Cities Within a City
Dear Cityzans:
The debate over statehood is tapering off in this issue, so I'll add one
thought. I'll even attribute it to the person whom I believe originated it. Dino Drudi, a
long-time member of the Federation of Citizens Associations, once told me that he would
certainly be for statehood for the District of Columbia — after we had established
cities within the prospective state. He argued that the thing that most distinguished us
from states was not our geographic or population size, but the fact that we didn't have
independent subordinate jurisdictions. He argued that we should spin off Georgetown and
Brookland and Capitol Hill and other neighborhoods as independent cities, each with its
own mayor and legislature and laws and regulations (although possibly contracting
cooperatively for some services), and that then we would be structurally ready to become a
state. The District of Columbia used to encompass incorporated cities and an
unincorporated county. Is anyone ready to revert?
One unrelated point. I don't argue with contributors. You know that. This
is your forum, not mine. I don't contradict you, usually. And I haven't taken a position
on the tax cut debate. But Anne Drissel — Anne — let me get this straight. You
can argue against tax cuts, and I know that I just waste and fritter away my money on
frivolous things like food, clothes, and shelter. But are you telling me that the
government of the District of Columbia spends my money more wisely and efficiently than I
do, and on higher and better goals than I have? Are we talking about the same District of
Columbia government here?
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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No Tax Cuts; More Fix-ups!
Anne Drissel, Mt. Pleasant, drisselab@aol.com
Our esteemed City Council members need to notice we did NOT vote for any
of their members for Mayor in the last election. We elected the one person who did NOT
talk about tax cuts. Yes, Anthony Williams proposed limited changes in the tax laws to
help small businesses. But he made it clear that the real task is to clean up and fix up
the city and put it on sound financial and managerial footing. That's the tax policy we
chose when we elected Mayor Williams. The list of vitally needed city improvements are
well known after decades of neglect. There's no end to the list to the backlog of unfunded
city needs that should be met before we talk about cutting taxes. Just a few added
examples: trim and replace lost trees throughout the city. Rehab our libraries; update the
inventory of books; replace over-used books that are worn to shreds. Clean and paint city
buildings; restore or replace shabby furnishings. Clean the sewer openings. Properly
repair street cuts. Clean and repair alleys. Replace all of our street light and lamp post
bases! Pay back debts to contractors. Restore humane levels of health and human services.
Rebuild our schools. Rebuild our neighborhoods. Retire the debt — continue to improve
our bond ratings and save huge interest payments.
Forget returning the money to us so we can fritter it away on overpriced,
overbuilt sport shoes, cell phones and pagers in every pocket, more junk food. Put it
where we can all use it. . . . in our shared community infrastructure. In case they don't
get the point, I repeat: City Council Members, we did NOT vote for tax cuts this past
election. If you respect the fact that you are supposed to represent us, then you should
not be proposing major tax cuts!
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The Great DC Council Tax Cut Caper — Bullseye
or Cheap Shot?
Len Sullivan, lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net
There is no question but that DC taxes are higher than those of our
neighbors and most other Americans. Why? NARPAC says because DC: a) has many more tax
consumers per taxpayer; b) uses many more government employees in virtually every city
function relative to the population they serve; c) carries far too high a per capita debt;
d) still performs too many non-municipal tasks; and e) raises too little revenue from some
of the city's wealthiest businesses. Moreover, DC already gets more funding from the feds
alone (i.e. other American taxpayers) than most other cities get from their states and the
feds put together. The proposed landmark income tax cuts could be a right-on-target salvo
by the City Council IF and ONLY IF the Council AND the Congress not only authorize, but
mandate the mayor to use all available powers to alleviate the five imbalances identified
above within the same time frame — and without tricky bookkeeping or subsequent
legislative grandstanding and second-guessing. Furthermore, the Council should recognize
that proximity to the seat of the federal government is an asset for which people —
and businesses -- are prepared to pay. Complete tax parity with the outlying suburbs is
not necessary to “level the playing field.”
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In Response to Your Question
Jennifer Dhore, Dhorej@howrey.com
“So does anybody want to pay less taxes?” I have recently sent
off the following to our councilmembers and the Mayor. (My answer is an emphatic NO!)
