Management 101
Dear Managers:
In today's issue, both Dorothy and City Papers' Loose Lips
write about city management. Sometimes it feels like our city government
models itself on a CVS drug store: everything is hard to find, the
aisles are blocked, the specials aren't stocked on the shelves, the
lines are long, the employees aren't interested in serving the
customers, and the management hides in the back offices, doesn't give a
damn about your problems, and doesn't want to hear your complaints.
The difference between the city government and CVS is that we're
supposed to be in charge, to be the bosses of our government. In the
last Mayoral election, we hired a new manager to answer to us and to
make the store serve us better. It's been two and a half years, and the
new manager still hasn't taken charge; he's still shuffling around his
section chiefs and whining that it's hard to find good help nowadays.
And worse, he's acting as though he doesn't have to report to us
anymore. It's no wonder that so many people in this metropolitan area
continue to shop in those independent neighborhood pharmacies, and
threaten never to come into that big, ugly, unfriendly store again.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
###############
I Hate CVS
Sydney Schuster, address removed at request of author
I was cruising the Web looking for unflattering sentiments about CVS
when I stumbled onto your site and had to write. I got ripped off for
ten bucks by the cashier from hell at a CVS in Cranston, RI. I'm
thinking about posting an “I Hate CVS” site. If anyone you know
wants to contribute horror stories, they can send them to me. The
scarier, the merrier.
###############
The mayor's telephone line was not answering today, and here are my
questions: 1) Whom can we ask to remove all the barrels left behind by
work crews who needlessly repaved all the alleys in our 'hood? 2. To
whom can we complain about an establishment — in this case the rip-off
convenience store across the street from the zoo — still charging the
readily consumable tax? (Also a restaurant tax of 10% for fresh
sandwiches!) I tried to warn the tourists to stay away, to no avail.
###############
The Administrative Shuffle
Dorothy Brizill, dorothy@dcwatch.com
After two and a half years in office, the Williams administration is
still having difficulty getting its senior management team in place.
Today, Mayor Williams named Kelvin J. Robinson to serve as his chief of
staff (http://www.dcwatch.com/mayor/010711.htm).
Robinson will be Williams's third chief of staff (following Reba
Pittman Evans and Dr. Abdusalam Omer). Robinson is a lifelong resident
of Florida and, from 1994 until this past February, served as Director
of Legislative and Public Affairs for the Florida League of Cities. At
today's press conference, Mayor Williams openly acknowledged that
Robinson will have difficulty, since he doesn't know the neighborhoods,
the issues, or the people of the city. Robinson's salary will be
$134,000 a year, plus relocation expenses.
In coming days, look for Mayor Williams to announce Stan Jackson as
the new Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Jackson is currently chief of staff to CFO Nat Gandhi; he will become
the third DHCD director in two and a half years. Milton Bailey, DHCD's
current director, who frequently clashed with Eric Price, the Deputy
Mayor for Planning and Development, will return to his previous position
as head of the Housing Finance Agency. Williams will also conduct a
national search to find a replacement for Darlene Taylor, who currently
heads the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and serves as the Mayor's
chief lobbyist to Congress and the City Council.
###############
Those Nobel Laureates of ice cream, Ben and Jerry, are running a
great contest called “Citizen Cool.” Basically, they are asking for
online nominations of community-oriented folks whose actions make a
difference. Heroes, in other words. The three grand prize winners will
“star” in a Ben and Jerry's documentary on community service, twelve
finalists get to go to the movie premier in Vermont, 48 semifinalists
get a Golden Cone trophy, and the top 10,000 entries get a free pint
coupon and a Citizen Cool certificate. Self-nominations are permitted.
There are so many people in our communities that make life in our
neighborhoods so wonderful, and this seems like an easy and lighthearted
way to say thanks! I know that each of us know someone who effortlessly
bends over backwards to improve our daily quality of life, and I think
it's our duty to nominate someone! For more info, see www.benjerry.com/citizencool/
###############
Send them Packing?
