Perennials
Dear Contributors:
The "perennials" in the title doesn't refer to your
messages to themail today, but to my frequently repeated pleas. First,
please sign your contributions. Anonymous contributions aren't printed
in themail, so put your name as well as your E-mail address on your
message. I had to send back a few very interesting messages because they
weren't signed; I hope they'll be returned in time for the next issue.
Second, keep it brief. Again, I had to send some interesting messages
back to be cut from novelette to short story length, and I hope they'll
be back by Sunday. Third, let us know what's going on in your block,
your street, your neighborhood. The closer to your home and your own
experiences, the more likely it will be that what you have to tell us
will be interesting.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
###############
At 301 C Street, NW, going through a metal detector set the tone,
followed by confusion over the information line inside, and then the
whole process only took 2 1/2 hours! Improvements: 1. Rope dividers to
guide new arrivals to Information desk with three to four people instead
of only one person. 2. The numbering system is a great improvement! Same
ole: 1. The rope dividers are confusing to most new arrivals and should
be better organized. 2. Still no pens. 3. Still no narrow counters built
high enough to write on while standing, although there were maybe half a
dozen clipboards. If banks and other institutions can figure out how to
handle #2 and 3, why can’t DMV? My favorite: I saw this happen way too
many times. New arrivals look at their number, look at the board to see
which number is being processed, then with an expression of horror look
down at their number again, then look up again at the board while
shaking their head in disbelief. PS: If anyone ever runs a contest for
filthiest public rest room, 300 C Street has a potential winner.
Despite being horrified by the Post’s Marc Fisher’s experience, I
was really impressed with an Inspection Station process that took me
only one hour. Everyone was courteous and the process went efficiently.
The system may be overloaded with too many cars and must be improved or
changed, but what is in place works well. At least until I left with
sticker attached and discovered that I now have a constant squeak in the
car that was not there before the inspection. PS: If residents are
required to cut and clean overgrowth, why isn’t DMV?
I’d give C Street a grade of D+. The Inspection Station had a grade
of B until I discovered they damaged my car; now it gets an F.
###############
This week I received a letter in the mail from MBIA Muniservices
Company (MMC). They have been contracted by the DC Office of Tax and
Revenue (OTR) to locate taxpayers “who may not be registered for
District taxes, or who may not be filing or reporting all taxes due.”
When I contacted their office they said they were not sure (even though
they claim they have been hired to help residents resolve tax issues),
but believe I received this letter because I collect rent on my basement
apartment. I informed them that this income is diligently reported and
taxes are paid via my personal Federal and District tax returns. MMC
said that it did not matter, the District requires that I register as a
business via FR-500 and pay DC Franchise Tax. I contacted someone at the
OTR, and was unconfidently informed that if I made 1 cent in the
District I needed to complete the FR-500 and register as a business. I
disagreed based on the requirements as they are stated on the FR-500.
The only requirement that came close was for those businesses with
rental incomes in excess of $12,000 per annum. I do not (yet) fit this
requirement. My accountant subsequently reviewed the FR-500, agreed with
my conclusion, and then called MMC. The representative we reached, after
being walked through the form by my accountant, then also agreed
(contrary to what I had been told previously) that I do not fit the
requirements that necessitate filing of this form. He added however,
that I should still file it anyway “just to be on the safe side,”
because the District had requested that they (MMC) have everyone
complete one regardless. Is the OTR just fishing for more revenue at any
cost? Are they just sampling to see how many real businesses (those that
fit the requirements of FR-500) are not filing, and did I just happen to
fall into the sample group? Has anyone else received this letter, or
does anyone know who could provide an authoritative answer to the
question of whether individuals renting their apartments need to do
this? Just by filing this form I will be required to pay a minimum of
$100 per year. In addition I had to pay my accountant for his impromptu
investigation of the matter. At the very least this unexplainable event
has a financial consequence to taxpayers, whether they are required to
file or not.
###############
MOU with Bethesda Chevy Rescue and Kathy
Patterson
Kenneth L. Lyons, KENDU256@aol.com
While the District of Columbia residents suffer from inadequate
health care from pre-hospital care to in-hospital care, Ward 3 residents
enjoy the services of free ambulance service that's just a phone call
away. In a memorandum of understanding that was negotiated by the Ward 3
representative and Judiciary Chair, BCC now services, without cost those
who are the most affluent. These individuals can be transported to other
medical facilities as far as Shady Grove Hospital and avoid the four to
eight hour wait now endured by those less fortunate. In addition to the
transport agreement, these units were supplied with portable radios at
the cost of $3,000.00 apiece, all paid with DC taxpayers' money. When
confronted with the facts of the MOU, Mrs. Patterson replied, “It's a
tradition of long standing.” It is also important to note that this
agreement was signed just weeks prior to the early closure of DC General
Hospital. As chair of the Judiciary Committee, Mrs. Patterson knew the
impact of the closure and sought to protect her constituents, which is
commendable as Ward 3 council representative but not as the chairperson
of a committee that is to protect all that live within this great city,
regardless of social or financial status. To this end a great disservice
was bestowed upon those less fortunate and their fate is to suffer
silently and in what is becoming the rule not the exception, to die a
death void of dignity.
