Input
Dear Citizens:
You can tell when the government really wants your input, and when it
doesn't want to hear from you. You can tell when government officials just
tolerate your comments because it would look bad not to have had the
meeting at all. Monday and Tuesday, the DC Public Schools invited citizens
to open forums to comment on the Superintendent's five-year “strategic
plan” to improve schools. If they really wanted informed comments, they
would have distributed the plan to citizens before the public meetings,
instead of holding it back until the meetings. They would have distributed
the actual, entire draft of the plan, instead of just a short summary of
it (http://www.dcwatch.com/schools/ps010723.htm).
They wouldn't have dominated the meetings by talking for the first hour.
At the Tuesday meeting, they even refused to let citizens have access to
the meeting microphones, and insisted that all comments and questions be
submitted in writing, to be filtered through a moderator — until a near
revolt forced them to open the mikes. If the citizens' comments were
really going to be taken into account in future versions of the plan, the
final draft wouldn't be scheduled to be published and released just ten
days after the meetings.
DCPS isn't alone. This is how public meetings are held by the Office of
Planning, by the Neighborhood Action Initiative, by other agencies of city
government. The plans are done and finalized before citizens ever hear of
them, and the public meetings are just scripted, pro forma exercises to
ratify plans that are done deals before they are ever made public.
Government officials have to check off the box that says that public
meetings were held, and citizens were given an opportunity to blow off hot
air. There is no box that says that that citizen input has to have any
meaningful impact, or that government officials actually have to listen.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your city officials are? More to the
point, do you know who your mayor is? Well, as you may know, Mayor Tony
Williams is on vacation in Canada this week. The Home Rule Charter and the
District Code don't provide for a line of succession when the Mayor is out
of town, but Mayor Williams issued an order (Mayor's Order 2000-163,
October 25, 2000, http://www.dcwatch.com/mayor/001025.htm)
establishing that the City Administrator/Deputy Mayor for Operations is
“designated to execute and perform the powers and duties of the Mayor of
the District of Columbia during periods of the Mayor's absence from the
District of Columbia.” However, the City Administrator, John Koskinin,
happens to be on vacation, too. He's in Alaska, and out of reach even by
telephone.
The Mayor's Order thoughtfully provides for that. When both the Mayor
and the City Administrator are out of town, the Chief of Staff assumes the
duties of the Mayor. Unfortunately, the Chief of Staff position has been
vacant since Abdusalam Omer left in the spring, so for the past few days
nobody has been at the helm of the District government. (Have you noticed
any difference?) However, as of today, things are different, because today
Kelvin Robinson, the Mayor's latest Chief of Staff, officially went on the
District's payroll. That's right. On Mr. Robinson's first day as Chief of
Staff he is also the acting mayor of DC. So, as of today, Kelvin Robinson
has full mayoral powers, with the authority to hire and fire, execute
contracts, and speak on behalf of the District of Columbia. The only
things forbidden by the Mayoral order are approving or vetoing legislation
and approving agreements for providing services between the District and
Federal governments; otherwise, the power is unlimited.
So welcome to DC, Kelvin. You the man, Kelvin, you the man.
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Does anyone know whether the City Counsel has any plans to develop a
“Section 529” plan (tax deferred tuition savings account)? I
understand there are or soon will be such plans in 43 states, but the
District, as usual, doesn't seem to be on the list.
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2012 Olympics
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
Here in the Big Apple the city has turned out with flair this week to
woo the visiting International Olympic Site Selection Team. New York City
is competing with Washingon/Baltimore and six other cities to host the
2012 Olympic Games. To give a good overview of how well equipped NY City
is to handle the events, crowds and athletes, the city constructed a 100
foot by 50 foot scale model of the city and surrounding areas with venues
highlighted for all events.
