Sandra Seegars, One Page at a Time, January 1998

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF ONE PAGE AT A TIME READERS AND SUPPORTERS.

MAY 1998 BRING A BETTER LIFE FOR THOSE WHO ARE DOWN, AND A BRIGHTER DAY FOR THOSE WHO THOUGHT THEY HAD REACHED THEIR DUSK.

HELP THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOURSELF, AND ALWAYS RESPECT OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY.

THIS YEAR, 1998, IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH YEAR FOR THE CITY, TRY YOUR BEST TO HANG IN THERE.

JUST MY BABY'S FATHER

Philip Pannell said there are three women who want him to father their child.

So what, you say.

Pannell is gay and proud of it. He said he will donate his sperm, to be artificially inseminated into the women.

"I'll read a magazine and come in a cup," said Pannell.

He asked them why did they want sperm from someone who have a mental problem.

They said there will always be psychiatrists. They admired Pannell for his brilliance.

DOUBLE CROSSING CRAWFORD

When H. R. Crawford started the elimination of, and the siege on, Ridgecrest Heights Apartments, he did not foresee the drama that lay ahead for him.

Ridgecrest was a low income and section 8 complex.

Crawford had plans for a new crime free, poor nigger free community, with the help of $24 million from HUD.

A low income development was to be built, but HUD rejected the proposal; then there was to be a mixed income development, but HUD rejected that; lastly, there was to be a market rate development, HUD accepted that proposal.

It was to be named Walter E. Washington Estate, after the first mayor of the District.

A tenant association was formed, with help from Crawford, headed by Kritini Davenport. There needed to be a tenant association in order for Crawford to purchase the property for a dollar.

Davenport was soon dropped by Crawford because she did not fall for everything he said, she asked too many questions, and many of the tenants did not want to work with her.

Comm. Florence Smith took over the leadership role, formed a second tenant association, again assisted by Crawford, in which Smith became the president.

Crawford found that Smith was more susceptible to his plans.

Crawford wined and dined the 4 member tenant association, especially Smith. He gave them $1,000, trips, dinners, and stroked Smith's ego as often as he could.

Many of the tenants paid Crawford good faith money to ensure they would get one of the future homes.

Smith assisted in the relocation of the tenants, most of them into Crawford's other crime ridden, pest infested properties, with section 8 vouchers, relocation money and transportation.

Davenport refused to move, or pay rent to Crawford. She said they had not shown her anything in writing as to the new conditions. She was one of the last to move.

Men had started burglarizing her apartment; once when she was home.

She complained to HUD about Crawford, but Smith and the tenants came to his rescue, against Davenport and HUD. HUD backed off.

The tenant association board members received a stipend of $500 a month for four months, from Crawford. A spokesperson for HUD said they should not have been getting the money to relocate tenants because a company was already contracted to do the relocating.

In trusting Crawford, Smith was signing blank checks, and documents without reading them.

Seminars were held for new home owners, but only about 10 tenants showed up, along with some of Crawford's staff.

Smith was convinced by Crawford to move from a 4 bedroom apartment into a 2 bedroom apartment, at 3700 9 St., SE, a "roach motel," instead of 800 Southern Ave., where she really wanted to move.

Crawford permitted Smith to move into a three bedroom apartment. He told her to put her two granddaughters names on the lease so she could get four bedrooms.

Smith said she would not do that because her granddaughters lived with their mother.

Crawford closed the office Smith had been working from, at Ridgecrest. There were suppose to have been training courses there for new and first time home buyers.

Crawford began to distant himself from Smith, and clandestinely met with the other tenant association board members.

Smith had a former HUD employee, Khaleeda Harris, review the documents she had signed. She found out she had been duped, that some of the signatures on checks and documents were not hers, and what Crawford had been saying did not comport with the documents.

On Nov. 28 Smith filed a complaint with HUD. On Dec. 1 she met with Crawford, and held a demonstration in front of his office, on Pa. Ave. SE.

Councilmember David Catania, then candidate, went to the demonstration and said his law firm, Akin, Grump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, would represent Smith and the tenants, pro bono (free).

Smith asked Seegars to accompany her to the meeting with Crawford, but he did not permit her into his office, stating it was private.

The other board members, Maryann Edelin, Minnie Howell and Angela Tindle, were there. Crawford urged them to vote Smith out as president. With a little hesitation, they voted her out, thereupon, forming, yet a third association, a home owner's association.

By this time Smith had fully recognized that Crawford was using her to benefit himself, and that he had no intentions of letting her move into a new house.

Crawford met with HUD on Dec. 2, immediately after which, HUD's Office of Inspector General, District Inspector General Austin Groom, Jr., said he was going to close the investigation.

Groom was also instructed by Crawford not to talk to Seegars, but Groom ignored that command.

Smith met with another lawyer, A. J. Cooper and Associates, who would work for a fee. He also met with the tenants.

Upon the second meeting with Akin, et al, they dropped her as a client. Smith said they didn't take her case seriously enough.

Seegars wrote a letter to many high officials in the government, to stop HUD from prematurely closing the case, thereon, the case remained open.

The resident manager where Smith lived, and Housing, began to harass Smith. It had the appearance of being at Crawford's directive, because as long as Smith was cooperative, she had no problems. It seemed to be a scheme to get her off of his property.

Smith received a letter to recertify for her section 8, a few months earlier. They said she had violated a section 8 lease agreement.

Being a former welfare rights worker, Smith feels confident about being in the right in this situation.

Meanwhile, Davenport had only been talking about presenting documents that could help build a case against Crawford.

One of the persons Seegars sent her letter to forwarded it to Crawford and Groom. Crawford called Seegars, with his usual bullying manner, trying to intimidate her. He threatened to sue her for slander.

He roared, "You have gone too far! I'm gonna sue you for slander! I'm not a public official! I'm not Marion Barry!"

During that conversation Crawford, with malicious intent, referred to less fortunate black people as "poor riggers" in SE. He said he didn't care where they lived.

Crawford bellowed, "I don't care where those poor niggers in SE go. They can go to PG County! I told them they can go back to South Carolina! Wayne Curry didn't even want those poor niggers out there on route 1!"

He also said he didn't like drug dealers, but he had sympathy for users.

Groom was hostile the next time Seegars spoke with him. He said, "I got a copy of your letter and I'm not talking to you all anymore."

He told the complainant, Smith, the same thing. She filed an official complaint against Groom because of his unprofessional attitude, "tit for tat."

Smith was forced to think that Groom was under Crawford's control, and should not be on Crawford's case any longer.

The FBI and US Attorney Office seem quite interested in the role HUD is playing with Crawford.

