The Citistates Group presents

Archive: Charles Royer

“Hometown America” — Twenty Years and Waiting

William Hudnut and Charles Royer / Sep 25 2008

For Release Sunday, September 28, 2008
Citiwire.net

William HudnutCharles Royer

Just 20 years ago, as Michael Dukakis and George Bush were preparing their acceptance speeches for their respective nominating conventions, two mayors– one a Democrat from Seattle, the other a Republican from Indianapolis– sat down together in Washington to write a document entitled “Hometown America.”

Both writers had served as president of the National League of Cities. Together, they had undertaken a year-long, bipartisan fact-finding tour of the nation’s cities and towns.

And their message was straightforward. The presidential candidates should discuss local issues in their campaigns, because these issues were central and critical not only to America’s strength at home but also to our competitiveness in the world. Read More »