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August 25, 2002

More than Politics

Dear Contributors:

You have done us proud. This issue of themail is chock full of politics, as is proper for the season and the town, but also has plenty of other topics for those rare Washingtonians whose lives actually have room for other things. Today's weather was beautiful, perfect for a lazy summer day. Dorothy and I spent the afternoon at the Bethesda Crab House, one of our city's (okay, our suburb's) few remaining authentic down-home restaurants, where the word "ambiance" would only get a laugh, and where the menu isn't printed because it's so short: steamed crabs (call in advance to find out what sizes are available and to order them by the dozen), steamed shrimp, cole slaw, and corn on the cob. Believe it or not, we didn't talk about politics or the primary election. I hope you had the same.

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com 

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Mayor Willie Wilson
Adam Chase, Jr., President, Petworth Civic Association, PetworthDC@aol.com 

As President of the Petworth Civic Association (Washington, DC's Oldest Civic Association), we are happy to announce that we are endorsing the candidacy of Willie Wilson for Mayor of Washington, DC. After researching the issues and concerns expressed by our members, we now feel that Rev. Wilson is the one candidate who, when elected, will not continue the racial polarization in our city. Candidate Anthony Williams is, in many ways, responsible for increasing the racial divide that currently exists in our city. After his election as Mayor in 1998, Anthony Williams put in place a series of policies that put up roadblocks to communication and dialogue across racial and class lines in the District. Maybe it's because he has not lived here long enough to really love this great city like we longtime residents do. We have enjoyed the good times and endured the bad times because of our love affair with the Nation's Capital. Mayor Williams failed to bring our city's residents together to sit at a table of unity to discuss the complex issues that confront DC. Mayor Williams is a master of disguises that have served him well when presenting one face of his administration to Ward 3 while presenting a different message and face to Ward 8 residents. He speaks about unifying our city, reaching across racial and class lines to heal our city, and starting the dialogue between the diverse communities, but a poll of our members has revealed that he has failed to bring the Hispanic, White, and Black communities together. Candidate Williams has further separated the citizenry, and a divided Washington allows him to tailor his messages to continue the separation. Candidate Willie Wilson IS the person who will bring us together as one Washington and our organization feels that his policies will cause a coming-together of all our communities to make ONE Washington, DC. We are happy that on September 10, 2002, the people of Washington, DC, will unite behind Willie Wilson and a new day will have begun under his strong leadership and vision where a more perfect union will be formed.

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Wilson Maryland Plates
Max Bernat, maxbernat@hotmail.com 

I watched with dismay on Saturday August 24, as the Willie Wilson for Mayor motorcade wended its way through Ward 4 where I live. Of the fifteen or so cars in the motorcade, six of them had Maryland license plates and at least one of them was a BMW. For a candidate who pretends to speak for the dispossessed of the District, I find it interesting that the Reverend finds himself surrounded by neither the dispossessed nor District residents.

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Clever Pun, Sad Report
Tony (your next mayor) Smith, BSunde3615@aol.com 

An item from the August 20 issue of the Wall Street Journal: “Getting it Write — These are some of the names the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics will accept on write-in ballots in the Democratic mayoral primary.

“For Mayor Anthony Williams: Mayor Tony Williams, Mayor Williams, Mayor Tony, Mayor Anthony, Tony, Williams, A.W. For Rev. Willie Wilson: Rev. Wilson, Rev. Willie, Willie Wilson, William Wilson, Willie, Wilson, W.W. Source: D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics”

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Strauss for the Humdrum Job of Being a DC Shadow Senator
Lynne Mersfelder, lynne.mersfelder@noaa.gov 

Thanks to Mark Richards for giving our Shadow Senator Paul Strauss his due, and I'd like to second that recommendation. Being a DC Shadow Senator is a largely thankless job and requires a lot of behind the scenes work, many times working on things you cannot advertise as accomplishments or it would burn your contacts. Whether or not you believe in Statehood, he plays a very important role for the issue of Congressional appropriations of DC's budget. Paul has integrity and grit and I've seen and heard him repeatedly “working it” for DC. My vote goes to Paul too.

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Strauss, Interns, and the Hatch Act
Lars Hydle, Larshhydle@aol.com 

Last July 11 at the Board of Elections and Ethics, I reviewed the 388 petitions submitted on behalf of shadow US Senator Paul Strauss. By my count, about 320 of these petitions were submitted by seven circulators; that is, without them, he would not have had the 2,000 signatures required for a citywide race. All seven of these circulators may be interns in his shadow Senate office. As shadow Senator, Strauss is a DC government employee and therefore, covered by the federal Hatch Act as if he were a federal employee. He is not allowed to use his position as an officeholder for partisan political purposes. His office interns, although unpaid, are also forbidden from using the office for political purposes, or working for a partisan campaign on their official time.