GUILTY AND SENTENCED

After Eydie Whittington was found guilty of making a false statement on her nominating petition last year, her lawyer, Vandy Jaimeson, has been on radio talk shows trying to get sympathy and support for her.

He said Whittington's case should not have made it to court; a phone call should have stopped it at the Board of Election and Ethics (BOEE).

When Seegars found the forged signatures on Whittington's petitions in 1996, she was aware that Barry had the capability of making a phone call to his board members at BOEE, to stop almost anything that went through that office.

When Benjamin Wilson, chairperson of the board at BOEE, said without the forged signatures she still had enough to get on the ballot, therefore, they would deal with it after the Nov. election, Seegars immediately sent the case to other law enforcement agencies, thereby, taking it out of the control of BOEE, who is controlled by Barry.

After the guilty verdict some of the losers in Ward 8 pass elections met to give support to Whittington.

Jaimeson announced, on a WOL Radio Show, that Ward 8 Councilmember Sandy A1len wrote a letter to the judge in support of Whittington.

Allen is the person, who in 1995, Whittington and the entire Barry clan joined forces and stole the election from her, by getting at least 3 non residents, who were wrongfully registered in the District, to vote for Whittington.

They were Tyronne Parker, and Karen Jones Herbert of Maryland, and Walter Masters of Florida.

Whittington won by one vote.

The unemployed Allen had to hire lawyers to defend her against Whittington, and all the forces on Whittington's side, including Barry, Cora Barry, the entire BOEE board and BOEE general counsel.

On Whittington's sentencing day, the first thing the judge did was ask Whittington if she had paid the $200 court cost. It was later announced that she had paid it.

Mayor and Mrs. Barry, Lafayette Barnes, former Ward 8 councilmember candidate, and Louanna Peters, former Convention Center chairperson, who was removed because of misappropriations of funds, showed up to support her.

During the sentencing, Judge Frederick Dorsey, went on and on for over an hour explaining himself. He apologized for giving his personal opinion during the trial, but still voiced personal opinions, that had nothing to do with the law.

He said he received over 50 letters in support of Whittington.

He sentenced her to 6 months probation and 120 hours of community services.

The US Attorney, Randall Eliason, stressed how important it was to bring these type cases to trial, and if not, circulators could merely copy names from phone books or tombstone, because no one would care.

He said Whittington denied responsibility, had no remorse, pointed fingers else where, and she knowingly and willfully broke the law. He asked for the maximum, $1,000 fine, incarceration and community services.

Her lawyer said Whittington did not understand the petition because she was not a lawyer. He said a call should have been made to BOEE, and the case should have been squashed.

Whittington made a statement to the court. As she started to speak she began to cry. She said she was crying because she was angry.

She said, "I am not a law breaker. I am not embarrassed, I am angry."

She said the US Attorney Office should not have prosecuted her. She accused them of misusing their power [for prosecuting someone for breaking the law].

WE MISS TISH

Latisha Thomas, 21, better know as Tish, was her mothers only child. She was a security guard at Howard University.

Tish disappeared on a Saturday evening, after she parked her car about 25 feet from the entrance of her apartment building, where she lived with her mother, in the 3200 block of 15 Pi. SE.

Her family said they called the police, who told them they had to wait 24 hours. Although they explained to the police that Tish would not stay away without calling. The police did not alter their procedure.

On Sunday, less than 24 hours later, Tish's cousin said they asked the police to at least search the vacant units behind Tish's apartment. The police did not respond to the call at all.

The family members and friends searched the area surrounding the apartment themselves, with no luck.

On Monday morning, about 9:00 A.M., the grounds keeper saw a sock on the ground, near the apartment, three buildings from Tish's. When he went to the rear, there was Tish, lying on the ground, face down, nude and dead; below a window, near a bush.

The body was not there when the group searched the area; it was in plain view, they would have seen it. Or, the tenants would have seen it from their windows.

The grounds keeper had Tish's mother come to identify the body, before the police arrived.

Tish had been stabbed; rape and a note on her buttocks that said "This is pay back," was unconfirmed.

The police towed her late model car away, to do a thorough search of it for any evidence.

It has become a standard to hold candle light vigils for a person who has been murdered or is missing. To follow tradition a vigil was held for Tish, led by Minister Larry Carter. About 125 people marched around the entire Stanton Dwelling Complex.

"Beast and demons are killing our young people," Carter said. "Drugs lead to no value of their own lives and no one else life is of value."

Her Muslim uncle spoke as if the murderer was in the crowd. After praising Allah, he forever cursed the soul of the murderer.

There was a large framed picture of Tish, with names surrounding the centered picture. A heart shaped spray was placed on the spot where Tish's body was found, along with all of the lighted candles.

STOKES ON TRIAL

Jury selection began on Jan. 5 for Ronald Stokes' trial. The former chief of office for the DC Taxicab Commission has been charged with 5 counts of receiving gratuities, theft, conspiracy, bribery by a public official and accepting a bribe from a public office.

The witnesses paraded in front of the jurors, 13 for the prosecutor and 7 for the defense. They were given a list of names that could possibly come up in the trial, they included, but not limited to, Karen Jones Herbert, Arrington Dixon and Carolena Key, all former Taxi Cab Commission chairpersons.

Stokes job had been abolished. However, in a separate court case it has been determined that it was against the law to do so, therefore, Stokes can return to the job.

BUYING A COUNCILMEMBER?

As the new councilmember David Catania, 29, has already begun to upset the apple cart.

Catania brought, what the Council said should have been a back room confrontation, out front so the public could witness it.

In Dec. when Brazil changed his "no" vote to a "yes," to break a tie, to pass the bill on the National Children Island (NCI), Catania said Brazil did so because he plans to get money from the theme park supporters to run his campaign.

Catania told Brazil to announce that he would not accept any money from NCI proponents. Brazil turned red as a beet and made reference to Catania being on the the Council for only a day and a half. Then he called him "youngin'."

Brazil did not say he wouldn't accept money from the NCI.

After the hearing Brazil was asked by a Washington Times reporter if Catania's age was going to be a problem. Even though Brazil said no, he called Catania a young whipper snapper.

Catania was accosted by David Wilmot in the hallway. Wilmot is one of the lawyers in support of the NCI.

Fred Cook, another lawyer with NCI, grabbed Catania from the back. They admonished him for the remarks he had made doing the hearing.

Catania said the Council is there to serve the people, not the people serving the Council.

CRAWFORD, "POOR NIGGERS IN SE"

One mid Saturday afternoon Seegars received a phone call from an irate H. R. Crawford. He was complaining at the top of his lungs, accusing Seegars of going too far.

