Pittsburgh Mayor Meets With President

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29299816/

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama met with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and other mayors from across the country on Friday.

The president addressed 85 mayors and discussed implementation of the economic stimulus bill during the mayors' annual meeting in Washington.

With more than eight in 10 cities currently experiencing a budget shortfall and billions of dollars in stimulus money up for grabs, the mayors want to make their case for funding.

"It was very helpful today to meet with the members of the president's cabinet. We have a better understanding now of what is required from us moving forward to make sure we can maximize the opportunities to bring dollars back to Pittsburgh," said Ravenstahl.

Obama said the $787 billion economic package will help struggling cities, but both Washington and the mayors have a responsibility to spend the money wisely.

"Today, in the face of our common challenges, you're all hearing the same stories," Obama said to the mayors. "I know, because I'm getting letters from constituents in many of your cities. But you're on the front lines in many of our communities."

In prepared remarks, Obama said his administration has asked for "the unprecedented trust" of all Americans to deal boldly with the woeful economy. With that trust, he said, comes an obligation to do it wisely, free from politics and personal agendas.

He said that on this, he will not compromise or tolerate any shortcut.

"If a federal agency proposes a project that will waste that money, I will not hesitate to call them out on it, and put a stop to it," Obama said

Besides seeing the president and Vice President Joe Biden, the mayors were scheduled to gather with Attorney General Eric Holder, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and other members of the administration.