Anthony Williams

Washington Business Journal 1998 Mayoral Candidates Survey
July 7, 1998

1. What specific actions would you take to improve the District’s business climate?

Currently, excessive regulations and high tax rates create a hostile environment for District businesses. As Mayor, I will streamline necessary regulations and eliminate unnecessary ones; ensure implementation of key recommendations of the Tax Revision Commission; and create one-stop shopping for all District business needs.

2. Why do you support (or oppose) construction of a new convention center at Mount Vernon Square?

As a member of the Convention Center Board, I voted to approve this project because it will bring job opportunities and economic development to the people of the Mount Vernon neighborhood.

3. Please explain your position on rent control

In the short term, rent control bridges the gap between housing costs and incomes. However, it is not the most efficient option, and other long-term options should be considered.

4. What is you position on reforming the District’s costly worker’s compensation and unemployment benefits?

The District must assess the costs and benefits of these programs in order to be fair to workers while becoming more competitive with the suburbs. As part of my government coalition, both business and labor will help review this issue.

5. What changes in the D.C. Tax Code do you support, if any? Please comment on the two recently proposed options: a 0.35 percent gross receipts tax; and a 1.5 percent business activities or “value-added tax.”

The tax burden on businesses and residents is much higher in the District than in the surrounding jurisdictions. As CFO, I recommended a gross receipts tax as part of an overall tax restructuring proposal to move towards a broad-based tax that would reduce tax burdens and attract businesses. However, there are three conditions that must be met before the city can implement a broad-based tax: first and foremost, we need to rebuild credibility in our commitment to cut taxes; the tax must be part of a long-term plan to reduce taxes; and it must be implemented in conjunction with a multi-year program to address the District’s capital improvement needs.

6. How will you improve the District’s relationship with key members of Congress?

To work effectively with Congress, we must command respect. As Mayor, I will do so with continued fiscal integrity and effective program management.

7. How can you improve the working relationship between the mayor, D.C. Council and the financial control board?

With the credibility I bring I will restore the leadership role of the Mayor’s office. In this role, I will form a governing coalition to ensure the cooperation of all parties.

8. What are your priorities for economic development?

I will first create a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations and tax codes. Second, I will work to increase training for technology workers and support for emerging technology businesses. Third, I will focus development efforts on neighborhood commercial corridors in addition to downtown areas.

9. The mayor’s office now has diminished powers. What can you do to restore respect for the office?

I will bring an unmatched record of effective management to this office, and I will build on this record by restoring true customer service for residents, businesses, and visitors in the District.

10. Do you think the current system is preferable to having a city manager or commissioner system? Why?

Our nation is founded on the right to self government. We in the nation’s capital must therefore have the right to choose our own leadership. This means not only electing our leaders, but also choosing the form of government that best serves our needs. Both the mayor-council and the city manager forms of government have proven effective across the country. To fully empower residents of the Districts, the choice should be left to us.