Watch CBS News

Mayors Coleman, Rybak Support Obama's Jobs Plan

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The mayors of Minnesota's two largest cities say they support President Obama's job's plan and it's time to get to work.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak participated in conference call Friday to express their thoughts on President Obama's American Jobs Act.

Both agree that Congress needs to put politics aside and focus on getting Americans back to work.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Samantha Smith Reports

Podcast

"I think the President's plan was very clear, laid out well and I think folks need to get behind it," said Coleman.

"What has to happen is take these ideas, which should not be controversial, and put them in action, right away," said Rybak. "It's clear that there's a bi-partisan plan on the table and there's absolutely no excuse for congress not to act now."

The mayors touched on the high unemployment rates, especially the construction and education industries but Coleman said things like police and fire are the top priority.

"The President recognizes that for cities across America public safety is jobs one and he's there to support that," he said.

But Rybak said elected officials can fix all the problems on their own.

"The government is not supposed to run the economy, but it can help," he said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.