Seegars had written a letter to some of the top government officials connected with HUD, asking them not to allow a HUD inspector general to close an investigation involving Crawford, that was not completed.

She stopped the premature closing of the investigation. In doing so she mentioned "a seemingly corrupt situation" with HUD accepting documents that Comm. Smith said her name had been forged on.

Crawford told Seegars to get a lawyer because he was going to sue her for slander. Then he asked if she was a lawyer.

"I don't know what you got. You are going to have to prove it," he said. Then shouted, more than once, "You can't do this to me! I am not a public official! I am not Marion Barry."

He said he was following all of HUD's guide lines, and that he is improving the conditions in SE by getting rid of poor people and criminals.

He said he never agreed with all of the poor people being put in one area.

He said , "All poor niggers need to go. I don't care where they go. Let them go to PG County. They can go back to South Carolina."

He also said he did not show up for a press conference near one of his properties because his running days were over and "the white man doesn't show up when there's a shooting on his property."

Seegars reply was, "I hope you are not confusing yourself with a white man."

Crawford has made his living preying on ignorant poor people. If there were no poor people, there would be no Crawford.

Often times a court battle brings out much more than is expected.

THEME PARK

The City Council voted 7 to 6 to approve a 99 year lease for a $150 million park, to be built on an island in the Anacostia River.

The theme park will be a quasi-amusement park, called National Children's Island (NCI).

The NCI adversaries said the beautiful park land, if developed would wreck the natural order of things. They also said the developers have not submitted developmental plans and environmental impact studies.

Sharon Ambrose, Ward 6 councilmember has sided with her constituents who are against the theme park, said it was a glorified carnival; and a flim flam.

Barry, who is for the theme park, claims it would yield $9 million in annual tax revenue.

President Clinton signed a law that transferred control of the property to the city.

A contessa from London has been footing the bills generated thus far from the pre-development negotiations for the last 15 years.

The NCI put out literature to support the project. They said Heritage and Kingman Islands were manmade in 1916 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Since then they have been used as landfills, dump sites and storage area for construction fill.

In 1993 the DC Council voted 11 to 1 to approve the transfer of jurisdiction between National Park Services (NPS) and the District.

In 1995 the US House of Representatives approved a bill, HR1508, National Children's Island Act of 1995, to transfer the title from NPS to the District.

In 1996 US Senate passed HR1508, and President Clinton signed it into law.

NCI claims the District and federal governments will pay nothing.

The first year NCI must spend a percentage of project gross revenue on education grants, gifts and programs for public school teachers and students; give below market rate loans to District businesses which provide jobs to District youths; invest in District projects located in certain designated economic development zones, totaling $1,500,000 per year.

NCI will make certain direct payments to the Sports Commission.

After year 31 the District will collect pennies off of ticket sales.

This project will not physically disturb residents like the Convention Center, that will be squeezed into a two block radius, in the Shaw area. The major concern is its effect on the Anacostia River.

DIXON OUT

Arrington Dixon was appointed to the Council by the Democratic State Committee, to perform as interim councilmember until the special election was held.

There was a special election because Dave Clarke, chairman, died; Linda Cropp was elected to fill his seat, thereby leaving an at-large seat vacant.

Dixon, David Catania, Phil Heinrich and Mary Martin competed for the seat.

Catania won with a margin of 1,197 votes, over Dixon.

CATANIA IN

The Council chamber was packed with supporters and well wishers as the new 29 year old Republican, David Catania, was sworn in.

When the program began all the councilmembers were present, except Sharon Ambrose. Soon after it started Frank Smith left, not to return.

Republicans, Democrats, Green Party members, and Independents were there.

The oath taken by the councilmembers, if obeyed, would make a perfect, unselfish, law abiding public serving Council. The oath includes a section that states, "I will serve the public."

Catania said, "I will serve the people, not the other way around."

He spoke against the NCI project. He synonymized it by saying it was a "pie in the sky dream."

As Catania concluded his speech Barry came in. No one paused to give Barry a chance to speak, as he headed to the front, instead, everyone scrambled to leave. It was such a scramble that they were interrupting the adjournment.

When a photographer from the Informer told Barry to get in the picture, someone in the crowd complained.

Catania made another speech in his office. Barry came in near the end, and Catania thanked him for coming.

After Catania's speech, the area where Barry was standing cleared out, except a few people.

Barry shook hands with one of his nemeses, Cardell Shelton. He made small talk with whoever would stand and listen to him. He talked with Beth Solomon, opponent to the new convention center that's being built in Shaw.

Steve Michael, one of the initiators of the medical marijuana initiative and member of ACT-UP, and Seegars, co-organizer of the recall of Barry, were about five feet from Barry and Solomon.

When Barry turned his head away from Solomon, she scurried away.

Michael raised his voice to include Barry in the conversation. Barry never spoke to or looked directly at Seegars.

Michael was complaining about Arrington Dixon's posters, and that Phil Pannell, environmentalist, should take them down.

Barry walked between the two of them, not looking at either, as he exited, and said, "I'm going to have my posters removed after the election next year."

OTP ABOLISHED

Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis requested the City Auditor to audit the Office of Tourism and Promotions (OTP) for fiscal years 1996 and 1997.

Some of the funds paid to the DC Committee to Promote Washington (CPW) from the OTP was done so inappropriately.

OTP bypassed the established payment process system by making payments to CPW for OTP's future use, and not go into the general funds.

OTP was abolished as of September 30, 1997. It's funding for the 1998 budget was eliminated.

Audit findings included $330,000 spent on services without valid contracts; $32,000 paid to CPW were used by OTP for reasons different from purposes intended; $121,300 expenditure was questionable; $20,610 improperly paid to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions; out of an advancement of $10,000 for the Seoul, Korea/Beijing trip, only $995 was used; CPW plans to file a friendly lawsuit against DC Government for $192,000; a travel document was improperly altered; circumvented travel regulations; employees detailed to OTP, violated Chapter 8 of the District's Personnel Manual; and violated the Procurement Practice Act.

Auditor's asked the Office of Inspector General to investigate the altered travel documents; and that the DC Office of Economic Development, on behalf of the OTP, must reimburse the Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) of $41,265 (the amount which covers the detail of an employee from DHCD to OTP for the period of Jan. 97 to Sept. 97.)

WARREN'S SECOND IMPRISONMENT

Arthur Edward Warren has been sentenced to 50 years to life for the cruel and brutal murder of his two step daughters, Nakitah Alim, 9, and Jasmin North, 7. It happened in Sept. 1996, on Barnaby Rd., SE.