The city is giving some serious consideration to locating the Olympic
Village in a still-to-be-built housing complex on the 1960 Worlds Fair
Grounds at Flushing Meadows. NYC will be a formidable competitor in the
quest to host these Olympic Games. Not all the denizens of Manhattan (much
like Washington) are thrilled with the possibility of descending hordes of
visitors in the Summer of 2012.
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From a great ezine, http://www.NewsoftheWeird.com/:
“Bernhard Goetz, who became part hero and villain in 1984 when he shot
his way out of a perceived subway attack by black teen-agers in New York
City, announced recently that he is running for mayor of the city on a
limited-program platform: hire Mayor Giuliani (who legally cannot run
again) to actually run the city; install vegetarianism in municipal
facilities; feed the poor generously but only with deliberately mediocre
food (so they won't get used to it); permit city workers to take
productive naps on the job; and promote the gentle squirrel as our most
precious pet. [National Post (Toronto), 7-5-01]”
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One appalling fact uncovered in the Chandra Levy case has apparently
been ignored by all. It was mentioned that police searched eighty empty
and abandoned buildings in the immediate neighborhood. Why are there
eighty vacant buildings in such a small area, a close-in, high-rent,
otherwise desirable area of the city? Why are there eighty empty dwellings
when so many people need affordable housing?
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Jack Abadie, the city's new chief procurement officer and head of the
Office of Contracting and Procurement, wanted to have a party to celebrate
the City Council's approval of his nomination. So on Friday, July 27,
Abadie closed the agency's offices at mid-afternoon so that the staff
could amble over to the Holiday Inn on 14th Street. In order to pay for
the festivities, Janice Bolt, Abadie's special assistant for external
relations, called agency employees and asked them for $50 contributions.
However, on July 26, the Washington Post exposed the questionable
solicitation of funds from employees by Kelvin Robinson, the mayor's new
chief of staff, at the Florida League of Cities. Bolt then sent an E-mail
to staffers suggesting that all contributions were “voluntary.”
I'm not one to be a party pooper; I'll even contribute a gift to the
party. It's a copy of section 1803.4 of the District's Personnel Manual,
which reads: “An employee shall not solicit a contribution from another
employee for a gift to an official superior, make a donation as a gift to
an official superior, or accept a gift from an employee receiving less
pay. This subsection does not preclude the presentation or acceptance of a
voluntary gift of nominal value or of a cash donation in a nominal amount
when given on a special occasion such as marriage, illness, or
retirement.”
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Omphaloskepsis in themail
Charlie Wellander, ah52j2e3@mailshell.com
Omphaloskepsis (navel gazing) is the thread in abeyance. For shipshape
naval gazing, see http://images.google.com/images?q=naval&btnG=Search&site=images.
But for real navel (fruits, et al.) gazing, the adventurous might
peruse http://images.google.com/images?q=navel&btnG=Search&site=images,
especially with the “mature content filter” turned off.
###############
In themail dated 7/30/01, Gary Imhoff wrote, “a discussion forum that
turns into a discussion of the discussion forum itself is just too
self-centered and tiresome. It's naval gazing.” Try “navel” instead.
I believe you are talking about peering at the umbilicus, not ships of
war.
