednesday at the winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington.

Mr. Ford will convene a new task force on mental health. According to a spokesman, Mr. Ford was instrumental in forming the group because he believes that untreated mental illness is the root of many problems in America's cities.

The mayors also will discuss issues they say should be addressed in President Bush's second term, including effects of budget cuts and tax changes on cities.