The stuffed animals and engraved stones, placed in their memory, are still at the entrance of the woods where Warren killed the girls' by beating them with a car part.

Warren was on parole at the time of the murder, after spending 17 years in prison for the manslaughter of his first wife in 1975, because she had left him.

This time he killed the children of his second wife, who had recently left him.

Warren will be eligible for parole in 50 years, or when he's 102 years old.

UNEMPLOYMENT FOR BAKER

Kenneth "Detroit" Baker, former DC employee, was accused of stealing plumbing fixtures from Blue Plains, and was fired, before he went to court.

Dept. of Employment Services refused to pay him unemployment. He won his appeal and was able to collect unemployment.

The charge of theft had been dropped in Court.

Now he said he has grounds to be reinstated on his job, get back pay and back leave.

In the very beginning he said he was innocent and was wrongfully terminated.

He still has not been paid the money he won in his Small Claim case against former Councilmember Eydie Whittington, for a rental van bill of $390, she stuck him with.

LIBRARY, NEW LOOK

Parklands-Turner Community Library has been revitalized, with the help from William C. Smith and Company.

Now the outside of the library matches the pleasant, brightness on the inside.

The outside has been adorned with a wrought iron fence, new sign, shrubbery, flowers, grass and a new bus stop shelter on the corner.

Rita Strange, manager of the library, has kept the inside neat, clean and bright. Before the library was renewed Strange had no control over the pedestrians trampling the grass.

The students at the school next door to the library, Turner Elementary, are frequent readers at the library.

At a program to celebrate the grand revitalization, Miss R. Dansby's first grade class, from Turner, sang.

About 300 children and 60 adults were on hand for the program on Dec. 4.

Mary Raphael, acting director of DC Public Library, and Philip Pannell, member of the Board of Trustees and Ward 8 resident, gave the greetings.

Mayor Barry, Councilmembers Sandy A1len, Ward 8, and Kevin Chavous, Ward 7, gave remarks on how much better the corner of Stanton Rd. and Alabama Ave. looks.

The Angel Award was presented by the library to Allen and Katie O'leary. Certificates were presented to companies that participated in the revitalization of the library, William C. Smith and Co., Village of Parklands, The White House, Scenic Landscaping, Duron Paints, Express Iron, Metro, DC Fire Dept., District Electric Services and The Sign Source.

DAISY O

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) member Daisy Olarotimi has served three, two year terms, has decided to quit.

She said it is a non-functioning commission. (Not to mention, no pay.)

Many ANC offices in the District are non-functioning or dysfunctional.

There has been lots of thefts, within the ANC. Their budget has been cut tremendously in the last couple of years.

Olarotimi, is one of few active commissioners. She, like the others, say they do not get the support they need to perform services to the community.

They have been trying to get free parking downtown when they are conducting official business, or reimbursed for expenses incurred while they are performing official business.

Olaotimi said she is resigning as commissioner, but she will still be involved in the community, with or without a title.

HEY LEROY, YOUR MAMA, SHE'S CALLING YOU MAN

ANC Commissioner Leroy Thorpe, Convention Center (CC) opponent, has called every radio station in the city and surrounding area to degrade the Shaw Coalition, led by Beth Solomon, and others who joined her to oppose the building of the CC in the Shaw Community, including Seegars, Ward 8.

He says as an Afro American woman, Seegars should not support white people, because they are back stabbers, can't be trusted and self-centered; and that all Afro Americans should support him in the fight against the CC.

Thorpe has also called many Ward 8 residents to besmear Seegars, because she would not follow his demand to stop associating with the Shaw Coalition, led by Solomon.

Solomon and Thorpe started the Shaw Coalition together. Solomon wanted to expand the support for their cause, but Thorpe did not, so he made it a racial issue.

Solomon's group has people from all over the city, blacks and whites, supporting her.

The CC is another case of big business, city officials, especially Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, and city administrators, taking advantage of the poor and ignorant black Americans. In this case it's the Shaw community.

Thorpe is a small fish in a small pond, who did not want anyone from outside of the Shaw Community to help fight the monstrous CC. However, some of the coalition members believe Thorpe could be bigger if he released his full potential.

Seegars joined them because she felt the CC will effect the entire city, and if built, the correct location is important.

Seegars said, "Whenever there's a large project such as the CC, with funds being misappropriated, and the proposed amount growing rapidly, all communities should join forces to stop it."

Harold Johnson from Ward 8 is a CC board member.

Thorpe and Solomon are fighting the CC separately. Solomon welcomes any and all support to help stop the CC from coming to Shaw.

Thorpe is very much double-faced, as he claims his detestation for white people, he dates white woman.

TO JOIN BETH SOLOMON CALL...202-789-7864.

RESPONSIBILITY NEEDED

Mayor Barry's greediness for power and money has taken the District to rock bottom.

Not only is President Bill Clinton telling the local leaders they need to be more responsible, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton said the city should get it's act together.

Clinton visited Metropolitan Baptist Church and spoke to the members about responsibility of leadership in the District, among other things. However, many of the members did not live in the city.

After Clinton's visit to Metropolitan, Barry described Clinton's speech as rhetoric, and said "show me the money."

Barry pretends there's nothing wrong in the District. It's hard to tell if he's using psychology or is in total denial.

SIX YEAR VINTAGE DISMISSED

During the signature gathering segment of the recall effort on Barry, the top signature getter, Alonzo Broadus, cab driver, would often urge rejectors to sign the petition to help the city, even though they may not be having any problems themselves, at that time.

He would say, "What's happening to me today could happen to you tomorrow." Barry backed off of one of the new laws that would have hurt the cab drivers. me law was a six year vintage, whereas cars over six years old had to be replaced with later modeled cars.

To replace that law, Barry said cab companies and owners had to get rid of cars once they are 8 years old or older.

Three fleet owners who were not interested in helping with the recall had begun to complain.

Broadus reminded them, "It's happening to you today."

The fleet owners plan to file a suit to stop the new law from being passed.

TOLD YOU SO!

"I hope it's not wrong for me to gloat. I wish I could talk to everyone who wouldn't sign the recall, now that we are going to have a city manager," said, Thurman King, cab driver whose name was on the recall petition as the proposer.

During the recall King stressed the point that if the citizens did not get Barry out on the recall, a city manager would be forced upon the citizens.

Less than 2 months after the recall ended October 28, a city manager was put into place.

Camille Barnett from Texas, has been appointed as the chief management officer for the District, for five years; $155,000 a year.

Alonzo Broadus, cab driver and recall circulator, pleaded with many of the District residents to sign the petition, because he too felt that a city manager would be put in place if Barry was not recalled.