Gregory Diaz, Zaidmot@aol.com
Okay, let me descend from the intoxicating heights of inscribing the
number of putative "voting democracies" on the head of a pin,
and circular reasoning around the Constitution's plain exception of the
District, to the mundane matter of a sudden rash of large shipping
crates that seem suddenly to be devouring scarce parking spaces. There
are at least four of these beasts within two blocks of our place: They
look like down sized ocean shipping containers and bear a 1-800 number.
They have been “parked” and consuming thereby four or five parking
spaces for at least a week. Given that one must move one's car regularly
in the District (every 72 hours?), what's with this? Is a permit
required? How long is this private taking allowed to go on? Are these
things just another yuppie arrogation of public space for private need?
Where is parking enforcement on this? (I can hear it now: they are not
motor vehicles, so — .)
###############
In answer to Gregory Diaz, who says, “Who cares [if DC isn't a
democracy]? Most other countries in the world are political cesspools of
plutocratic corruption and unbridled privilege. Not only are votes
meaningless, but raising one's head above the mass is a good way to get
it chopped off.” Yes, it's preferable to live in a country like the
US, where we merely suffer bridled privilege and our plutocracy
functions legally, mostly. Mr. Diaz wants those of us who demand
democracy for DC to stop our "self-righteous whining" because
at least we're not China or Iraq. That's a valid comparison? Why not
compare our situation to people who live in western Europe, where they
enjoy various degrees of proportional representation, cumulative voting,
instant run-off voting in some cities, and capitals with internal
democracy — not to mention guaranteed daycare, housing, and national
health insurance? (Ask any Canadian, German, or Brit if he or she would
prefer the American health care system.)
We've got a stunted democracy in the US, in which the two major
parties preserve an undemocratic at-large electoral system, with
expensive campaigns and difficult ballot access laws. Legalized bribery
of public officials, in the form of corporate lobbies and contributions,
not only maintains regressive health care and other public policies, but
now demands privatization of public resources and services (Social
Security, school vouchers, Arctic wildlife refuges, the Corrections
Corporation of America, the Pentagon's hiring of the mercenary firm
Dyncorp for secret military operations in Colombia, DC General
Hospital). The nation's capital, also the one place in the US where
African Americans constitute a majority, is kept in a state of colonial
dependence and subordination — a blatant satrapy under our current
mayor.
The difference between the American oligarchy and its Chinese, Iraqi,
and other repressive counterparts is that, for the most part, the ruling
class here doesn't need violence to squash dissent. It uses propaganda,
economic pressure, bureaucratic unaccountability, and other subtle
means. Critics whose opinions don't fall into the narrow range of, say,
E.J. Dionne to George Will don't get executed, they get rendered
irrelevant -- the Post ignores them. Dorothy Brizill can't get
information about the National Capital Revitalization Corporation —
who cares? The DC public is outraged at the Mayor's dismantling of DC
General — but the power and wisdom of the Financial Control Board will
overcome the LaRouchies. (Violent repression is still useful if the
dissenter is a black teenager or a World Bank protester.) That's not to
say we don't have basic rights. We do, thanks to self-righteous whines
like the Declaration of Independence, the amendments to the
Constitution, and various civil rights advances. But, especially here in
DC, we have a long way to go to achieve real democracy, the “gold
standard” that Mr. Diaz considers a luxury.
###############
Police Response to Noise
Agate J. Tilmanis, atil@loc.gov
Noise is not a high priority for the police. At least not in the
Third Police District. There have been complaints of noise, drugs, and
prostitution activity in the alley between 2130 P St., NW, and the Bagel
Place. I have brought this problem up to the police in Dupont Circle
Citizen's Association and ANC meetings without results. The police are
sympathetic, but say that at the same time there is a noise problem in
the Dupont Circle area, there is shooting and family violence on North
Capitol Street, and noise will not be a priority. Call 311, they say.
But the response time a 311 call is very slow. I have also been told
that people should take photographs if they observe illegal drug or
prostitution activity, but while that might be a good idea in theory, in
fact people may be reluctant to run that kind of risk.
