I am a registered Democratic candidate for the office of Mayor of Washington D.C. We are approaching a pivotal time in the history of self-government. The 1998 mayoral election be the most important election since the beginning of home rule. Like the great majority of Washington residents, I am disappointed with, and frustrated by, the lack of competent management in city government, a lack of competency which has brought us failing city services and elected officials who are political servants rather than public servants.

While I am equally disturbed by the erosion of home rule, I am painfully aware that the intervention in District affairs by the Congress and the President at this time is absolutely necessary if we are to get back on the road to fiscal and economic recovery. I look forward to a time when we can once again manage our affairs ourselves. But that goal, the restoration of home rule, will only be attainable when we have restored credibility to the office of Mayor of Washington, D.C. And, that will not happen unless and until we can find a dynamic, committed individual who is skilled in management, and also has the requisite traits of compassion and integrity. I believe I am that individual.

I offer the voting public of Washington a track record of consequence. Over the past 35 years, I have owned 11 successful businesses (all but one located in the District). If I am given the opportunity of running the District government, I promise to exercise the same business principles-hiring top management, delegating responsibility to competent managers, and establishing a relationship with everyone who works for me-that have marked my success in business in this, my home town.

To quote Katherine Graham, chair of the executive committee of The Washington Post (at a dinner in her honor given by the Greater Washington Board of Trade), “I urge the Board of Trade to seek out possible candidates, support them, back them, and encourage them to run for office. The business community may well be a great source of political leadership to come.” I don't know about you, but that sounds to me as if Mrs. Graham thinks the next mayor of Washington should be a business person! I am qualified to be that person, and will appreciate your support.

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Jeffrey Gildenhorn Mayor, Donald Parker, Treasurer
Telephone: 202-686-1999 FAX 202-363-1299 5532 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20015