With a total gross income of a little less than $60,000 in 1998 and a
family of six, I would love to have a tax cut. I have a junior at Wilson who will be in
college in two years and a 3 year old entering pre-K and 6 year old entering first grade
in the fall. Can we afford a tax cut? NO! We live in the Cardozo-Shaw neighborhood, a
vibrant and diverse neighborhood and a neighborhood we love except for one thing —
the schools. I cannot afford to let my youngest children attend the public schools as I
did with my eldest. A recent “Report Card” on area schools indicated the
following proficiency levels for our neighborhood schools: [chart omitted, but showing
very low scores in reading and math].
Consequently, we feel we have no alternative but to send our youngest
children to a private school. What does that cost us? The Pre-K program will run over
$6,000 this year and entrance into the first grade is over $13,000. We are looking at
close to $20,000 in private school tuition with an annual gross income of under $60,000
this year alone. Next year we are faced with over $25,000 and the following year college
tuition will be added onto that. Tax cut — thanks, but no thanks. Take that money and
invest in our children's future . . . give us a break and the opportunity to send our
children to good public schools. (And, give us the opportunity to know our children and be
involved with them and their friends — an opportunity we may not now have since an
extra $20,000 means second jobs for us both.)
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Tax Cut Road Show
Mike Hill, mihll@nbm.org
The thing to remember about tax cuts is, if they pass, they make excellent
publicity for politicians. Jim Gilmore made great political hay out of a tax cut (car tax)
that most Virginians still haven't seen. Although none of our council members is running
for reelection currently, they still are lobbying for greater political power as a group;
stuff like this is an easy, dumb way to appear “statesmanlike.”
A tax cut, especially a tax cut that will mostly affect the wealthiest
citizens, is a stupid idea. Do we really need more millionaires living on Foxhall Road, or
an influx of middle income families? These are the people that most everyone, regardless
of political affiliation, agrees stabilize communities. They do this in terms of the tax
base, and they add a stable element to the social life of neighborhoods. Right now, we
seem to have a real estate boom going on throughout the city, but it is only 18 - 24
months old. We should wait and see how much benefit the city reaps from the current upturn
before we decide it isn't enough.
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People have gotten so caught up in the whole land issue concerning what a
“District” is and what a “State” is and why six of them are called
“Commonwealths” that most of the arguments posted lately surrounding the voting
rights lawsuits have neglected the people of the District. After all, it doesn't matter
the size of the “Federal District” because the land can't vote, only those of us
who live here can. Theoretically, I mean. Keeping that in mind, I have come up with an
alternate and (if I do say so myself) far more equitable and superior solution to the
problem that won't cause a constitutional crisis:
Since every member of the House and Senate has a voice in how the District
is governed, every resident of the District should have a vote in their elections. Every
registered voter in the city would get to choose one House race and two Senate races
anywhere in the country to vote in (which is the number of congressional votes we'd get if
we had representation). Can you imagine how differently congressmen would treat us knowing
300,000 potential swing votes live here? Maybe Tom Davis and Jim Moran would think a
little bit before opening their yaps and disparaging the District and its residents. Maybe
we would have been rid of Mr. Faircloth had District voters pooled their votes and swung
an election against him. Or think of the favors we'd get from congressmen in tight races
who need some extra votes. Isn't it about time we got some of them pork barreling for us?
All that needs to happen to bring this about is to get the residency requirements for
national elections waived for District residents. There's already a precedent in the
works: Tom Davis is working to get the residency requirements waived to allow District
high school graduates to attend out-of-state universities at in-state rates. It could
happen....
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Mr. Matthes is partially correct, partially incorrect, and generally quite
contentious. First, there's really only one “requirement” to be a State in the
United States of America: admission by Act of Congress. Other than a few specified
limitations on what places Congress can admit as a State, the whole matter is one of
political definitions and the indispensable key is POLITICS. Nothing in the Twenty
Citizens lawsuit (Adams v. Clinton) contravenes this principle. We do not ask, nor do we
seek, “statehood” via judicial fiat, nor do we ask the Court to
“order” Congress to admit the District as a State. We do not seek to “stir
the pot,” but to end violations of constitutionally protected rights.
Mr. Matthes is simply wrong, however, in saying that the Constitution
“prevents DC from becoming a State.” His point hangs on his assumption that the
Constitution REQUIRES Congress to exercise plenary power over the ENTIRE present District.
No language in the Constitution requires this and his recent discussion ignores points
previously made illustrating the problems with the position. To maintain this position,
based on his reading of the Constitution, Mr. Matthes must also assert that retrocession
of Alexandria County to Virginia violated the Constitution, and that our
“failure” to be in a constant state of war violates the Constitution. But please
count to ten before you fire back, Mr. Matthes, because you and I agree that the real
issues here are political. Don't let your apparent ire at LAWYERS draw you into
unnecessary fights.