###############
I'm in full agreement with John Whiteside's posting about noise.
Lately, my neighborhood, Columbia Heights, has become incredibly noisy.
I think it's just the fact that it's summer and too hot to stay inside,
so people hang out on the street. DC does have noise ordinances, and I
sometimes call in noise complaints to the police, but they typically
don't respond. Some jurisdictions even have ordinances about how loud
car stereos are allowed to be — after all, if a stereo is too loud,
the driver can't hear emergency vehicles. I'd love to see something like
that enforced in DC.
I don't understand what goes through the heads of the people who
blare their stereos out their apartment windows or sit around a car with
the windows open and the music blasting. It's just plain rude. I'd love
to find an eccentric millionaire or foundation to fund some kind of
civility campaign. In the meantime, I just call the cops and hope that
they show up. NPR recently did a segment on a guy in New York who has
founded a Campaign for Peace and Quiet in the Bronx or some such place.
Maybe we could start one here.
###############
Responding to the Noise
Dawn Dickerson, Ddd668@aol.com
Yes John, DC police do respond to noise complaints. I live in Ward 5,
and I too became very annoyed with folks blasting their radios and even
being brazen enough to hang/sit/squat on my front porch/steps
drinking beer, smoking weed and talking loudly. So I called 727-1010
(DC non-emergency) and begged them to help me, and they did. I felt bad
about complaining (can you believe that?). It was only 8:00 p.m., and I
thought that I should have at least waited to see if the noise would die
down by 9:00, but the dispatcher informed me that it didn't matter what
time of day this occurred. If the noise is a bother/nuisance and the
police come past and can hear it too, then they will cite the folks
and/or get them to turn it down. Hope this helps.
###############
Hillcrest Photo Gallery on the Web
Kathy Chamberlain, kechamber@erols.com
Replying to the request for neighborhood photo albums, the Hillcrest
web site, www.hillcrestDC.com,
has a photo gallery with houses, neighborhood scenes, history,
beautification projects, and neighborhood events, not just in Hillcrest
but in the broader neighborhood as well. The 8th annual Hillcrest garden
tour of last Saturday is the latest addition to the photo gallery. Find
the photo gallery on the menu or go directly to http://www.hillcrestdc.com/photo_gallery.htm.
The ANC 7B web site, www.pressroom.com/~anc7b,
also has a photo gallery, plus a community calendar and announcements.
###############
Photographica is my site (http://www.photographica.org),
but I invite photographers to tell stories through their photography on
it. If you or other would like to join, let me know. If there is any way
that I could help your project [to post DC neighborhood photographs],
let me know.
Feel free to use the photos, just add a link somewhere to my main
site: http://KillYourTV.com.
###############
Paul Dionne is correct that buying is an alternative for more people
than realize it. A few details, though; you can buy a home with less
than 5 percent down; I have heard of zero down programs, and I know
there are 3 percent down programs. However, if you have credit problems
in your past, it can get a lot tougher. The good news is that there are
a lot of people who can help you make your way through the maze of
paperwork required. I put the process off for a long time, thinking I
couldn't do it. I was very surprised by how easy it was, and when all
was done I owned a house with a monthly payment less than my previous
rent (and far less than what rent would likely be now), and what a
pleasant surprise it was to do my taxes as a homeowner.
If you want to buy but don't think you can, do yourself a favor --
investigate, go to some of the home buying seminars that lenders offer,
talk to some realtors. You may be more ready to own a home than you
realize.
###############
Help for First-Time Home Buyers
Stacey Patmore, Columbia Heights, DaisyPatmore@earthlink.net
I'd like to add to Paul Dionne's post about buying versus renting.
