Mayor Comitta with Ben Franklin and Frederick Douglass at the National League of Cities Leadership Summit held in Philadelphia, September 24, 2010.

Mayor Comitta served as facilitator for this year’s Annual Leadership Summit.  The Mayor serves on the Leadership Training Council of the NLC, and is a proponent of continuing education for elected officials. 

"Ben Franklin's and Frederick Douglass' words ring true for leaders in local government today. Franklin told us his most significant traits were curiosity and practicality.  Regarding practicality, he said that he worked hard to 'cobble things together from very little', something local officials are trying to do all over the country today. When asked about 'disparate views' he recommended that elected officials ' do what a joiner does - trim a little from here and from there to make it fit'!    Certainly this advice is as relevant today as it was in Franklin's time.  'The future of a republic is an informed citizenry.  Trust your fellow citizens as you trust yourself'. Franklin's advice on engaging citizenry was key to the Founders' vision as it is for us today.  Frederick Douglass said 'What has been possible for me, is possible for you.' He reminded us that the best way to teach (leadership) is to be a good example.  Douglass believed in the power of the spoken and written word in making permanent positive changes for the most people - another significant reminder for today's leaders." Mayor Comitta

See www.nlc.org for more information.