Mayors succeed because they are adept at a tough balancing act coping with short-term problems while addressing long-term needs. Mayors have to make sure municipal services are delivered in the most efficient, low cost manner, but must act to improve existing assets and prepare for new possibilities.

The Mayor is a master of balance. He must run a tight ship. He sees the city at its heart becoming the incubator of innovation. We are the place where the young people will want to live.

He must be the guardian of and chief advocate for future growth and prosperity. He must work across a whole range of issues all at once - public safety, education and training for the staff to increase efficiency and reduce cost, and create a better environment for economic prosperity.

Mayors are stewards of public resources. But mayors cannot do it alone. Energetic participation of leaders from every walk of life and every neighborhood is needed to secure the prosperous future. Government needs the partnership, the energy, ideas and support as we balance short term demands and long-term plans.

Our metro region needs leaders who think about the future and work tighter to prepare for this future.