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Congress and the District of Columbia: A Source for
Facts and Research
Randy Wells, conexos@erols.com
Congress debated whether laws from the states of Maryland and Virginia
should continue in force over the respective parts of the District, after the formal
establishment of Federal jurisdiction in 1801. This decision has bearing on the continued
exercise of voting rights by District residents, within the respective states. Is it
possible that Virginia and Maryland continued to register District voters (then only
“freeholders,” mainly white male land owners) after ceding the territory to the
Federal government?
I invite interested themail readers to conduct research using a new
Internet resource, A Century of Lawmaking: US Congressional Documents and Debates,
1774-1873. This project, sponsored by the Law Library of Congress and the National Digital
Library Program of the Library of Congress, is full of materials relating to the early
governance of the District. (I work for the Library on this project.): http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/
“Great force was attached to that part of the Constitution which gave
Congress exclusive legislation over the Territory [of the District of Columbia]. But that
same clause of the Constitution gave the same power over forts, magazines, arsenals,
&c. Yet this power had never been assumed by Congress.” — Congressman
Nicholas, December 31, 1800.
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Wishing Won’t Make It So
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
Despite Herculean efforts on the part of Mayor Williams to improve
services to the citizens of D.C., things are moving at a glacier like pace. Similarly, the
Superintendent of Schools, Arlene Ackerman has just learned that her Special Education
organizational element has not implemented a single recommendation of the Department of
Education over an entire year. What these two folks should know by now is that wishing
won't make it so. Neither will setting targets at the top, cajoling, shouting, hitting
people on the head with clipboards, etc. etc. The problem lies with an entrenched, bloated
bureaucracy. This bureaucracy, which is growing as you read this, as evidenced by things
happening at the Police Department, can actually be heard growing. If you go out in the
dark and dead of night and close your eyes you can hear this bureaucracy growing. If the
Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools really want to improve things in their respective
organizations, if they really want dramatic improvements in the processes of the District,
then they have to take radical and dramatic steps to change the major processes and the
way they are implemented. That means tearing down the bloated bureaucracy and replacing it
with empowered, autonomous teams comprised of stake holders who are doing the work. By the
time any streamlining (totally inadequate measure) makes it through that low pass
filtering bureaucracy we will all be on social security (if it is still around). I'm sure
the folks at the bottom in this top heavy chain of command have a six page procedure, and
three policies telling them exactly how to pick their noses. Until the bloated bureaucracy
is obliterated and evolved into a flat set of functional teams we will never reduce the
cost of the D.C. Government and be able to really introduce tax relief. And we will never
see the major improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of services to the folks who
live in D.C. Before the Mayor was elected I met with him at a small “Meet and
Greet” in an apartment just off Dupont Circle. I asked Tony Williams if he was ready
and able to evolve the D.C. organization into functional teams and to do away with the
bureaucracy. His response was that he first had to improve the services to the people in
D.C. who were so poorly served. Well, that hasn't worked. It's timely to put “Plan
B” into effect. Try one Department and process at a time in the Mayor's organization
and in the DCPS. If not now, when?? Wishing won't make it so.
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Thank you to whoever posted the news about the new web site of the DC
Department of Public Works. I posted a complaint about a faded No Parking sign on my
street on April 21. A reply from a Ms. Linda Grant was received on April 23. Ms Grant is
the PR Officer. She said my request for service has been forwarded to the Rapid Response
Team. Sure enough, on April 27, a van bearing the Rapid Response Team sign rolled up and
two men went to work replacing the sign. Nathaniel and Harvey were courteous and did not
even accept my offer of a cold drink. They even trimmed the branches that were obstructing
the sign. Now this is a City that works!
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Getting Better, Really, Honest!
Ralston Cox, Dupont Circle, ralston.cox@juno.com
I think it's a sign that things are getting better in DC thanks to the
following: (1) my DC tax refund arrived two weeks after filing my tax return — no
word yet from the Feds; (2) a metal plate was in place on 17th Street NW near U Street,
for many, many, many months (maybe even a year). I sent DPW an E-mail (from their web
site); two days later, I got an E-mail response saying my complaint had been forwarded to
the right department; one week later, the road was patched and the metal plate removed.
Hooray! I'm so pleased, I'm gonna send a “thank you” E-mail message to DPW
today.