He also said that once the city manager is put in place, he would bet that the next thing to happen will be the elected officials will become obsolete.

King along with at least 10% of the registered voters, who signed the recall petition, believed that in order to save the city the replacement of the poor leadership was needed.

DC BILLIONS

Many residents in the District believe Barry when he says the federal government should give the District more money.

Some residents repeat this without really knowing the money that's already being received.

The federal government took $720 million in expenditures; the federal government gave $190 million in the federal budget; $2.4 billion will be collected in taxes; $1.1 billion given in grants; $133 million from the private sector; $171 million on non tax revenue fees; $75 million from the lottery; and $40 million in traffic tickets and related fines. Totaling $4.2 billion.

This does not include money for welfare payments, food stamps and medicaid.

For the fiscal year that ended in September 1997, there was a budget surplus of $10 million.

BONUSES, BIG BUCKS

Chief Financial Officer Anthony Williams approved inflated bonuses for 4 top administrators by $40,000.

The extra money was to cover taxes that would have reduced the amount of the bonuses.

The bonuses are signing bonuses, in which many surrounding jurisdictions do not receive. They were also looking forward to a good performance award.

SMITH WRONGFULLY TERMINATED

The Control Board exceeded its authority when it fired former School Board Superintendent Franklin Smith, and appointed an unelected overseer over the elected school board.

Additionally, they cut the power and salaries of the elected school board, about a year ago.

In talking to community members, one of their responses was that Smith got an easy out, because further investigation may have found that he was linked to the food service contracts to Service Master, for the school system, that was improper.

CORRUPTION, US ATTORNEY

Former US Attorney Joseph DiGenova, who initiated the first long-running investigation of Barry, in the 80's, said local prosecutors have become too timid.

DiGenova said, "When you have corruption staring you in the face, and you fail to act, you should resign. You can't worry about judgeships or your next job." DeGenova was speaking of the most recently departed US Attorney, Eric Holder.

Carl Rowan Jr., former FBI agent and anti-crime activist, said, "They seemed more concerned about their won- lost record and taking safe cases than going after corruption wherever they found it. When they lost some big cases, it shook their confidence. It became their version of the Vietnam War Syndrome."

Eric Holder tried to defend himself by saying they were not afraid of the District of Columbia, or the jurors, and that there was no timidity in going after cases, big or small.

Otis Troupe, former DC Auditor for a decade, said, "For years we have established fact patterns that constitute crimes. In all but a handful of cases, nobody did anything in the prosecutor's office."

When certain cases aren't prosecuted, repeatedly, a close examination of the papering officers should be done, because if a case doesn't make it pass first base, it will never make it to home plate.

Vince Caputy, Deputy Chief, and supervisor of papering, determines which cases are to be prosecuted.

In 1995 there were two separate incidents of someone being threatened. One was made to a school board member over an answering machine. The person was prosecuted.

In the other case the threat was made by a city official. That person was not prosecuted. It never got pass Caputy.

SIEGE: LET MY PEOPLE GO

The turn of the century is approaching, but the District is still in bondage, not by the plantation owner, but by the person who the people elected as the mayor of the District of Columbia, Marion Barry.

"He has the city under siege," said a resident in Ward 4, during the summer of 1997. "Black people need to wake up and get from under his spell."

A resident of Ward 3 asked, "Why does Ward 8 keep voting for him? Why can't they vote for another black man?"

Barry has proved in this term that his interest is for himself. Because of his lack of non-managerial skill the city has gained several non-elected officials.

The Financial Control Board was formed because of the contract abuse in many of the government agencies, that has recently been removed from his authority.

Many Democrats insists on voting their party, regardless of how horrid the person is. In Sept. there will be more than one Democrat on the ballot, some will be qualified for the position of mayor, and some will not be qualified.

There will be forums held to display all the candidates for the 1998 election, a chance to listen to each one.

PRISON, YES

Councilmember Sandy Allen's Ward 8 Correctional Facilities Fact Finding Task Force held another town hall meeting in Nov., because the community complained that the task force was unqualified to take on such a task.

Linda Moody, chairperson of the task force, and school board member, hosted an evening with official representatives from the prison system, Mark Hodges, executive director of Florida Correctional Privatization Commission, John Clark, Corrections Trustee in DC, Margaret Quick, chairperson of DC Parole Board, and Margaret Moore, Director of DC Corrections Dept.

The audience included mostly Department of Corrections employees who agreed that the prison should be erected in DC, in hopes that they can keep their jobs.

Moore emphasized the need for a women's facility, so the mothers would not be taken too far away from their children.

WRIGHT-ING THE WRONG

One Page At A Time received a letter from a tenant at Monterey Park, after an article about Monterey Park appeared in the Oct. issue.

Tonya Wright, spokesperson for Monterey Park, said they are having problems with the builder, Philip Johnson, president of National Capitol Homes Development Corp., and with the District government, ranging from faulty construction to failure to adhere to government regulations.

For assistance they have contacted Barry, Sandy Allen, Ward 8 Councilmember, David Watts, director of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and Patricia Montgomery, Building and Land Administrator, with no avail.

Monterey Park is the $100,000 plus homes on 7 St., SE, off of Mississippi Ave., SE, that are built on springs.

BUNN IN WARD 9

All of Ward 8 are wondering why James Bunn is still in the thick of things in Ward 8 politics, why he voted as a Ward 8 Democrat to support a candidate for the Dec. 2, at-large special election, and why he hasn't changed his voter registration to Maryland.

Bunn ran for the Ward 8 special election in 1995, when he was a resident. He was among the 20 candidates who lost. He was disappointed that he didn't win, or at least got more votes in his single member district.

He said he had helped many of his neighbors with their problems, and they didn't vote for him. He immediately started making plans to move out of Ward 8.

His daughter is in the house in Ward 8. He still has his businesses in Ward 8.

Rahim Jenkins, another candidate from the 1995 election, asked Bunn about his residency. He told Jenkins that he still owned the house in DC, and he can stay in the house whenever he wanted.

Those are the same remarks Tyronne Parker made when his voter registration was challenged in 1995. Parker was removed from the DC voter roll.

When outsiders vote in DC elections, they are controlling the conditions and lives of the real District residents.

NO JURY

The Omnibus Criminal Justice Act of 1994, a.k.a. Misdemeanor Streamline Act, revoked jury trials for 40 misdemeanors.

Three more misdemeanors have been added to the list.

Another bill will allow arrest without warrants.

The streamlining act was intended to save time and money. However, defense lawyers are saying the law violates constitution due process rights, and lengthens sentences.

