Costabile Headed Off to Washington, D.C.

Mayor Gregory Costabile is heading to Washington, D.C. in hopes of bringing back some more federal dollars with him.

Congressman Steve LaTourette, R-14, puts on an annual program for mayors in his district. Costabile was invited because Mayfield Heights, which has been represented by Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-11, will be part of LaTourette's district starting in 2013.

"It's a chance to get some one-on-one time with the congressman," said Costabile, he leaves today and will return on Friday. "There are a number of issues that I wanted to run by him."

In addition to meeting with mayors, LaTourette sets up sessions with representatives from various federal agencies. Costabile said it's an opportunity to meet with officials who are not readily available.

"He brings some people in to speak about issues that are relevant to our cities," Costabile said.

Costabile said he's interested in pursuing more grant dollars for sewer-related work and storm water management. "I'd like to bring them back to the forefront," he said.

LaTourette represented Mayfield Heights 10 years ago and Costabile is pleased to have him back.

"He's not only very knowledgeable, he's very approachable and he's a representative who gets results," he said.

Costabile also praised the work done by Fudge and Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

"Without Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, we never would have gotten the $500,000 grant for sewer work on the Mayfield Road project," he said. "She really went to bat for the city."