Now, can someone explain to me why one escalator at the southern entrance
to Metro at the Dupont Circle station is still out of order? I remember groaning when a
sign went up saying it would be out of order until 10/31/98 — at the time I thought
that was an incredibly long time. Well, it's now 6 months past that deadline, and it's
still out of order. Sigh.
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I confess. In my 5/2 posting (on charter schools) I erroneously used the
contraction “it's” where I should have used the possessive. I'll attribute it to
sloppiness, too little caffeine, premature senility, whatever. The difference between my
posting and the charter school recruitment letter to which I was referring is that I'm not
asking for taxpayers' money to educate our kids. Like anything we pay others to do for us,
we expect our educators to be experts in their field. That was the intended point of my
posting. Sorry if it ruffled some feathers.
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Those wonderful long cuts in our streets (in many cases our newly rebuilt
streets) are the gift of the telecommunications revolution. Can't you already see the
improved telephone, cable, and internet services? The competing companies are wiring high
volume locations first (witness Massachusetts Avenue). There was an extensive piece in the
Post about three weeks ago, complete with diagrams of what lies under our
streets. It's still available online. Of course, the repairs will all be done to
perfection. Can't wait until winter weather tests them.
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Various communication industry “wannabes” have taken out permits
to lay fiber optic cables throughout prime areas of the District. These are intended to
support competition with communication services currently provided by Bell Atlantic and
District Cablevision. When they're done “cherry picking” the business districts,
they'll be after your back yard.
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Reply to L. Burford on the Citywide Street
Excavation
Rob Fleming, rfleming@dclink.com
All those trenches are multiple companies laying conduit for fiber optic
communications lines. The good news is that, once the conduit is in, they can pull more
fibers. In addition, fiber optic communications is still fairly new, and growing. Every
time you turn around, some bright boffin has figured out how to get more signals through a
fiber, so the conduits should be able to cope with increasing demand, once they are in. In
the meantime, pothole city, and I'm not sure the city ever gets the revenue it deserves
for renting the sub street space or mandates timely and effective street repair, either by
the contractor or by DPW on
a reimbursable basis.
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Dry Clean Depot
Valerie Kenyon Gaffney, vkg0531@aol.com
Has anyone had any experience — good or bad — with Dry Clean
Depot? I need to have my winter clothing cleaned before putting in storage for the summer
and would prefer it didn't bankrupt me to do so. Suggestions of other dry cleaners in the
District who offer a “volume discount?”
[Washington Checkbook, which is very useful and usually reliable,
rated dry cleaners last year, and the cheaper places came out just as well or better than
the more expensive ones — Dorothy recalls that Dry Clean Depot was check rated for
both price and quality. — Gary Imhoff]
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T’ai Chi and its Relatives
Connie Ridgway, kaniru@aol.com
Regarding the query about a “good beginner's t'ai chi class in
Northwest:” I teach a qi gong (pronounced chee gung) class at Guy Mason Rec Center,
near the corner of Wisconsin and Calvert Streets NW in Glover Park, on Saturday mornings
at 11:30 am. Summer series begins in June. Qi gong is a Chinese healing art/exercise that
is relaxing and energizing, engaging the body and the mind (tai chi is actually a form of
qi gong). The style I teach is Soaring Crane — it's a bit easier to learn than the
standard t'ai chi form. If you're interested call Guy Mason Rec Center (282-2180).
Registration starts May 8.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
The Foundry Players Present Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Chad Eric Hickerson, Chadster@aol.com
The Foundry Players, Washington's longest running community theater, are
proud to present the wildly entertaining, toe tapping, sing along salute to 1970's
Saturday morning television —Schoolhouse Rock Live! The show's story features a
nervous teacher, preparing for the first day of school, who manages to draw the
Schoolhouse Rock characters out of the television set. The newly freed characters respond
by presenting the “greatest hits” of the beloved animated musical that has run
on ABC for over 25 years, including such classics as: Conjunction Junction, I'm Just A
Bill, Elbow Room, Three is a Magic Number and Interplanet Janet.
The Players are located at the corner of 16th and P Streets, NW, three
blocks east of the Dupont South exit of the Dupont Circle Metro. Performances of
Schoolhouse Rock Live! run each weekend from May 7 - May 23. Friday and Saturday evenings
at 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $12/person with discounts
available for seniors, children and groups of 10 or more. For more information please see
our web site at http://www.NBRconsulting.com/foundry
or call 202-332-3454.
