"Our city is home to some of the finest health institutions in the world. Yet our communities continue to be ravaged by the effects of poor access to treatment," said James. She mentioned a young lady who was postponing gall bladder surgery because she had no insurance. "Some of our friends, our families, our constituents and their children are suffering similar dire consequences, and it's time for us to get serious about taking their case to the state and federal levels to get health care for all who need it."

That means calling for universal health care to combat rising rates in asthma and diabetes. "It's time for us to demand that the insurance companies, the hospitals, and the public sector, join together to come up with programs that provide basic health care for everyone." James also called for the city's newly established Substance Abuse Commission to be made permanent next year.

James' "health initiative" would create tax exemptions for solar panels and other forms of alternative energy, offer discounts for car-poolers parking in city garages, and replace city vehicles with hybrid cars. It would also support state legislation to create a universal health care system in Connecticut. "If Massachusetts can do it, then so can we."