Mayor to Attend Obama Inauguration

McGlynn in DC for Inauguration, Mayor Conference

– Allison Goldsberry

Mayor Michael McGlynn will join record crowds in Washington, D.C. to witness the historic inauguration of America’s first African-American president next week.

Mayor McGlynn, who will travel to the inauguration with his wife, Sheila, said he has tickets to Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday morning outside of the Capitol Building.  After that, the McGlynns will join their daughter, Kathleen, who worked on Joe Biden’s vice-presidential campaign, at the Delaware Ball.

Biden’s state ball will be held at the convention center along with three other state balls.  McGlynn said the balls aren’t as glamorous as they might seem, with the drinks over-priced, food hard to come by, and the crowd so large it’s reminiscent of a “college gathering.”

“They say there’s food there, but I’ve never seen it,” said McGlynn, who has attended the Massachusetts state ball in the past.

In addition, since the president and vice-president have to attend fifteen different state balls in one night, ball-goers have only about two minutes to catch a glimpse of the VIP’s as they dance across the stage before moving onto the next ball.

Mayor McGlynn attended the inauguration ceremony of Bill Clinton and said he is expecting even bigger crowds at Obama’s.

McGlynn will also spend his time in D.C. with other mayors to strategize on getting aid to local communities from a much-hyped economic stimulus package.  Mayor McGlynn will be part of a group of fifteen Massachusetts mayors, including mayors from Boston, Malden, and Somerville, who will meet with the US Conference of Mayors to discuss lobbying efforts.

“Everyone’s bailing out the banks, but the local cities and towns are concerned about their bond ratings,” said Mayor McGlynn.

McGlynn will spend several days in meetings with other mayors and public officials before the inauguration.  He also expects to meet with Senators Kerry and Kennedy and Congressman Edward Markey, of whom he said are “absolutely” fighting to get money for Massachusetts.

“They understand what we’re up against and they’re always fighting to get us money,” said McGlynn.

According to McGlynn, federal money is being used for projects such as straightening Clippership Drive, reviving the Condon Shell, and constructing a parking garage in Medford Square.

He has submitted a list of “shovel-ready” projects, or projects that could be started right away if the funds become available, to Governor Deval Patrick in anticipation of federal aid coming to the states.  Some of the projects include the high school’s pool, science labs, and fields, as well as converting Hormel Stadium to artificial turf.

However, Mayor McGlynn said there is no guarantee the states will get the money, and if they do, that it will be directed toward local communities.

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