Chief Judge Eugene Hamilton said that judges make a better determination of what the truth is, opposed to juries, in misdemeanor trials.

He said the prosecutors need to convince only one fact-finder, not 12, of a defendants guilt.

Defendants have been found guilty by the judges more often than by a jury.

A lawyer with the US Attorney Office said the streamlining act does away with race-based jury nullification. That's when some juries acquit defendants because of political, racial or other motivations not related to the evidence.

The streamlining act has reduced court delays. However, defense lawyers complain that their clients rights are being compromised in a rush to judgment.

A group of citizens are asking anyone who opposes the streamlining act adding 3 more misdemeanors, to call their councilmembers to complain...202-724-8000.

TRUTH IN SENTENCING

A nine member panel headed by Deputy Attorney Eric Holder, Jr. has recommendations that will allow judges in DC Superior Court to be able to give convicted murderers, rapist and other criminals stricter prison terms, with no possibility of parole.

A system, "truth in sentencing," in which criminals receive definitive prison terms will be introduced to the District. They must serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.

Under the bailout of the city a change was mandated by Congress, parole will be abolished and the worst felons will have to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.

Instead of a 5-to-15 year term for robbery, the judge would have to choose specific time, up to a maximum of 15 years. m is would keep offenders in prison longer.

One panel member, Robert L. Wilkins, lawyer with the DC Public Defender Service, drafted his own proposal, which calls for shorter maximum terms and more supervised release. He said it would prevent long, unfair sentencing, give defendants a chance to rehabilitate, and protect the community by punishing anyone who violates the terms of their release.

At the public hearing on the matter some speakers think the change will mean longer sentences and less emphasis on rehabilitation.

There were others who saw it as a chance for the city to make long overdue changes in areas like victim's rights, whereas, it would be required that criminals make restitution to their victims.

Civil rights activist criticized a plan that could impose longer prison sentences.

A defense lawyer said the District didn't need to incarcerate people longer, sentences are harsh enough, and presumably, have one of the highest crime rates. It doesn't work.

One police officer said he deals with the same criminals repeatedly. They are making a mockery of the criminal justice system.

SOULSBY'S GONE

One Page At A Time had been stressing how Chief Larry Soulsby should have been removed as police chief, and that his residence on Eerie St., SE was questionable.

Soulsby resigned in November. So much corruption surrounded him that he had to leave the force. His managerial and leadership skills were lacking.

He had begun to sever himself from problems on the force, even though he was the chief, and he was responsible for the entire force.

The final straw was Soulsby sharing an apartment at the Lansburg Apartment and paying rent, less than half the market rate.

His roommate, Lt. Jeffrey Stowe, acquired the apartment under false pretenses. Stowe had been suspected of extortion and embezzlement.

Soulsby resigned two hours before Stowe was arrested.

There are many who question Soulsby and Stowe's relationship. The account given by the Washington Post:

They have been friends for 10 years.
Stowe solicited donations for a party for Soulsby, when he was first made police chief.
When the invited quest did not attend, Stowe made dozens of phone calls and recruited attenders.
At the party, Stowe gave Soulsby a $2,000 set of golf clubs, that he had mainly paid for himself.
Soulsby reimbursed him $500.
Soulsby separated from his wife.
Stowe's marriage was in trouble.
They became roommates at a posh apartment a year ago.
They spent weekends at swank golf resorts.
They shared fast food lunches.
They spent evenings over dinner and drinks.
Stowe often picked up the tab.
Golfing together relieved tension for Soulsby.
Soulsby thought Stowe was funny, with an upbeat spirit.
Stowe used his relationship with Soulsby to get out of work assignments and to curry privileges.
Soulsby felt used and abused.

Now Stowe is headed to court and Soulsby is unemployed

POLICE INVESTIGATION

Originally the new DC inspector general – an interim was named the last week of 1997, Elijah Barrett Prettyman – was to work with a task force comprised of personnel from the US Attorney Office, FBI and the Metropolitan Police Dept. Internal Affairs, to do a thorough investigation of the police department.

The acting inspector general, Robert Thomas was dismissed from the position. Prettyman will start on January 15.

The US Attorney Office reneged on the deal and plan to do a separate investigation.

Prettyman said he'll stay from 6 months to a year, long enough to restore confidence in the police department.

It will be an unpaid position for Prettyman.

YUN GETS PROBATION

Yong Yun, Korean business man, pled guilty of making a false statement on a bank loan application, was sentenced to 300 hours of community services, fined $2,000 and ordered to forfeit $172,400 to the government.

Yun was indicted in May on charges of making false statements, money laundering and conspiracy, in connection with a construction loan he received from two banks, to build an office building on MLK, Jr., Ave. in SE.

Yun will be on probation for 4 years. He will not be deported because there was no loss to the banks.

His cooperation with the government signaled an end to the probe.

BARRY IN 1998

It's no longer what Barry has done for the District, it's what Barry is doing to the District.

Many residents have complained about Barry being mayor, and how the ignorant voters, or voters who benefit from him being mayor, continue to vote for him.

With all the complaining and discontent Barry is causing among the residents, he remains in place, and is running again,for a fifth term.

The non elected officials are wrong, but so is an inept, corrupt mayor.

The same thing Barry is doing to the residents, ignoring them; Congress is doing to him, however, the residents are being harmed by both actions.

Barry complains about Anthony Williams, Chief Finance Officer, the Control Board, Congress, and now the brand new city manager, Camille Barnett, who started in January..

All executives have been put into place because Barry no longer has any regards for the residents of the District, nor does most of the City Council members hold Barry responsible for the plight of the city.

The top elected official of the District, and the department that controls crime, has violated the trust of the people. When they are corrupt there's little hope for the people.

To continue a state of discontent and neglect in the District remember to vote for Barry in 1998.

To help improve the quality of life in the District, new leaders need to be voted in.

POLICE. POLICE

Many residents wonder how long it would take the police to respond to a 911 call, if they ever need them. Most who call say the response time is too long.

In the summer, in the city, when crime runs rampant, and there's never enough officers, the mayor had four officers drive up to an airport in New Jersey to escort him and his wife's luggage back.

This was in addition to the 25 or so officers already on the special detail as body guards, and chauffeurs for him.

Under Barry and Soulsby's leadership the police department hit its all time low.

In the last year they have been sighted for overtime abuse; doctoring time cards; socializing with hookers; the chief not living where he claimed; the chief being a roommate with another officer who was committing crimes; officers getting caught having sex while on duty; officers not responding to all calls; officers getting caught taking voters to the polls to vote; officer getting fired for extortion and embezzlement; the chief resigning before he is prosecuted; and the list goes on and on.

