Group Convenes National Summit Today

MOUNT VERNON, NY -- Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. has joined Mayors Michael R. Bloomberg of New York, Thomas M. Menino of Boston, Mayor Phil Amicone of Yonkers, and representatives from 60 other cities in attending the 2008 Mayors Against Illegal Guns National Summit on Monday, April 14th at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

"The prevalence of illegal guns on the streets of our cities is unacceptable to us all," said Mayor Young.  "I am honored to be a part of this effort to eliminate these dangerous weapons.  With every gun removed, we save a life."

In April 2006, Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Menino, along with 13 other Mayors from across the United States, launched the Mayors Against Illegal Guns. The initial group of mayors met in New York City at Gracie Mansion to discuss strategies for stopping the flow of illegal guns into America's cities and pledged their support to a statement of principles.   The organization now has over 300 members.

Over the last two years coalition members have held constructive local and regional meetings in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Jacksonville to discuss effective strategies for combating illegal guns. The coalition has worked year round to share state and local initiatives, share best practices, increase membership, and create new partnerships. The mayors have also supported a federal agenda to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and support law enforcement in this effort.

"In the past month alone our Police Department has confiscated several illegal guns," said Mayor Young. "Along with the dedicated work of our entire force, the community tips line has been a real catalyst in targeting those who choose to possess these guns.  From this summit, I hope to bring back several more best practices that will increase the effectiveness of our efforts to rid our communities of such fire arms for good."