RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- When the President of the United States calls you to the White House, it’s a hard opportunity to turn down.

Receiving the call was Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender, who joined a collection of American municipal officials to discuss issues like gun violence and crime with President Joe Biden this week.

Allender said getting the expectation of the meeting a sitting President was very different from reality, when he was greeted by fewer than ten people.

Allender said after working with President Biden personally, he is very different from his portrayal in national media.

Allender said the tone of the meeting was very productive.

Allender returned to Rapid City overnight Thursday.