On each occurrence Barry pretended to see nothing wrong with it. Soulsby had picked up Barry's habit of removing himself from any criticism, by saying he was not responsible for day to day actions.

The interim chief, Sonya Proctor, came up through the ranks. Residents are wondering how many friends she has made on the way. How many times she will look the other way if her friends are in trouble.

A retired officer said Proctor shows favoritism to white and light skinned black people. Proctor's husband is white.

By the mayor being the top official in the District and sets the mood for the city. When he breaks the law, usually white collar crimes, it's a message to other types of criminals that whatever their crime is it's okay for them to continue a life of crime.

This makes it even more difficult for the police to do their jobs.

The City Council and Congress are making stricter laws for the street crimes but none for the white collar crimes.

What roll has the Control Board been playing in all of this?

Stephen Harlan, Control Board member, was supporting Soulsby 150%. He made excuses for him, up until he resigned.

Barry have the role of finding a new police chief, and a permanent inspector general, but he does not have power to fire them.

CONTROLLED BOARD

Eleanor Holmes Norton said the failure to make visible improvements in the government's operations by the Control Board (CB), has hurt home rule even more.

The CB had followed a misguided approach for the past 2 1/2 years, and has only produced reports about problems rather than solving problems.

The CB maintains that Barry's refusal to cooperate with them is still the problem.

Norton said, "Elected officials must bear the responsibility, but elected officials also had a Control Board, in part, because they had failed at management."

Norton is an elected official and has been around longer than the CB. If she really knows the Home Rule Act, means she knew all along every time the Act was being violated, but did not criticize the mayor or City Council until after the CB was formed.

Andrew Brimmer, chairman of the CB, said Barry was the blame for the loss of self-government. The problem was Barry's lack of responsiveness to their recommendations. He said the District remains in serious trouble.

The CB has balanced the budget one year ahead of schedule, but management improvement is too slow.

Stephan Harlan, CB member, who chairs public safety, said citywide he gives themselves an "F" for public safety.

Rep. Thomas Davis, III, chairman of the DC Subcommittee, said the 68 hours for overtime for 4 members of Barry's security detail who met him at a New Jersey airport, after their South Africa trip, is criminal and indicative of rampant corruption.

REGULATING THE REGULATIONS

Harold Brazil, councilmember is accelerating the legislation that will streamline regulatory bureaucracy, especially those concerning rental housing and environmental protection.

Brazil wants the City Council to move quickly or they will risk becoming irrelevant on regulatory reform.

Many of the councilmembers are in no hurry for a final vote. There were concerns that Brazil's bill weakens tenant protection against evictions. It will enable landlords to evict tenants in rent controlled apartments, without cause, after giving them a 30 or 90 day notice.

Brazil's proposed repeal of the Environmental Policy Act would make it possible for government agencies to approve some environmentally detrimental projects without impact statements.

Brazil's critics say he is using this legislation to bolster his image on the eve of the 1998 mayoral election, that he plans to be a candidate.

NEW UNWANTED CONVENTION CENTER

The construction of the new convention center (CC) is behind schedule.

At a hearing held by Councilmember Chairperson Linda Cropp, a few of the testifiers said the CC should not be built at all. Other opposers said the Shaw area is the wrong location, and the area near Union Station would be less expensive.

To bring the new year in right the Shaw Coalition held a protest against the CC, at "The Wall of Shame," at 9 and M Streets NW. About 25 protectors, from all over the city showed up at 11:00 A.M., in freezing weather, on New Years Day, and marched for over an hour.

Passersby recognized the demonstrators and gave them a nod, and voiced their agreement as they passed by.

One Shaw resident said they should build affordable homes there, that really are affordable.

A few days later the signs hung by the protectors, that depicted their disgust for the elected officials who promoted the CC, were torn down.

BOEE CASES VANISHED

For the first time the Board of Elections and Ethics (BOEE) is trying to do their job, by sending voter regulation violations to the US Attorney Office.

The US Attorney Office said the box of about 300 cases was sent to the Metropolitan Police Department, Check and Fraud Division, for further investigation.

However, Check and Fraud Division said they may have received them, but couldn't locate them.

Ken McGhee, General Counselor with BOEE, said he was told by Vince Caputy, US Attorney Office, that they were not going to prosecute them.

Caputy is the papering officer. He sees all the cases first when they come to his office, and determines which ones will be prosecuted.

Papering is synonymous to intake. Until it is ruled by that person, whether it should be prosecuted, it will not make it to court.

TEACHER, GUILTY

Allison York, former teacher at McGogney Elementary School, was found guilty on two misdemeanor assault charges, but acquitted on two felony charges.

Under the DC law, judges decide misdemeanor assault cases, and juries render verdicts on felony charges.

It was ruled in favor of two of the three pupils, but not the third one, because the story was inconsistent.

The charges were cruelty to children, and assault, stemming from abuse, that three children said they suffered in March, 1996.

York said the pupils were unruly and disruptive, and she had to restrain them from throwing objects at her. However, the pupils said she held them and had the other pupils hit them.

US Attorney Office said the government will not retry York on felony charges.

On Feb. 25, she could be sentenced to one year in jail.

GILDENHORN FOR MAYOR

Jeffrey Gildenhorn, Dem., businessman from Ward 3, has thrown his hat in the ring as a candidate in the mayoral race in 1998.

He became fed up with the way Barry has been taking advantage of the residents, and using the District for his personal play ground.

Gildenhorn visited Ward 8 in October, when he passed out treats to the children on Halloween, and met with their parents.

On Thanksgiving he passed out turkeys in Ward 8, to some of the tenants in Barry Farms, Washington Highland, Stanton Dwellings, Frederick Douglass, and Highland Addition public housing, and to seniors at Knox Hill.

Gildenhorn said he wants to help the residents. He has money, because he is a successful businessman, therefore, he shouldn't be hungry for money.

In a straw poll many said they wanted someone brand new, so they will take time to examine new comers.

CHILDREN HAVE WORTH

Covenant House Washington (CHW) held its third annual candlelight vigil for at-risk youths, in December. The theme for this year was "Children Have Worth."

A vigil was held, simultaneously, nationwide.

It started at the corner of MLK, Jr., and Malcolm X Avenues, in SE; and ended at CHW, 3400 block of MLK, Jr., Ave.

About 1,000 people, mostly youths, marched. Bus loads were brought in from area schools.

A SE area band, High Energy, performed. They consisted of 8 young men. The youngest was 14.

The "Candle of Hope" was lit by CHW executive director, Vincent Gray, and a CHW youth, Tychelle Mosely.