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Andrew Aurbach is concerned about hordes of Star Wars fans camping out in
his neighborhood for three nights, beginning May 16. Three things: 1. These plans were
probably made before the announcement that folks could buy their tickets by phone or
online. 2. If you were an entrepreneur, you could see myriad money-making opportunities
presented by this“"problem,” such as serving campers food, drinks, garbage
bags, e-mail hookups, bathroom privileges, etc. for a reasonable fee, or allowing campers
the use of your lawn in return for rapt attention to your multi-level marketing pitch. 3.
For the non-obsessed among us, a colleague and I are presenting a “Prepare for the
Prequel” Star Wars briefing on Saturday, May 29 from 2:00-3:30 in Virginia. The
briefing will cover clips from the first three movies and an overview of themes and
characters, so that you can view the new movie with a fuller appreciation. Admission is
free but pre-registration is required; send an E-mail to LKIRKP@AOL.COM
if interested.
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Free Hypnosis Workshop II
Wayson P. Lee, wayson@juno.com
Free Hypnosis workshop on Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 p.m. The Chevy Chase
Library, Connecticut Ave. & McKinley St., 1/4 mile from Friendship Heights Metro. Take
E-2 or E-4 to Connecticut Avenue & McKinley Streets. Call 202/727-1141 or
202/362-2068.
Hi (Bonjour)! It's Wayson Lee again, Certified Hypnotherapist, BA
(Psychology)! A new hypnosis workshop will be held for relaxation and “Past
Life” Regression, “former lives” exploration. At the last workshop, a
volunteer asked about “Past Life” regression. So this time, in addition to
relaxation through hypnosis, Wayson would accompany volunteers to “visualize past
lives” by retrospective techniques. All are welcome and look forward to seeing you.
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Tasting Society International May, June, & July
1999 Calendar of Events
Charlie Adler, cadler@dgsys.com
1) May 13th, California Wines: Hot New Releases with guest appearance by
Ann Berta, Wine Columnist for Washingtonian Magazine, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo
Hotel, 2121 P St., NW, $40. Join Ann Berta, as our guest speaker for this tasting.
According to Ann, the new release of California wines is truly extraordinary. We will
showcase wines from Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast with a special emphasis on
delectable Cabernet Sauvignons. 2) May 19th, Embassy of Switzerland Wine Tasting and
Dinner with Michael Franz of the Washington Post, 7-9 p.m., 2900 Cathedral Ave.,
NW, $45, tax and tip inclusive. Join Michael Franz, wine columnist for the Washington
Post, as we taste exceptional Swiss wines and enjoy an international gourmet buffet
including Thai Money Bags, Porcini Mushroom Fondue, Pork Shaomai, Sliced Garlic Flank
Steak and more! We'll keep the speaking to a minimum so you can sample these wine
treasures from this mountainous country. 3) May 25th, Australian Wines of the Outback: New
Releases Wine Tasting, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo Hotel, $40. Australia has been receiving
well deserved attention for its wine making prowess. Aussie wines are a perfect match for
summer foods cooked on the “Barbie,” lighter salads and vegetarian fare. We will
taste over 8 top rated wines! 4) June 15th, Wine Basics 101, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo
Hotel, $35. Our most popular tasting! Michael Franz will cover the basics: how to match
wine and food, how to purchase and order wine, and what to look for in different grape
varieties. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy great wine! 5) June 23rd, Last Tango at
the Embassy of Argentina: Wine, Dinner and Romance! 7-10 p.m., Embassy of Argentina, 1600
New Hampshire Ave., NW, $55 in advance, tax and tip inclusive. Argentina is a country that
sizzles! Join the Ambassador, His Excellency Diego Ramiro Guelar, as we experience the
carnal pleasures of this South American country. The Ambassador claims that not only is
their beef an aphrodisiac, but so is their wine! We'll include a full buffet dinner with
this wine tasting including imported Argentinean beef, empanadas and other delicacies
(Vegetarians are welcome!) There will be a wide selection of this country's fine wines
served in an informal format. Last, but not least, a Tango demonstration and lesson will
be included with a live band, so bring your dancing shoes. 6) June 30th, French Wines for
Summer with Michael Franz, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo Hotel, $40. France produces such a
wide variety of fantastic wines that it's very difficult for the consumer to choose
quality producers. Join Michael Franz as he helps take the mystery out of French wines.
We'll primarily taste wines that pair well with the lighter foods of summer. 7) July 22nd,
Wine 102: Tasting Like A Pro, Thursday, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo Hotel, $35. You
understand the wine basics, but you want to impress your friends, business associates, or
other acquaintances with your wine knowledge (this is great for that next job interview!).
