The mayors of America’s cities are deeply concerned about rising crime and homicide rates—and deeply frustrated with the Congress’ continued inaction on gun control amid a spate of mass shootings. Stronger gun regulation is needed right now, mayors say, and Congress has hung them out to dry. Senators and representatives “will not be able to escape responsibility for the deaths of innocent Americans,” said Mayor Stephanie Miner of Syracuse, New York.

“Failure to address an issue that amounts to slow-motion mass murder of American citizens, many of whom are black and brown, is political cowardice. Stand up! Do the right thing,” said Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, Missouri.

Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas said she had a simple message for Congress: “Get a backbone—do your job.”

Those answers were part of an exclusive Politico Magazine survey, which also found that more than 90 percent of mayors say that Congress is doing too little on issues of firearm regulation and gun violence. As Tom Barrett, the mayor of Milwaukee, a city that has seen a surging homicide rate this year, implored: “Stand up against the fear-mongering NRA.” That emotion was seconded by Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mayor George Heartwell, who said, “Buck up and stand up to the NRA. Listen to the voice of the people of America.”

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/10/mayors-survey-congress-pass-gun-control-reform-213296