###############
ANC redistricting is now proceeding. A little-known fact is that DC
law requires that all ANC redistricting meetings be open to the public.
Not only are they open to the public, but nonmembers who attend the
redistricting meetings are permitted to speak and participate in the
proceedings. The only thing that nonmembers cannot do is to vote whether
to approve or disapprove the proposed ANC boundaries. Due to the
increasing influence and relevance given to the ANC's and the effects
that their decisions can have on the direction of our city in the next
ten years, I am very surprised at the lack of interest shown by the
general public in these deliberations. For example, only one nonmember
attended the Ward 3 ANC redistricting meeting that was held on 6 August.
The one nonmember was a student who is an intern in the Mayor's office
and came to learn about our government.
You can obtain the dates of the redistricting meetings for your ward
by calling your councilmembers office. Usually, these meetings are
planned on a very short notice, so you should be prepared to call your
councilmember once a week to get the dates and locations of the
redistricting meetings.
###############
Public Radio
E. James Lieberman, ejl@gwu.edu
The duplication of programming on WAMU and WETA bothers me, as does
the profusion of ads, which NPR calls something else. But since it
began, I felt that if they accept money from Archer Daniels Midland,
Philip Morris, and a lot of nicer organizations, I will divert my
support to WPFW (Amy Goodman at 9 a.m. weekdays is a serious alternative
to the usual news). I also recommend tapes from the Teaching Company for
those who are frustrated with radio offerings while driving in these
parts.
###############
Who Really Cares About Vacant Properties?
Nick Keenan, Shaw, nbk@gsionline.com
If you spend any time in DC, you may get the impression that there is
no one who cares about vacant properties. Actually, that's not true —
there are lots of people, inside and outside the DC Government, who care
deeply about vacant properties. Unfortunately, the only ones I've ever
found are most concerned with keeping them vacant. Who are these people?
Let's start with the Department of Tax and Revenue. Until two years ago,
there was a special punitive tax for vacant properties, but Tax and
Revenue refused to collect it. Then there's councilmember Jack Evans,
who crowbarred through the legislation that removed that tax. On the
non-governmental side, one of the largest owners of vacant buildings in
Shaw is politically powerful Shiloh Baptist Church, where President
Clinton gave the sermon the Sunday before the last election. That sermon
had been scheduled to be delivered by Shiloh minister Carlynn Fuller,
who at the time also had a day job as Director of DCRA, the city
department responsible for regulating vacant property. Needless to say,
she was never a forceful advocate of nuisance property enforcement.
Rather, DCRA has constructed a tangled web of regulations that make it
essentially impossible to take any action against vacant and nuisance
properties, and serve no purpose other than to protect the interests of
the property owner. DCRA seems to be openly hostile to anyone who wants
to renovate a vacant building. In my neighborhood, it is a very common
occurrence for a vacant building to be ignored by DCRA for years,
despite the pleas of neighbors, and yet if the building is renovated it
is ticketed on the very first day, yes the very first day, of
construction.
Where does Tony Williams sit on the issue? Despite his campaign
promises, and “Neighborhood Action,” he has done nothing. With a
stroke of a pen he could rewrite the DCRA regulations, but he has chosen
not to. Rather, he was the one who appointed Carlynn Fuller. Early in
his term, I pressed the issue with a member of his cabinet, who
responded, “nuisance property enforcement is not a priority right
now.” The more I follow this issue, the more deeply puzzled I am.
There seems to be a widespread, deep feeling in this city that vacant
properties are a good thing. Where does it come from? Can any readers
help me out with clues?
###############
Taxation Without Occupation
John Whiteside, john@logancircle.net
Paul Michael Brown raises an interesting point in his comment on
property taxes and vacant buildings. Under the system of property
taxation used in most of the US, assessed values are based on both the
land in question and the structure built on them. While this sounds
reasonable, it has some unpleasant side effects. Property owners have a
disincentive to improve their property (their taxes will increase) and
“land-hoarding” is encouraged; if you own a vacant lot downtown (or
a run-down empty house near Dupont Circle), you can sit on it for a
while as its value increases, and someday make a profit selling it. In
the meantime, though, it's a liability for the surrounding neighborhood.
