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EDITORIAL from page 6 · · · ·. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · <br /> It would be similarly unfair to minimize the huge challenge America's cities and towns have faced in taking on the new <br />responsibility of being the front line of homeland defense. <br /> <br /> Recent NLC surveys have shown that cities and towns of all sizes have updated their emergency preparedness plans to <br />address new threats such as biological and chemical attacks, stepped up their working relationships with colleagues in <br />federal, state, county, nearby cities, and councils of government to ensure effective collaboration, assessed risk factors <br />and vulnerabilities, and worked on improved communication systems - all at a significant cost to hometown America. <br /> <br /> But city leaders have found a way to get this new job done while continuing to carry out all the other local responsibili- <br />ties without any new funding. The unfulfilled promise of federal funds to support Iota[ hometown security efforts could <br />jeopardize city services in the coming year. A recent NLC survey of city fiscal conditions painted a bleak picture for local <br />budgets which have been hurt by both the economic downtown and the surge in homeland security spending. For the first <br />time since 1992, a majority of the surveyed finance officers said their cities are less able to meet local financial needs <br />compared to previous year. <br /> <br /> Cities recognize the important role they play in ensuring hometown security, But they can't carry the financial burden <br />alone without eventually having to raise local taxes or cut local services. Neither option is desirable - particularly when <br />both Congress and the President promised significant funding to America's "first responders." <br /> <br /> Congress and the President still have some time to work out their differences and pass a homeland security bill that will <br />provide the framework for a unified national response, improved communication, and financial support to America's cities <br />and towns. <br /> <br /> Once again, federal leaders might do well to take a lesson from the local government play book when it comes to <br />dealing with new challenges -just do it. <br /> <br />Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PAGE 7 <br /> <br /> <br />