JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Mayors from across the Commonwealth gathered in Johnstown for the Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association Annual Conference.

Many of the speakers, including Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis focused on addressing safety concerns throughout the commonwealth and what steps the governor has taken to help.

Legislators hope the new state budget, passed earlier in July, will provide a solution for the safety concerns many local leaders are raising at the conference.

“We’re investing in workforce development and economic development programs so that folks can have family sustaining jobs. We know the best way to take a gun out of somebody’s hand is to put a paycheck in it. And we’re working to create those opportunities in it,” Davis said.

The conference allows mayors of towns and cities across the commonwealth a chance to discuss issues they are facing with other leaders, as well as lawmakers at the state level.

“We can learn as much from mayors in other communities as we can almost from, you know, speakers,” Jim Nowalk, President of Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association, said.

Johnstown’s mayor, Frank Janakovic, said that while the city is not immune to the same problems with safety other places are experiencing, he’s honored that the event is being held in his city so he can showcase all of the good things happening in the area.

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The convention wraps up Sunday.

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