White House Aide Meets with Local Leaders

Summary

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"I'm only in places that are priorities. We have short term work we have to do to create opportunities, but focusing on education, making sure we have positive images, and that we're celebrating those people who are holding a job and really starting to have an impact on the culture is important," [Michael Strautmanis] said. "It's really you all who are making an impact and having those high standards and holding us accountable."

"The unemployment rate is concerning and we know there's the real unemployment rate and the one that's statistical. It's easy to be cynical about the opportunities, but being cynical leaves you in your house," Strautmanis said. "We just want everyone in the boat when the tide lifts. We're aware of the statistics."

"I lead the president's work on fatherhood and healthy families. I also run the boys mentorship program at the White House," Strautmanis said. "Next week the attorney general and the secretary of education are going to do a meeting on youth violence. We're ready to expand (these efforts). We have to make an impact on this issue because we can't just stand around and watch these children kill each other."

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White House Aide Meets with Local Leaders

Despite only being given 48 hours notice, leaders in Pittsburgh's African-American community answered a call to meet with Michael Strautmanis, counselor for strategic engagement to White House...

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