To get information about CHW programs for the youths, CALL 202-610- 9600.

BARRY! BARRY!

Barry Campbell, chief of staff for Barry, resigned in December.

According to the Washington Times the exodus is because they want to get out now, before the start of the new year, when his re-election bid is expected to begin.

Other staff members to leave are Phyllis Anderson, executive assistant, Kay Phillips, correspondence office, Brian Flowers, office of documents, and Raymone Bain, press secretary.

Michael Rogers, City Administrator, resigned in November.

Are they leaving to avoid violating the Hatch Act? Being employed outside of the government, they can campaign freely, for Barry.

Q U I C K I E S

Cardell Shelton, a strong voice in the community has been a commentator on WOL radio for about 3 months, from 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M., on Wednesday nights; and Saturday night, from 12:00 midnight until 6:00 A.M.
He joins the More Better Man, as he comments on everything from A to Z.
WOL is at 1450 on the AM dial.

Councilmember Allen passed out 1,000 turkeys to the residents in Ward 8 for Thanksgiving.
She continued with the traditional toy distribution to the residents, at Christmas.
When the families were burnt out on Newcomb St., SE, she did a drive to resupply them with life's many necessities.

Karen Redding is no longer a staff member with Allen's office. There were questions about her loyalty to Allen.
She had previously been part of former Councilmember Eydie Whittington's team.
When Allen first hired Redding, several persons contacted One Page At A Time to ask why would Allen hire anyone from Whittington's team.
At that time Allen had nice things to say about Redding, and did not regret hiring her. That was a year ago. (What a difference a day makes.)

The merger between PEPCO and Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG & E) has been called off, at least for now, after it dragged on for two years. They had accumulated a $100 million loss, that will be split, and written off by both companies.
At the public hearings customers were asking for a second electric company instead of a merge. Two companies would bring about competitive pricing, thereby, perhaps, giving the customers a lower rate, as has happened with the telephone companies.
PEPCO has announced that in the near future there will be a second electric company.

Carolena Key, commissioner with the Commission for Women, said their budget has been cut from $120,000 to 00, since fiscal 1995. She is lobbying to get a budget for her commission.

Robert Thomas, nominee for DC inspector general, will not be confirmed by the Control Board (CB). They have questioned his integrity.
Earlier, in 1997, the CB removed Angela Avant, because she was too closely related to Barry.

E. Barrett Prettyman, lawyer, has volunteered for the position of inspector general, for one year, to investigate police department corruption.

Phinis Jones, Ward 8 businessman, has lost his Dept. of Employment Services contracts. He is being investigated by Internal Revenue Services, as well the Labor Dept.
This investigation has extended to contracts he has in Baltimore.

The CB has spent almost $44 million on consultant fees since 1995.
KPMG Peat Marwick has been paid $12.8 Million. Their audits have included the Convention Center, and the DC Lottery.
DC school officials have decided not to use KPMG any more.
CB vice president, Stephan Harlan, is a former managing partner of KPMG. Some councilmembers have been concern that KPMG received more work because of Harlan.
Councilmember Sharon Ambrose has sent a letter to CFD Anthony Williams, because of the appearance of improprieties.

Congratulations to Carolena Key on her move to her new home. Key moved from Southern Ave., SE, in Ward 8 to Ward 2.
Now her new registration in Ward 2 will make a difference there, where Jack Evans is the councilmember/mayoral candidate.

Born on Christmas Eve, a Happy Birthday wish goes out to Ward 8 activist, Joyce Scott.

A new plan for Barry's security will replace police officers in the booth at his home with private guards, and Cora Barry's security will be cut.
The security detail cost taxpayers as much as $1 million a year.
Barry has had the police officers detailed to him, do everything from carrying voters to the polls, to carrying Cora's purse; to fetching luggage from airports to keeping secrets about his wrongdoings.
As of the first week in January, Cora still had her security.

According to a US Census, Greater Washington Consumer Survey from 1990 to 1996, there is a decrease of residency totaling 17,548.

Ward	decrease	increase
1	3,200
2	6,052
3	247
4	1,225
5	823
6	2,024
7	5,078
8		1,102
	18,650	1,102	17,548 less

Barry's cars were stolen from a fenced in area outside the police garage, at South Capitol and P Streets. Both cars were recovered. One in SE, 8 blocks away, from the garage, and the other on Butler St., in Ward 6.
In each case when the police spotted the cars and gave chase, the thieves jumped from the cars and ran. No one has been caught.

Mary A. T. ANIGBO, charter school operator, was found guilty of assaulting a Washington Times reporter and two police officers, in 1996, was fired in January 1998.
She has been accused of withholding a DC government check for $417,772 for 7 to 10 days before depositing it,\ thereby, violating the school's bylaws.
The board members, mostly her relatives, complained; she tried to fire the board, against the school's policy.
Anigbo's lawyer is Mary Cox. A former client of Cox's who fired her, said Anigbo will lose her case with Cox as her lawyer.

Barry's second annual "Day of Dialog" was a flop. Less than a 100 people showed up at UDC, whereas, 1,000 was expected.
Barry and Ayo Bryant, director of a sham of an agency, Dept. of Diversity, another bloat for the government, were unable to attract the people as they did last year, when it was held at the Convention Center.
It was to discuss race relation problems and unite the races, which seemed like a joke because Barry uses race to pit communities against each other, when he needs support.
This year the people were not fooled.

Ward 8 business woman, Kim Harrison, gave birth to a beautiful bouncing baby boy, on January 8, 1998.
It was due on the 12th, but Matthew Emanuel chose his own fate. He was borne under the sign of Capricorn.
Harrison showed pictures of the sonagram of the baby, at her baby shower. The doctor could not tell what it was, because of the position it was in. However, he had a head like a boy.
Congratulations to mother and son.

[UPDATE]

The trial for Ronald Stokes ended on January 22. He was found guilty on all 9 counts, on January 23. He will be sentenced in a couple of months.

[UPDATE]

Lt. Jeffrey Stowe pleaded guilty to the charges against him, to avoid further investigation. He will have the opportunity to plea bargain.

$$$

DID YOU WORK LAST YEAR, ON A JOB THAT DOES NOT ISSUE W2 FORMS, AND YOU HAVE AT LEAST ONE DEPENDENT, YOU MAY QUALIFY TO FILE TAXES, AND RECEIVE A REFUND. TO SEE HOW MUCH OF A REFUND YOU CAN GET, CALL CHARLES ANDERSON 202-399-8348 OR 399-7000.

One Page at a Time Newsletter For and About Ward 8

One Page at a Time Newsletter
For and About Ward 8