None of the top seven petition circulators is in the phone book or on Verizon.com as a resident of DC at his/her present address. BOEE records indicate that five of the seven registered to vote in DC for the first time in May and June of this year, just before they began to circulate petitions. At least four of the seven are 20 years old this year. It seems that they are all youthful interns, from somewhere else, in Strauss's volunteer office. To check this information, a call was made to Strauss's Senate office in the district government building on Judiciary Square, but the respondent refused to identify the interns, citing “privacy” concerns. Maybe his office will provide this information to the federal Office of the Special Counsel, which is investigating his campaign for possible Hatch Act violations.

Recently another young man named Matt has been shadowing Strauss's challenger Pete Ross as he campaigns. Matt told Pete that this was his assignment from the Strauss campaign. So Strauss not only has intern/circulators, but now an intern/stalker. Strauss may also be Hatched by virtue of his membership on the District's Board of Rear Property Assessment and Appeals (BRPAA), where he is paid by the hour and where there could be a conflict of interest whenever he participates in a ruling on an appeal of an assessment by a potential voter or contributor to his political campaign. Of course, many District residents believe it is wrong for District employees to be covered by the federal Hatch Act. But Hatch Act principles — not abusing your office or using official time and resources in a partisan campaign — are principles that we should be able to support. Whatever the outcome of the Hatch Act investigation of Senator Strauss, it is noteworthy that after five and a half years as shadow Senator, he cannot find DC residents who know his record as shadow Senator to circulate his petitions.

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Paul Strauss for Reelection as US Senator
Kate Burke, KBurke@CMHT.com 

Let's examine one simple issue regarding the signs: many candidates have many signs, but Ross takes the prize for hypocrisy. He is the only candidate who has too many signs per block, (3+ on Nebraska Avenue, NW, near Ward Circle and American University) but still preaches the rules — as if he follows them! I guess I am just a bit boggled by the Ross campaign. What's this guy doing? He wants to be a SENATOR? When you compare the experience, record and rapport of Paul Strauss to the fickle and seemingly naive Ross, there is no contest. Paul Strauss has been loyal and committed to the rights of DC citizens and has earned another six year term. No contest — he has my vote.

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Williams and Strauss
Thorn Pozen, Chairman, Ward Three Democrats, Spozen@aol.com 

I found your comparison of Tony Williams to Marion Barry (“Back to the Future in themail,” August 21) to be as ludicrous as it was irresponsible. Let me remind you that, set up or not, while Mayor, Barry was caught on video tape smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room with a woman who was not his wife. Barry may have enjoyed some success as Mayor, but as a government employee during Barry's tenure I can personally attest to a government then marked by inefficiency and incompetence. We must not forget that neighborhoods throughout the District suffered under Barry. Williams, on the other hand, has begun the long and difficult process of restoring services, housing, and economic vitality to our neighborhoods. Although various people under William's supervision have let him (and us) down — and may have violated D.C. laws in the process — there is no suggestion that Williams has ever personally broken any law. Of course, as the boss, Williams is ultimately responsible for the mistakes of those he has chosen to hire, but to even hint, let alone come out and say, that there is some equivalency between fundraising, hiring, and petition gaffes by staff and personally smoking crack is nuts. Also, to insinuate that now Whites in the city (Wards Two and Three) are somehow getting theirs with Williams is just plain offensive. Let's leave race out of it and let's let Williams run on his strong record.

Second, I wanted to commend Mark David Richards' recent posting supporting Shadow Senator Paul Strauss ("Strauss for the Humdrum Job of Being D.C. Shadow Senator," August 18). I have known Paul for years and respect him greatly for his dedication to this city, especially his work on our behalf with the US Senate. His is often a thankless job, but Paul has been tireless, especially, as Mark notes, in the appropriations process. We need Paul there next term so that he can continue to work to finish the job of bringing true equal rights to the citizens of the District of Columbia.

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Vote for Susana Baranano, D.C. Representative “Shadow Rep”
Susana Baranano, susigbf@yahoo.com 

I am Susana Baranano. I seek your vote and support for the position of United States Representative, “Shadow Representative” for the DC Primary on September 10, 2002. Thank you for signing my petitions and allowing me to run to be your next United States Representative, "Shadow Representative." I met and spoke with each one who signed my petition.