In The Death and Life of Great American Cities (a classic and
a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how vibrant urban
communities grow and prosper), Jane Jacobs argues for site-based
taxation, in which property owners are taxed on the value of the site of
their property, without consideration for what's on it. The idea is that
in order to pay those taxes, you need to do something economically
useful with the land. So, if you have a vacant lot downtown, you can't
afford to leave it there, and a blight use (like a parking lot) is less
attractive than a building which will generate revenue for you. And if
you own that abandoned house, you will fix it up and rent it, make it
your primary home, or sell it to someone with the means and desire to do
so. The end result: the property becomes a “good neighbor” to the
community around it.
###############
No, I do not believe that my input is wanted. A group of concerned
citizens tried to persuade the Financial Control Board and mayor to
build a state-of-the art hospital for DC General. We could not even get
Eleanor Holmes Norton to help us. They've all turned their backs on us.
There is no representation for the poor and underserved in DC.
###############
Apparently my message disputing Gary's comments about the
Neighborhood Action Plan got lost in cyberspace, so here goes again. A
couple Saturdays ago, a group of about 65 Ward 4 residents from our
neighborhood cluster met for more than three hours to help formulate an
action plan. Rosalynn Frazier, the city's Neighborhood Action
Coordinator for Ward 4, conducted a totally open meeting and appeared
sincerely interested in hearing our concerns. The final list of
recommendations was driven almost exclusively by the residents' comments
and suggestions, with only minor tweaking by Ms. Frazier. It's certainly
possible that this degree of democratic participation may decrease as
the plan moves up the ladder downtown, but at least at the community
level, I felt that our input was genuinely desired and factored into the
planning process.
###############
Permanent Federal Presence
David Pansegrouw, dpansegrouw@atpco.net
Len Sullivan, writing about DC's future, mentions “the permanent
presence of the federal government.” A while back, WAMU (I think)
hosted an on-air forum about voting rights for DC. One person made a
comment that intrigued me. They said that if DC were to become a state
that there would then be nothing to compel the federal government to
centralize in DC. The idea presented was that if DC were a state like
any other state, why couldn't various federal functions be spread around
to other states? Things like Senator Byrd's various moves to locate
various agencies in West Virginia would likely increase. It seems to me
that proponents of a smaller federal government would have a field day.
Dismantle Washington! Bush the Younger seems proud that he will be away
from DC longer this August than any other president has been away from
Washington. If other people can telecommute, why not the Prez?
###############
In light of the serious expressions of concern voiced on Monday,
August 6th, by two distinguished members of the UN Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination about the possible disparate impact
created by the continuing denial of equal political rights to minority
populations in Washington, DC, Mr. Matthes's; assertion that the racial
implications in the disenfranchisement of those minorities constitutes
some kind of “silliness” would appear to be at variance with their
perspectives on this matter.
Ms. Gabriele Britz, a professor of racism at Frankfurt University in
Germany who initially raised the issue before the US delegation in
Geneva, asked Mr. Frank Boyd, assistant attorney general for the Civil
Rights Division of the Department of Justice, for the “current
justification” for the lack of equal political rights for
Washingtonians, and Mr. M.J. Yutzi of Argentina, who stated that he was
“unsatisfied” with Mr. Boyd's explanation for the denial of
political rights to minorities in DC, are both world renowned experts in
the field of racism, and sit on the oldest human rights committee in the
UN system.
From this perspective, the only “silliness” in evidence is the US
government's continued reliance on an antiquated rationale for depriving
equal political rights to Washingtonians by claiming, as the Founding
Fathers claimed 200 years ago, that "a dependence of the members of
the general government on the State comprehending the seat of the
Government for protection in the exercise of their duty, might bring on
the national councils an imputation of awe or influence." It now
appears that UN committee members believe that the Founding Father's
historical justification has long since turned into a wrongful
discrimination.
###############
Tom Matthes is disingenuous, or at least misinformed, about the cause
of D.C.'s status. (Dear Mr. Cooper, Please Be Careful What You Wish For,
August 5). The Constitution is not the problem, and amending it is not
the only solution, despite what he may think. Congress has had the power
all along to grant full civil and political rights to the residents of
D.C., but has consistently refused to do so.
How can it do this? By making D.C. a state -- which doesn't require
an amendment. The residents of D.C. will be granted full civil and
political rights, and our dear Constitution remains intact. Voila —
Constitutional “crisis” solved. The beauty of this is that D.C.
residents voted for it in 1980, making it the solitary democratic
solution. It only remains for Congress to take action. The question is
why they haven't, and that's where Timothy Cooper comes in. There is no
question that racism has played a large role in denying D.C. voting
rights. This isn't just paranoid fantasy, it's in the Congressional
Record. Over and over again, members of Congress had no qualms about
going on record why they didn't want to give D.C. home rule or voting
rights — “dumb black people.”
The D.C. Statehood Green Party and the American Friends Service
Committee are filing an Amicus Brief in the latest round of Adams v.
