Greg Saber's photo gallery of the Chicago Merchandise Mart
 Lakewood Mayor Thomas George and Orange Village Mayor Kathy Mulcahy

(Chicago) - Democrat. Republican. East side. West side.

Mayor from at last 40 communities in Cuyahoga County are joining together to support Cleveland’s bid to land a Medical Mart.

This Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association encompasses just over two-thirds of Cuyahoga County’s 59 cities and villages. And the association expects the endorsement list to grow.

12 mayors held a news conference with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson on Thursday.

Cuyahoga County commissioners voted 2-1 last month to raise the sales tax 25-cents for every $100 purchase to pay for a new Cleveland convention center.

They say the city needs a new center to attract a Medical Mart, which would house permanent showrooms for health care equipment and products and use the convention center space for related trade shows.

On Tuesday, local leaders got a tour of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, which would operate the Cleveland facility.

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