I will focus in getting the vote for the District residents. It is very personal for me as it is for all DC residents. It isn't fair, right, and just for all of us DC residents. We have been in the shadows for too long. We must get out of the shadows. We have tried lawsuits, amendments, lobbying. Our flesh and blood, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, our grandparents, and our cousins living in other states have voting representation. My identical twin sister with the same genes as I do, has a voting representative (actually several) in Congress. Now is the time for more public and active phase. I will support and assist in maximizing public activist activities. I will publicize this issue nationally through all media efforts. I will involve businesses and organizations in this effort. I will involve all D.C. residents in this national public efforts.

I am very loyal to Ward 2 Dems and will continue in the future. Since 1991, I have been a Ward 2 Dems official (Captain, Co-Captain, Secretary) I have supported the campaigns of Jack Evans, Anthony Williams, Sharon Pratt Dixon, Charlene Drew Jarvis and John Wilson. I am a very loyal and dedicated Democrat. Currently, I am serving as Co-Chair for the National and Legislative Affairs Committee of the Womens National Democratic Club. Since 1977, I have lived in the District making my living throughout DC. I went to DC public schools in Ward 3, where I learned how to read and write and my arithmetics. My family now lives in DC — Ward 2 and Ward 3. I am bilingual in Spanish.

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Get Over It: (My) Reasons to Vote for Williams
Mark Eckenwiler, eck -at- ingot -dot org 

OK, I'll bite: DC is a damn sight better off after 3.5 years of Tony Williams, and his record puts the corrupt Barry administration's record to shame. As someone who deals (in a private capacity) with numerous DC agencies on a near-daily basis, I'd put the following on the list of things that are notably better in my personal experience: street light and traffic signal repairs (promptness, as well as ease of reporting via the new 24/7 hotlines); road/pothole repair (haven't seen a decent pothole in over a year; they used to darken the skies); the DMV (my first visit in '97 was a nightmare; since then, various renewals, including now via the Web, have gone smoothly for me); recreation field upgrades (multiple formerly crappy sandlots on the Hill have been regraded, sodded, and laid out as excellent ball fields); trash/recycling pickup (not perfect, but unquestionably improved); the Office of Tax and Revenue (tax forms revamped; offices are clean, well-organized places with chairs you'd actually sit in and a high-tech queuing system that works; staffers answer the phones and give useful answers to questions); pedestrian-friendly policies for traffic calming, and an overall traffic plan; planting and trimming of trees; and the ability to call a single number (727-1000) for most city services (as well as a hotline on eves/weekends, 727-6161, for off-hours emergency reports such as downed trees).

In fairness, I'll note that my "worse or no better" list includes 311 response (hah!) times; DCRA in all its horrid manifestations (especially the utterly useless Neighborhood Stabilization Officers and other housing inspectors); police staffing levels; abatement of abandoned/nuisance properties; the library system; and ethics in (and transparency of) government decision making (see, e.g., “Grand Prix”). (There's also that whole nasty Robert Newman/Ronnie Few/etc., ad nauseam problem of appointing useless bums to high office — but I digress.) Of course, none of these was exactly a model of perfection under Mayor Bitchsetmeup.

So while I commend upholding the election laws (and the Board for imposing a suitably stiff fine against the Mayor and his campaign), I still see Tony Williams as a mayor who has made palpable improvements. Recognizing that politics is invariably about compromise, on September 10 I will suppress my anger at Williams — over not only the petition scandal, but also over his arrogance and lack of repentance — and cast the requested write-in vote. Absent any perfect candidates, I'll settle for a flawed someone who has produced visible results, and is more likely to do so for the next four years than the motley assortment of demagogues, head cases, and Marion Barry apologists competing for the nomination.

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Who Else?
Jonathan Tannenwald, jtannenw@sas.upenn.edu 

Okay then. I'm a resident of Ward 3 and have been for all eighteen years of my life. I am a newly registered democrat. I am not turning a blind eye to Tony Williams, along with a lot of people I know. But if I do not support Anthony Williams, then whom should I support? I will vote for David Catania if he wins (and accepts) the Republican nomination without hesitating, or Kevin Chavous should he run as an independent. I want Tony Williams gone. But why should I openly invite even greater scorn than our wonderful city is already receiving by voting for any of the other Democratic candidates?

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Misplaying the Poverty Card: Who Doesn’t Get What?
Len Sullivan, lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net 

The nation's capital city is well into another embarrassing election season. Local pundits, demagogues and paranoiacs are working overtime abusing their keyboards, microphones, and pulpits to inflame racial tensions and petty vendettas, ignoring the real issues. The notion that DC's problems arise from insufficient attention to poor blacks, and that all blacks should rise to rectify this injustice based on skin color and old history seems pathetically simplistic.