Michael Franz will show you in under 2 hours how you can taste like the pros and impress
anyone with your new found knowledge. 8) July 28th, Mixology 101: How to Make Premium
Cocktails, 7-9 p.m., Radisson Barcelo Hotel, $35. Drink Better! Tired of the same old Rum
and Coke? Well, our bartender will demonstrate how to make each new specialty cocktail
using the finest premium spirits available, and you get to taste each of them! We'll taste
variations on old standards such as the martini and margarita, and a variety of shooters.
Light hors d’oeuvres included. Reservations: RSVP at (202)333-5588 or E-mail: wine@tastedc.com or the reservation form at our web
page at http://www.tastedc.com/reservations.html
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CLASSIFIEDS — DONATIONS
Donating Used Textbooks and Other Books
Peggy Robin, probin@adlerbooks.com
Now that the school year is drawing to a close, many students and
graduates are wondering what to do with their old textbooks. Sometimes used bookstores
won't take them (or give you so little for them, that you'd be better off taking the tax
write-off for donation). If you're looking for a worthy cause, here's a great one: The
Book Project, run by the World Bank, distributes used textbooks to students in need at
schools in many countries around the world. Novels and other non-academic books are also
appreciated and are delivered to hospitals and libraries. Just box up your books and bring
them to the loading dock of the World Bank, located on G Street, NW, between 17th and 18th
Streets, any Monday or Wednesday morning. If you'd like more information, call Beth
Shepherd at 202-473-8960.
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Ladder Loan for Studio School
Jennifer Dhore, Dhorej@howrey.com
This Saturday, May 8th, the Studio School will be hosting over 300
volunteers who will be painting the interior of the school. They are in desperate need of
12 foot (or any ladder although 12 foot would be the ideal size) ladders. If anyone can
loan them a ladder for the day (Franklin absolutely promises safe return) please contact
Franklin at the School. They would be most appreciative of your assistance. The telephone
number is 387-5880.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
House Sitting/Cheap Sublet Wanted, July-Sept.
Stephanie Faul, steph@intr.net
Impecunious Australian composer seeks housing for self, wife, and smallish
child from July 20 to September 31. House-sitting ideal, but inexpensive rent is possible.
Any leads will be appreciated. Write steph@intr.net with offers, suggestions, or
possibilities.
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CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE
Schwinn Sidewinder all terrain bicycle, men's 18 speed, 19" frame,
excellent condition, $150 or best offer. Fuji S12S, racing bicycle, men's 12 speed,
23" frame, very good condition, $125 or best offer. Call 202-332-5663 evenings or
e-mail.
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Teak desk, 30 x 60, $200; Jennifer queen sized sofa bed with upgraded
mattress, $250; chrome arc shaped floor lamp, $35. Call 202-337-6482.
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CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com
From washingtoncitypaper.com's LOOSE LIPS column, appearing this Friday:
Quoth The Revenooer, Nevermore: As David Catania and Jack Evans' hotly debated tax-cut
plan passed a D.C. Council vote this week, the authors took pains to portray their bill as
a painless piece of public policy that the long-suffering District had earned. “We're
collecting more than we're spending,” chanted Catania at an April 26 council hearing
on the plan.
“The plan doesn't require cuts,” Evans told LL.
To arrive at their rosy conclusion, however, Catania and Evans relied on their own numbers
and projections — as opposed to the numbers and projections of the mayor's Office of
Tax and Revenue. And as opposed to the numbers and projections of the Center on Budget and
Policy Priorities. The consensus emerging from those corners of D.C. not smitten with
fantasies of turning the District into Grand Cayman on the Potomac is that the cuts will
cost us. The only question is how much, and whether it's worth it.
Read the entire Loose Lips column this Friday at: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/lips/lips.html
From washingtoncitypaper.com's CITY LIGHTS page, here are a few early
warnings for upcoming events:
Saturday, May 8: Brookland Day, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Catholic University's Crough
Center, in Koubek Auditorium, 620 Michigan Ave. NE. $25.
To January 2, 2000: Stay Cool! Air Conditioning America, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
and Sunday, noon - 4 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 2, 2000, at the National Building Museum, 401 F
St. NW. Free.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html
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government, or politics in the District of Columbia in one way or another. All postings
must be signed in order to be printed, and messages should be reasonably short — one
or two brief paragraphs would be ideal — so that as many messages as possible can be
put into each mailing.
