WMass mayors participate in DC conference

WASHINGTON (WWLP) - Hundreds of mayors are gathering in the Nation’s capital this week including, two from right here in western Massachusetts.

Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse have joined hundreds of other mayors at the Capitol Hilton for the 81st Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors .

While here, they are stopping into rooms to listen in on meetings where Congressional leaders and other experts are talking about a number of different topics that effect their residents back home.

Still, it’s not just about listening to others; the mayors are hoping that Washington leaders are hearing what they have to say as well.

“The mandates that come down from the federal government cost taxpayers and ratepayers thousands of dollars every year. So, we're trying to get a handle on getting the federal government to be true partners, rather than prosecutors to local government,” Bissonnette said.

One of the Congressional speakers was Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Worcester), who was talking about ending hunger.

The mayors also heard from Vice President Joe Biden, who addressed some of Thursday’s largest issues like gun control, healthcare, and the economy.