There are some great programs for first-time buyers in DC. The program
where DC lends you money for a down payment is called HPAP (Housing
Purchase Assistance Program) and it is run by the Greater Washington
Urban League. My figures may be slightly off, as I have not looked into
this in over a year, but here is the gist of it -- if you make less than
$25k a year you can qualify for $20,000 interest-free for 30 years, if
you make between $25k and $40k you can qualify for $15,000 interest free
for 30 years, and if you make between $40k and $55k you can qualify for
$10,000 at market interest rate for 30 years. These figures are for
single buyers. I am not sure of the income caps for couples or families.
The money can be used for the down payment and closing costs. If you
sell your home you must pay the money back immediately. The process can
be somewhat lengthy and frustrating, but it is well worth it.
In addition, First Union and Bank of America have great mortgage
deals for first-time buyers. If you make less than $60k (again, not
positive on this figure) you can qualify for a mortgage where you only
have to put down 3 percent but do not have to pay PMI. With First Union
your interest rate is the going rate; with Bank of America your interest
rate is slightly below market rate. Finally, there is a nonprofit
organization called Home Free USA (www.homefreeusa.org)
that helps first-time home buyers with the home buying process. It costs
about $200 to join, and you can take as many home buying classes
(offered on weeknights and Saturdays) as you like. As someone who didn't
know the first thing about buying a home I found the classes quite
helpful.
###############
Timing is Everything in Home Buying
Ann Carper, bamck@earthlink.net
Re: Paul Dionne's posting on buying as an “alternative to rent
gouging,” I'll share my recent experience selling my Ward 2 condo.
According to a staff person in the Office of the Chief Financial
Officer, you can earn as much as $44,100 living alone to be eligible for
the DC Lower Income Home Ownership Tax Abatement, which exempts you from
paying property taxes for five years. In fact, as long as you don't
start your job until after settlement, you can make more than $120,000
(before bonus) and still qualify. In my purchaser's case, that's a
savings in property taxes of nearly $5,000 over five years.
In addition, the program also exempts eligible buyers from the 1.1
percent (each) recordation and transfer taxes, which the buyer and
seller typically each pay. In my case, I'm embarrassed to say that I
signed something I didn't quite understand other than that I apparently
assigned the responsibility for paying the $3,000 transfer tax to the
purchaser, who then, because of the program, is exempt from paying. As I
interpreted the settlement attorney's explanation, since I would be
paying the tax anyway, my choice was to either give it to the buyer or
to the city. I felt put on the spot, so paid it to the buyer. (I have
since asked the settlement company to send me a copy of the document
spelling out exactly what transpired.)
While I can't fault anyone from taking advantage of what he or she is
legally entitled to, it does seem that the income eligibility
requirements and/or five-year exemption period should be tightened so
that money spent on this program benefits those most in need. For more
information about the program, call 727-5374 and press 6 for customer
service. The web address doesn't give many details, but the URL is http://cfo.washingtondc.gov/services/tax/property/4.shtm.
###############
I agree with Erica Nash that the DC fireworks were sad on the 4th. I
watched the NYC show in awe and can't understand why this city had such
a poor showing. Who is responsible for this type of thing? The National
Park Service, maybe? Anyone have any info on this?
###############
The Corporation Counsel Opinion on Term Limits
Michael Bindner, mbindnerdc@aol.com
Mr. Matthes has confused referendum with initiative. As I recall,
what the Corporation Counsel said was that the term limits initiative
was out of bounds because by its nature it is a change to the District
Charter, which can only be amended by Congress or by referendum proposed
by the Council. The Corporation Council is probably correct, which is
why those who are serious about democracy and self-determination (as
well as term limits, health care reform and any real change in our
nation's capital) should focus their attentions on gaining charter
amendment by citizen initiative. As far as I can see it, the only ways
to get this power are to run candidates who favor such a reform as one
of their top issues or to lobby Congress for it. The electoral
alternative is preferable. I expect that Congress would be loathe to
grant such democracy to District residents -- the suburban delegation's
main contributors also contribute heavily to the gang of 13 who run this
District, and they like the status quo.
[The legal opinion was actually issued by the General Counsel to the
City Council, and it available at http://www.dcwatch.com/issues/term010326.htm.
