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Statement For Immediate Release July 16, 2002 Mayor Williams Statement on Changes to Campaign Organization(Washington, DC) Today, I would like to tell you about some fundamental changes to my campaign organization and my candidacy for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Let me begin by saying that I am deeply troubled by alleged violations of law with respect to the gathering of signatures on petitions for my reelection campaign. This is contrary to everything I’ve worked hard for over the past 4 years and what my reelection campaign is about. Let me be clear – this is my campaign and I take full responsibility. Our supporters deserve better; the men and women who have worked so hard to improve our city government deserve better; and above all, the people of Washington, DC deserve better. However, after an exhaustive internal review of the petitions, I am confident that we have more than the required 2,000 valid signatures to qualify to appear on the ballot as a Democratic candidate in this year’s primary election. As many of you know, a number of challenges to our petitions have been filed. We will take the appropriate steps to respond to these challenges. Let me be absolutely clear: my decision to defend the petitions collected on my behalf does not in anyway excuse the abuse of the process that took place. At the same time we must not forget that thousands of District residents did legitimately sign our petitions with the intention of seeing me run for re-election as a Democrat. We cannot ignore their voices because of the misconduct of others. This is my campaign for Mayor. I want – and I pledge – to run a campaign that is open and honest, and keeps faith with the voters of this city. So today I am announcing the following changes in my campaign organization: First, Charles Duncan, Senior Campaign Advisor has offered his resignation and I have accepted it. He will remain available to assist in the orderly transition of the campaign. Second, those campaign workers who were involved in collecting petitions have been put on leave pending independent review of their actions. We will clean the slate, put our house in order and give the people of this city a campaign that focuses on the issues, speaks to their concerns, and offers a vision for the future. I will campaign vigorously across this city throughout the summer and fall. We will go to every ward and every neighborhood. We will conduct a campaign worthy of the voters of Washington, DC – and together we will move forward with the work of making this a city that works for all our people. I would be glad to answer any questions you may have. |
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