Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this afternoon met Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe in the main lobby of Grand Central Station to personally deliver New York City's bid to host the 2004 Democratic National Convention. The proposal includes utilizing the world-famous Madison Square Garden, which would serve as the main site for the Convention.

"We are proud to extend the invitation to the Democratic National Committee to host the Democratic National Convention in our great City, and hope that they will accept and make a dramatic statement of America's resolve in the face of the September 11th attacks," said Mayor Bloomberg. "I have been inundated with encouragement from New Yorkers including elected officials, unions, and business leaders, and this support will provide the critical foundation of energy and excitement that will ensure a spectacular Convention. New York City has unparalleled resources and a proven track record of staging tremendous events for hundreds and thousands of visitors including some of the greatest celebrations in our nation's history."

"New York City is the ideal stage from which to share the Democratic Party's ideas with the nation and to nominate its next candidate for President of the United States," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff. "New York City's ability to host a large-scale media event is without equal and we pledge to dedicate ourselves to making the 2004 Convention a remarkable success."

The Mayor also announced that the Host Committee would be co-chaired by Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, and by former Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin, who was Chair of the Host Committee for the 1992 Democratic National Convention in New York City. In a joint letter to the Committee, Mr. Tisch and Mr. Rubin wrote:

"The Democratic Party can do no better than selecting New York City. No other city provides the energy, spirit and vitality of New York. No other city contains the neighborhoods, languages and diversity of New York. No other location offers the media, cultural and financial capitals. And there is no City that better symbolizes the spirit of America." The letter continued, "The Democratic National Committee can count on our energy and resources as well as our creativity and commitment. We are dedicated to making the 2004 Democratic National Convention in New York City a great success."

The bid for the Democratic National Convention highlights New York City's numerous resources to make the event an incredible and memorable success. Among them are:

• Convention Complex: Madison Square Garden is one of the nation's most technically advanced arenas. The Garden offers state-of-the art technical capability, optimal for television coverage, and is conveniently located next to transit hubs, hotels, restaurants, stores, theatres, and a variety of other attractions.

 
• Transportation: New York City has the most extensive and efficient mass transit system in the world. The City also offers an array of transportation alternatives, including taxis, private cars, ferries, and buses. Unlike most American cities, New York City is also a walking town where streets are alive and inviting, and destinations are pedestrian accessible. Passenger rail transportation and three major airports in the metropolitan area also serve the City.

 
• Security: New York City's experience hosting large, security-intensive events is unparalleled as demonstrated at this year's World Economic Forum. The NYPD is the largest police force in the nation and is committed to providing the highest level of security for the Convention.

 
• Hotels: New York City welcomed over 38 million visitors from around the globe in 2000. With more than 230 hotels, the City offers the finest and most varied accommodations in the world.

 
• Communications: New York City is the media and technology center of the nation and offers one of the world's most extensive communications infrastructures.