When the initiative was originally introduced, both the then General
Counsel and the Board of Elections and Ethics issued opinions that said
the matter was a proper subject for an initiative, and did not amend the
Home Rule Charter. If and when a referendum is introduced, the Board of
Elections will undoubtedly follow the politics and reject it, and the
issue will be litigated in court, with the court's decision being far
from certain. — Gary Imhoff]
###############
Fired Teachers
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
To those who decry the firing of teachers because they lack the
proper credentials, instead of firing those who are not competent
teachers, the problem is with the Teacher's Union. You cannot fire an
incompetent teacher. They will hang on forever sucking the blood (and
money) from the school system. Their presence also demoralizes the rest
of the teaching staff. Until control of the educational processes is
wrested from the teacher's unions there will be no improvement. The
success of the private schools is largely attributed to the competent
teachers unburdened with a teacher's union.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Marilyn Mural Celebration
Martin G. Murray, Woodley Park Community Association, wpcadc@hotmail.com
Join your neighbors on Saturday, July 28, at 11 a.m., to celebrate
the restoration of the Marilyn Monroe mural! We'll gather in front of
the new AAHSA building at the southeast corner of Calvert and
Connecticut to afford ourselves of the best view of the neighborhood
icon. Joining us will be the mural's creator, John Bailey, and his
assistant in the restoration, B. Andrew Valliere, along with our
incredible mural restoration chairman David White, and the many generous
residents and business owners who contributed to Marilyn's makeover.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — SPACES
Parking Space for Rent
Paul Williams, pkelseyw@aol.com
One large parking space on driveway near 11th and T Street; entrance
directly off of 11th Street, so no alley hassles. Elderly homeowner
there to watch car most of the day/night. Located one block from U
Street Metro. Call Irene for details at 265-0829.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE
Two Nights at the Radisson Barcelo Hotel,
Washington, DC
Laurie England, Topspindc@aol.com
Gift certificate for two complimentary nights valid through December
31, 2001, at the Radisson Barcelo Hotel, 2121 P Street, Washington, DC
20037. All rooms are oversized with coffee maker, TV, etc. The hotel has
a fully equipped health club and swimming pool and is walking distance
to many restaurants and monuments. Certificate is valued at $318.00
($159/night); asking $270 or best offer.
###############
Located at 1605 7th Street; two window units no longer necessary.
Priced to move! One is a Panasonic, 4 years old, 6000 BTU, smaller size
that didn't need window grate removal, the other is a Fedders, 3 years
old, 5000 BTU, also smallish size. Both are white plastic, and not too
difficult to move. It's going to get hot soon! Stay cool with these at
only $60 each!
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — WANTED TO BUY
Are you selling a Honda Civic (AT) with little wear and tear and
limited gas mileage? If so, please E-mail or call me at 301-495-4300. I
plan to buy a new or used Civic this month from a dealer, but will also
consider a used one from a private owner in the right condition, with
the right features, and for the right price. I look forward to hearing
from you.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — CAUSES
Klingle Road
Peter McGee, Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road,
peterm@lcsystems.com
The assertion is made by Beth Daley in last week's themail that
Klingle Road carried an insignificant volume (two percent) of traffic
across Rock Creek Park, similar to the Zoo Road. This is specious. Her
figures are derived from traffic volumes that include roads located a
long way from Klingle Road, such as Military Road which is miles from
Klingle Road. This is like saying that Columbia Road is a cross-town
alternative to K Street.
Traffic that previously used Klingle Road does not now go to Military
Road or Massachusetts Avenue as alternatives — traffic takes nearby
routes such as Porter Street. In fact, DPW studies found that upon
closure of Klingle Road traffic volumes doubled turning at the
intersection from Porter onto Connecticut. The Zoo Road is not an
alternative to Klingle Road, and carries insignificant amounts of
cross-town traffic -- traffic volumes on the Zoo Road mostly account for
the number of people who visit the National Zoo by car. By contrast,
Klingle Road carried 3,200 cars per day, 200 per hour in each direction
during peak times, underneath Connecticut Avenue, thereby reducing
traffic volumes on Connecticut, Porter, and other nearby streets.