###############
Gary: Maybe you are the Old Woman in the Shoe who had more kids than
she could deal with But was in charge, anyway, by hook, crook or editor's
word. Cheers.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
TasteDC.com’s Updated August/September
Calendar of Wine and Food Events
Charlie Adler, wine@TASTEDC.COM
1) August 8, Wednesday, “Wine Basics 101,” Radisson Barcelo Hotel,
2121 P St., NW.. Valet parking, Metro Dupont Circle (Red Line), 7-9 p.m.,
$40 per person. Our most attended event! Learn how to order wine in a
restaurant, determine basic wine styles and varietals, pair wine and food
and more! 2) August 14, Tuesday, “Cocktails 101: Exotic Island
Drinks,” Ozio Restaurant and Lounge, 1813 M St., NW, Metros: Farragut
North or Dupont Circle (Red Line), 7-9 p.m., $40 per person. All new mixed
drinks. Yah Mon, no worries, TasteDC.com will show you the way to Island
paradise with 10 new mixed drinks! Ozio's experienced bartender will mix,
entertain and serve you samples of 10 exotic island mixed drinks for
Summer! Light appetizers will also be served such as fried calamari,
sesame chicken tenders, and baby eggplant pizza. You will also learn the
basics of setting up your own home bar, secrets of the trade, and a whole
lot more! Don't forget, each attendee gets a sample of all 10 drinks, it's
included in the price of the event. 3) August 21, Tuesday, “Wine Maker's
Dinner at Equinox Restaurant,” Equinox Restaurant, 818 Connecticut Ave.,
N.W., 11/2 blocks from the Farragut West Metro Stop (Red Line), limited
street parking, 7-9:30 p.m., $85/person, tax and tip inclusive. Join us as
Chef and Proprietor Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant (consistently rated as
a top DC restaurant by both Washingtonian and the Washington
Post) creates a special 4-course summer meal all paired with lovely
Austrian wines. Gray has been nominated as one of the best chefs in the
Mid Atlantic by James Beard Foundation and has been nationally featured in
many publications including; Esquire, Town & Country, Gourmet
and Bon Appetit. Gray will use the freshest seasonal, regional
ingredients in a special chefs tasting menu paired with wines (vegetable,
seafood, meat and dessert). Vegetarian options will also be available upon
request. $85/person includes tax and tip. Please Note: This is a seated
event. 4) September 12, Wednesday, “Embassy of Lithuania Reception and
Tasting,” Embassy of Lithuania, 2622 16th Street, NW, between Fuller and
Euclid Streets, limited free valet parking available, 7-9 p.m., $50 per
person. Join us at the Embassy of Lithuania, located in one of 16th
Street's beautiful former mansions. We will taste a selection of
Lithuania's traditional dishes such as cepelinai (potato balls), cold
borsch, kugel, and cold mixed salads and an array of beverages including
nonnative wines, vodka, beer, and flavored liqueurs. This is a reception
style event and tasting of authentic Eastern European cuisine. This event
is a walk-around/reception style event (no seating). 5) September 28,
Friday, “Netherlands Embassy - 17th Century Feast!” 4200 Linnean Ave,
NW, east on Upton Street from Connecticut Avenue about 3 blocks, nearest
Metro is Van Ness 4 blocks away, limited street parking, 7-9 p.m., $55 per
person inclusive. Join us at the lovely Embassy of the Netherlands for an
authentic, possibly even Bacchanalian 17th Century style feast of food and
the senses! The Dutch controlled the valuable spice trade in the 17th
century which lead to their economic power and interest in new culinary
trends. We'll recreate the feasting that often occurred after religious
abstinence: authentic foods (meat and fowl), fruits, vegetables, baked
breads, wine and more! Expect interesting live entertainment, more news on
this soon! Attire is business casual (or wear an original costume!) Please
note: this event is a seated event with a short reception. Reservations: https://labyrinth.dgsys.com/clients/tasteusa.com/order.cgi?X_DC,
333-5588.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED
Office Assistant Needed at the Arriba Center
Sid Booth, SidBooth1@aol.com
The ARRIBA Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit organization
serving the independent living needs of physically disabled persons in the
Washington area, is seeking a capable Office Assistant. Duties include
filing; generating correspondence; copying; faxing; assisting the Director
on grant proposal writing and fund raising; some client work; other
general office duties. The Office Assistant is expected to be familiar
with basic office equipment; have a better than working knowledge of the
major computer applications used in today's communications, and possess
good interpersonal skills, sensitivity towards the needs of the disabled
population, and good writing skills. A working knowledge of the Spanish
language is preferred. Available immediately. Salary competitive,
commensurate with education and experience. Part time at first; will grow
into a full-time bona fide staff position. Contact: Dr. Cris Covelli,
ARRIBA Center Executive Director. Call to request an interview. Phone
667-3990.