Bush, showing how Congress was openly racist. We cite to the
Congressional Record numerous times with explicit examples. D.C.
residents voted for Statehood. We deserves Statehood, and it's
unconstitutional to violate the equal rights of D.C. residents by
denying us a republican form of government. If Timothy Cooper has to go
to the UN to expose the dirty truth on why that is, then we should be
applauding him. Hiding behind the Constitution to defend a manifest
injustice is childish (“He made me do it!”) and outright wrong.
###############
Nonprofit Technology Survey — Participate
Now
Sue Bell, sbell@giftsinkind.org
Nonprofits, make your technology needs known! DC-area 501(c)(3)
nonprofits are encouraged to participate in the fifth annual Nonprofit
Technology Tracking Study. Gifts In Kind International conducts this
Study to determine the state of technology among nonprofit organizations
and to assess their technology-related needs. Survey results will be
presented to leading national high-tech companies and grant-making
foundations to assist them in identifying strategies to support the
nonprofit sector.
Nonprofits can review and submit the 2001 Gifts In Kind International
Nonprofit Technology Tracking Study online. Just click here: http://216.205.87.147/ctsurvey
to participate electronically. Please have your information technology
expert complete the questionnaire and return it by Friday August 31,
2001. Gifts In Kind International is based in Old Town Alexandria. It is
the world's leading nonprofit in product philanthropy, helping companies
contribute $456 million in newly manufactured products to 50,000
nonprofits worldwide in 2000. For more information, visit www.giftsinkind.org.
To learn how your DC-area nonprofit can receive products through the
local Gifts In Kind program, contact Lakeisha Peten at United Way of the
National Capital Area at 488-2125 or via E-mail at lpeten@uwnca.org.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Upcoming Events at DC Public Libraries
Debra Truhart, truhartd_2000@yahoo.com
August 11, 12 noon, Drawing Lines of Isolated Labor, Martin Luther
King, Jr., Memorial Library, 901 G Street, N.W., Room A-9. Young Adult
Services Division presents Kaneia Mayo, a nationally published poet, who
works with young adults, ages 12-19, on writing poetry.
August 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Smithsonian O. Orkin Insect Safari,
Washington-Highlands Neighborhood Library, 115 Atlantic Street, SW. For
one day the Smithsonian O. Orkin Insect Safari, a free, traveling
multimedia educational expedition, will visit the Washington Highlands
Library in Ward 8. This 53-foot mobile unit exhibit is designed to be an
interactive educational tool for students of all ages. Visitors will
learn where insects live, how they interact and affect the environment.
August 15, 12 noon, Will the Cost of College Ruin Your Finances?,
Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library. The Business Division of the
Library sponsors a seminar on a tax deduction savings plan for higher
education. Adults.
September 6, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Adult Back to School Information
Fair, Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library. Literacy Resources
Division sponsors annual Information Fair for adults to find out about
preparation and testing for GED/High School Diploma, learning to read,
learning English, and applying for college. Information on: different
classes, programs, schools, organizations, and community resources
available to them.
###############
On September 23rd, join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)
for a 32-mile bicycle tour of Washington DC. This tour will be
completely car free with rest stops, full mechanical and EMS support and
a festival at the end. The day before WABA will be holding a Kids
Bicycle Rodeo and Great Gear Exchange at the DC Armory. Volunteers ride
free. For more information, please visit http://www.waba.org.
###############
An Evening with D.C. Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Paul L. Vance
James Berry, james.berry@csosa.gov
The ANC Assembly is sponsoring an evening of discussion with D.C.
Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul L. Vance and other members of his
Cabinet. Topics of discussion for the evening will include an overview
of before and after school programs currently offered by the D.C. Public
Schools (DCPS); the issue of truancy and DCPS students; initiatives made
by the DCPS concerning volunteerism as well as parental involvement; and
the DCPS' Strategic Plan. This gathering will be held on Tuesday, August
7, at the Logan School, 215 G Street, N.E., from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30
p.m.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — VOLUNTEERS
Calling All Bancroft Butterfly Garden
Volunteers
Peg Blechman, blechman@access-board.gov
As you know, the two Bancroft Butterfly Gardens have been planted and
look great. But they need your help keeping them watered during August.
Please contact me when you're available.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Seeking Housing in Alexandria or DC Starting
8/25
Lisa Pinsker, kuwak7@hotmail.com
I am a nonsmoking young professional starting a job in Alexandria at
the beginning of September, and I need to sublet a room or share an
apartment/townhouse/house. Must have parking, air conditioning. Please
E-mail me if you know of anything available.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — FREE
Free Upright Piano
Matthew Kessler, matthew@stand.org
We are moving our offices and have a free upright piano and bench for
anyone interested. All you need to do is come and get it. It needs
extensive work, but has great potential! E-mail matthew@stand.org
if interested.
###############
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.