In Wards 1 and 4, cross-town roads to Ward 3 are 1/2 to 1 mile apart.
We can not afford to give up one of the few cross-town connections that
we have. Moreover, in this day of terrible traffic congestion and
increasing population, we can not be turning important roads into bike
paths. Let's add bike paths where we can, but let's do so without taking
away existing roads like Klingle Road. Moreover, a properly repaired
Klingle Road and associated storm water runoff drainage system will
virtually eliminate storm water runoff into the stream. In any event, we
know from an EPA study done just prior to the Road's barricading that
the tiny Klingle tributary was one of the cleanest streams in the City
— the study was conducted when the road was open to traffic and
carrying over 3000 vehicles per day.
Rock Creek Park is a great resource, but it physically divides the
northwest part of the City. Klingle Road was an important way to get
across this great divide, enhanced by the fact that the road goes under
Connecticut Avenue, completely avoiding six lanes of traffic. Replacing
Klingle Road with a bike path will not add any green space to our City,
which is already 20% green. Klingle Road should be restored to its
historic purpose of moving goods and citizens efficiently and
effectively across town.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
A friend needs advice on where to live in Baltimore for two months. A
scientist friend is going to Baltimore for study for two months. Does
anyone have info about neighborhoods/rentals/sublets in Baltimore? He's
hoping for some sort of sublet with his girlfriend (also a
microbiologist), furnished, beginning August 6th (or of course August
1), and going for definitely four weeks, the month of August, and
hopefully two more weeks (so they can tool around for the first two
weeks of September).
Their lab is in at Inner Harbor. And they'd also like to know some
cool neighborhoods if no one pops up with an apartment. And he'd love to
know rent $$ too. The place where they're working is the Center for
Marine Biotechnology (it's near the aquarium.)
###############
Looking for an attorney to work with me on four winnable cases. I
need an attorney who is not afraid to fight the government. If you are
interested, please contact me, Robin Walker, at sistawalker1@juno.com.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com
IT'S THE MANAGEMENT, STUPID — PART II: Quick, call Macy's
duct-cleaning professionals! The damn thing has spread throughout the
mayor's suite of offices! Once upon a time, LL thought it was in the
water. But who drinks from building fountains anymore? Conclusion: it's
in the air, traveling through the vents, silently attacking everything
in its way. How else to explain the fact that the people brought in to
reform District government — so-called gurus trailing 11-page CVs --
can't recall the basics of Management 101?
Who would have guessed that not the mayor's director of communications,
Joan Logue-Kinder, nor the director of personnel, Milou Carolan, nor the
city administrator, John Koskinen, could provide the names and salaries
of the second-in-command officials at District government agencies? It's
true — no one, it appears, has on file specific organizational charts
for each of the city's agencies from which the names and salaries of
each individual could be culled.
Read the entire Loose Lips column here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/lips/lips.html
From washingtoncitypaper.com's CITY LIGHTS page, here are a few early
warnings for upcoming events:
FRIDAY: The Metropolitan Washington Old-Time Radio Club hosts Michael J.
Hayde, author of My Name's Friday: The Unauthorized but True Story of
Dragnet and the Films of Jack Webb, at 7:30 p.m. at the Trinity
Episcopal Church, 2217 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Free.
TO JULY 21: Clue! The Musical, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday to Saturday,
July 21, at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. $12.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html
###############
themail@dcwatch is an E-mail discussion forum that is published every
Wednesday and Sunday. To subscribe, to change E-mail addresses, or to
switch between HTML and plain text versions of themail, use the
subscription form at http://www.dcwatch.com/themail/subscribe.htm.
To unsubscribe, send an E-mail message to themail@dcwatch.com
with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. Archives of past messages
are available at http://www.dcwatch.com/themail.
All postings should also be submitted to themail@dcwatch.com,
and should be about life, 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.
