Before visiting area schools, U.S. Congressman Artur Davis sat down with area mayors to commend them on working together to improve the region and to assure them his office is available to help them, if needed.

Wednesday morning, Davis, D-District 7, sat down with mayors from across the Black Belt including Demopolis’ Cecil Williamson, Lisman’s Thomas Jackson, Emelle’s Ray Willingham, Gainesville’s Carrie Fulcher, Union’s Loydletta J. Wabbington and Forkland’s Eddie Woods.

“Whenever you are dealing with any state agencies and you are seeking letters of support,” Davis said, “my office is willing to send letters to the government.”

Davis told the room of area leaders that he is just trying to make sure his district gets the full benefit of any available funding, although it’s a struggle to get full appropriations in the Black Belt.

“We don’t get strings of money every six months in our region,” he said, “but I am always open to hear how we can better serve you in the appropriation process.”

In his opinion two major occurrences have occurred in District 7 since he’s been in office, Davis said.

“These leaders have sustained focus on the Black Belt by promoting progress in the region and showing interest in bringing resources to the area,” he said. “And the cooperation between mayors and the local government has become very promising. They gather to share and exchange ideas, contacts and resources. There’s more focus on the region.”

Marengo County is also an example of great improvements in race relations, Davis said, because of the strong relationship between races.

“Even with the upcoming elections,” he added, “it’s not a race between the ‘black candidate’ and the ‘white candidate.’ It’s about who can provide good representation in Montgomery.”