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Temporary Bilingual Spanish-English Secretary
Jon Katz, jon@markskatz.com
Temporary bilingual Spanish-English secretary needed for August 13-17,
2001, (while our FT secretary is on vacation). $15/hour minimum. Silver
Spring trial law firm. Bilingual Spanish-English (fully fluent) essential.
Handle all clerical work; client contact; and interpretation and
translation. Strong performance may lead to extension of employment (but
current hourly rate is only for this temporary assignment). If you wish,
you will be considered for continuing with part-time work. Clerical/office
experience, accuracy, and good communication skills are essential. Please
send resume and cover letter to Jon Katz, Marks & Katz, LLC, 1400
Spring St., Suite 410, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Fax: 301-495-8815. Please
do not send E-mail attachments.
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CLASSIFIEDS — CAUSES
Following on Malcolm L. Wiseman, Jr.'s invitation to readers of themail
to become part of the solution to DC's second class citizenship, I would
like to suggest a concrete way in which readers can get involved and make
a difference in the campaign for full Congressional voting rights. DC Vote
is deploying volunteers to the National Mall each Saturday between now and
September 1st to talk to tourists about the District's disenfranchisement.
Wearing our “Taxation Without Representation” T-shirts, we hand out
flyers and bumper stickers, engage tourists in conversations about our
lack of Congressional voting rights, and ask supporters to sign DC Vote
petitions. This is retail grassroots education, and provides participants
with an opportunity to hone their polite and engaging debate skills.
My favorite interaction thus far was with a family from West Virginia.
They were resting near the Lincoln Memorial and seemed none too pleased to
have a moment of family bickering interrupted (it was only in retrospect
that I realized that they had been engaged in an argument -- my original
enthusiasm and determination to tell the world about D.C. voting rights
blinded me to the obvious signs), but they listened politely as I began to
explain that they had more power in this democracy than each of the
residents of D.C. They were surprised about the fact that we have no
congressional voting representation, and asked some good questions about
the history of the issue. Eventually the parents expressed concern and
explained that they were volunteers for Senator Byrd (D-WV). The older
son, who looked to be around 16, sounded indignant when he asked whether
Senator Byrd knew about this. With many possible answers swirling around
in my brain, I managed to let this young man finish his thought. He said
that this (taxation without representation) wasn't right and that Senator
Byrd would want to fix it. His father said that they would ask the Senator
about it when they saw him later in the week.
While I can not report whether the follow up conversation took place, I
count this family's raised awareness as success. I can report that many
volunteers have similar stories to tell, and we have received copies of
E-mail sent by a tourist to his Congressional delegation from PA and a
copy of a letter from a tourist to Senator Kohl (D-WI) each asking that
Congress give D.C. the vote. Sure, there are the few Mall walkers who
pronounce our disenfranchisement our own fault (ending their accusations
with the suggestion that we move -- my least favorite response as
volunteers know!), but for the most part, out of towners seem pleased to
talk to people who actually live here. Delegate Norton has been on the
Mall each Saturday and can take credit for numerous converts. Each of us
will carry these stories to Capitol Hill when we go seeking cosponsors for
S.603/HR1193 the “No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2001.” We
have five more weeks of D.C. Freedom Summer 2001, and I invite readers to
join and give the effort a Saturday afternoon. The group meets at DC Vote,
1500 U Street, NW, each Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for a quick orientation and
is then bused to the Mall where they work the crowd until 4:30 p.m.
Volunteers are back at DC Vote by 5:00 p.m. For more information or to
reserve a spot on the bus, call Jamal Najjab at 462-6000.
