The Cavalier Daily
Serving the University Community Since 1890

DNC chair calls for urban renewal

The outcome of national elections in 2000 will greatly impact the future of America's struggling cities by influencing how much of the Federal surplus will be spent on revitalizing urban areas, Democratic National Committee Chairman Ed Rendell said in a speech before the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society Friday night.

Rendell is serving his second term as the mayor of Philadelphia and was officially appointed head of the DNC Saturday, replacing Colorado Governor Roy Romer.

Rendell said he accepted the DNC position in part because he felt the 2000 elections are vital to the future of America's cities.

"I really do believe this is the most important election in a long time because of the basic disagreements on the budget surplus," Rendell said in an interview with The Cavalier Daily.

He told the audience in Jefferson Hall that part of the surplus should be spent now to shore up urban areas before a possible economic downturn.

Although the nation's cities have made economic progress in recent years, they still have "an awful lot of problems," Rendell said.

"Next time a recession hits, we're going to have hell to pay in America's cities" if the government does not invest in cities now, he said.

He added that he is worried Republicans will spend the surplus on tax cuts.

"What's going on in Congress now is ludicrous -- it's insane," Rendell said, referring to the Republican tax cut bill.

He said luring businesses back into the city is part of his solution to ease urban plight.

Rendell also stressed the need to help alleviate alcoholism, illiteracy and emotional problems among the urban poor.

These solutions require money, but because cities compete with each other and with surrounding suburban areas for jobs and residents, raising taxes is not a practical option, Rendell said.

He said the federal government and state governments must step in.

Cities "simply don't have the resources," he added.

As head of the DNC, Rendell is responsible for presenting the Democratic Party's political message for the 2000 elections, as well as for fundraising for party political advertising.

Rendell became a national figure because of his effectiveness in dealing with economic and budgetary problems in Philadelphia.

"He has had an extremely successful two terms as mayor of Philadelphia," said Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor.

Rendell should do well as both a party spokesman and as a fundraiser, Sabato said.

He said Rendell has numerous sources to tap for funds.

"He is very good at representing the Democratic point of view," he added. "Rendell is a very smart choice for the Democrats."

Rendell may be able to help Democrats reduce the advantage Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush has in fundraising. But Democrats' problems in the 2000 presidential race run deeper than that, Sabato said.

"The Democrats have problems on the financial front and the candidate front," he said.

After the speech, Rendell said he feels pressure to raise funds for political ads.

"It's vitally important ... we have to have enough money to be on the air," he said. "If we're not on the air in those critical months, we'll be in a hole."

Rendell, who endorsed Gore prior to his nomination to the DNC, said he was in contact with Bill Bradley as well and will have no problems being neutral.

"We can help whoever wins" the nomination, he said.

During his presentation, Rendell fielded questions from the audience, ranging from public education to the new Philadelphia Eagles stadium.

"He's an amazing guy. He virtually saved the city," said Jonathon Carr, vice president of the Jefferson Society, which hosted Rendell's visit.

Rendell said he enjoyed coming to the Univeristy.

"I was absolutely thrilled to have an excuse to get out of Washington," he said.

Comments

Latest Podcast

The University’s Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment and Undergraduate Admission, Greg Roberts, provides listeners with an insight into how the University conducts admissions and the legal subtleties regarding the possible end to the consideration of legacy status.



https://open.spotify.com/episode/02ZWcF1RlqBj7CXLfA49xt