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Exclusive Legislation Interpretation Results in
Unnecessary Discrimination
Mark Richards, Dupont East, mark@bisconti.com
On August 3, between 1-3 PM, Timothy Cooper of Democracy First will
challenge the U.S. government on denying DC citizens equal voting rights
before the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD
http://www.unhchr.ch/ http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/cerd.htm).
This challenge will bring the District's disenfranchised status to the
attention of world leaders. The outcome of the U.S. government's
implementation of the exclusive legislation clause over the past 200 years
has resulted in the denial of equal rights to DC citizens, a majority of
whom are minorities, but the U.S. failed to mention this fact in its
Report to CERD. The legacy of Congressional rule over the District reveals
a historic pattern of racial discrimination. While it is possible for the
U.S. to argue that the reason for continuing to deny DC equal political
rights is not explicitly racist, it is difficult to deny that the outcome
of this policy has racial implications. While the U.S. has made progress
in reducing racism and white supremacy, and explains how in its report, http://www.state.gov/www/global/human_rights/cerd_report/cerd_index.html,
there is more to do right here in the District.
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Repair and Reopen Klingle Road
Laurie Collins, lauriec@dcsystems.com
The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road needs your help to
update its mailing list. A lot of our information is distributed and
support generated through second and third parties, and many of you
already participate by attending meetings, putting up yard signs and
writing letters to the Mayor and other government officials. We’d like
to know who you are, and we want to put all that information together in
one place. We also want to make it easier for new supporters to join the
cause that will influence the city to repair and reopen Klingle Road.
Visit our web site at http://www.repairklingleroad.org
and follow the link to "Register Your Support." Whether or not
you need a yard sign, please fill out the contact information on the page
for our records and send another letter to the Mayor, the DC
Councilmembers and DPW. Register, help the cause, and get a yard sign! We
urge you to do it today!
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Collecting Debts from DC Government
David Reed, d.reed@mindspring.com
Can anyone recommend a lawyer who has had success collecting overdue
invoices from the DC Government? I'd also like to get in touch with any
other contractors who are trying to collect overdue invoices from the
District. Maybe some joint action, such as a class action suit, can help
all of us.
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Seeking Recommendation on Refinancing
Jeffrey Hops, jeffhops@yahoo.com
I'm about to undertake a renovation project that is going to require a
refinance. Can anyone suggest someone with whom they've had a good
experience?
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CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com
From washingtoncitypaper.com's LOOSE LIPS column, appearing this
Thursday:
LABOR PAINS: Mayor Anthony A. Williams seems bent on self-destruction.
From disastrous personnel selections to fundraising scandals to poor
performance at many agencies, the examples abound. Now comes the latest
episode: the weak response of the Williams administration to the growing
controversy involving George Washington University (GW), the Miller &
Long construction company, and the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN).
The trio locked in battle in early May, when WIN, a 5-year-old church- and
community-based organization representing 25,000 families, accused GW of
violating the city's “first-source” employment law. That law requires
any company receiving District-subsidized financing at or above $500,000
for a project — usually through industrial-revenue bonds — to agree
that 51 percent of resulting new hires will be city residents, and that it
will operate a registered apprenticeship program approved by the
Department of Employment Services (DOES).
“Miller & Long got caught red-handed violating a District law,”
says the Rev. Lionel Edmonds, WIN co-chair and pastor of Mount Lebanon
Baptist Church. This is not merely some obscure labor skirmish. In fact,
it raises important questions and challenges for the Williams
administration.
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:
TO AUG. 18: Return to the Forbidden Planet, at 8 p.m. Wednesday to
Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug.
12, to Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Little Theater of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe
St., Alexandria. $14-$17.
TUESDAY: “A Fresh Perspective on Monumental Washington.” C.W.
Westfall, chairman of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture,
examines D.C.'s monumental buildings, memorials, and parks — and looks
at contemporary and proposed additions to our public places — at 6:30
p.m. at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. $14.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html
City Paper previews will be on vacation for the next two weeks,
and will resume on August 20.
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