DC's overriding, if not crippling, problem is that it has too many poor households that need more government assistance than can be provided by projected city revenues. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that the poor want more help. Listening to those cries over and over again doesn't produce a solution. Clearly, any mayor, agency head, Council member or candidate needs to solve five problems: 1) what do the poor really need to alleviate their poverty over the long run; 2) how can DC use its existing resources more effectively to that end; 3) is the Federal Government doing all it is legally obliged to do; 4) how can DC raise additional revenues to alleviate that poverty sooner; and 5) how does DC get its far wealthier neighbors to share these burdens?

This administration's efforts to improve the health care of the poor is a prime example, where it has addressed the first four challenges by: 1) stressing better primary care, not more fire truck and ambulance rides to trauma centers; 2) shutting down hopelessly inefficient, swindling hospital facilities; 3) getting the Feds to transfer to DC some potentially productive property; and 4) drawing up plans (with neighborhood inputs) to generate revenues from that property. They failed only to seek cooperation from Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in sharing some of DC's indigent health care costs. The claim that DC's health care is getting worse is disingenuous.

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Graffiti
Victoria McKernan, victoriamck@mindspring.com 

No controversial topics or DMV horror stories here today (that topic is pages long and I haven't the energy right now), just something I've been wondering about as I look out my window and watch graffiti (apparently officially sanctioned and encouraged) sprout on the plywood barriers surrounding the construction site for the (God please no big-box store, but again, another topic) at the Columbia Heights Metro. I'm wondering why all graffiti looks pretty much like all other graffiti since the dawn of graffiti time? Your basic bubble letters declaring someone's name or cute little street name. (Sometimes laughably unreadable — for years I thought our local gang was called the Brown Onion!) It is boring. Why is there nothing new, different, creative or interesting? Nice bright colors here, but stylistically, and content-wise, disappointing. Have we no unrestrainedly poets, psychotic painters, even good old foaming at the mouth religious screeds, to decorate this canvas? (I know we're supposed to hate Saddam Hussein, but can't you just secretly think it's a cool kind of bad ass to have the entire Koran written out on the temple walls in your own blood?)

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Police Story in the Washington City Paper
Bryce A Suderow, streetstories@juno.com 

What did people think of Jason Cherkis' article in the City Paper two Thursdays ago? [“The Insider's Guide to Real Policing,” http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/archives/cover/2002/cover0816.html] Was he unduly pessimistic? Or did he confirm what you suspected?

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Demolition of 901 R Street
Natalie Hopkins, nehopkins@hotmail.com 

Did anyone see the article in Sunday's Washington Post about the demolition of the former cabaret where Duke Ellington used to play at 901 R Street? The owner, Vivienne Awasum, let the place deteriorate since she bought it in 1999 (9/16/99) and did not renovate it. In my opinion, she purposely delayed renovating it because she wanted the market to improve and she wanted it demolished — it being easier to build anew than to renovate. In the article, it states that her architect told her that the condo conversion she hoped to develop could not be done with the structure. She represents the worst type of out-of-town real estate investor. She also owns 903 R Street, bought on 11/7/2000. To be charitable, using the date from the purchase of 903 R Street, she has had almost two years to get the condo project off the ground and start renovating. Why wait? Real estate prices in DC have been steadily increasing since 1998, and there have been many developments that went from an idea to completion in that two-year period. I think if she had placed a construction fence around the structure and had begun work then DC would have not demolished it. Having bricks falling from dilapidated structures onto people's heads is a real danger and one that DC needs to guard against; anyone hit with a brick could sue DC and my taxpayer dollars would be spent defending, settling, etc.

I have no sympathy for her, and hope that DC gives her hell when she tries to get a building permit for her new multimillion or thousand dollar condos. I do admit, however, that DC should do much more to prevent this type of situation. For example, if DC had fined Ms. Awasum or other investors heavily and annually (e.g., $25,000 or $35,000 or some amount that would actually mean something) for letting structures deteriorate, that would create an incentive to do something with the property. It's my bet that if Ms. Awasum had to pay $30,000 or so a year for having a dilapidated structure, we would already have the renovated 901 R Street structure. Almost every structure in DC is historic and we need to preserve the historic fabric as much as possible. Hopefully, this incident will bring about some changes.

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Red Light Postings — Oxnard Studies
William Jones, wjones8@comcast.net 

There's a critique by Pat Bedard of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Oxnard studies (mentioned Thursday by Ralph Blessing) in the September issue of Car and Driver, and posted here: http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/columns/2002/september/200209_columns_bedard.xml

It makes some sense to me.

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Red Light Cameras
James Treworgy, jamie@trewtech.com 

Here we go again. Why is there so much focus on ticketing red-light runners rather than finding out why certain intersections have much higher rates than others, and addressing the problem? Because one is a great way to effectively generate revenue and raise profits for the contractor under the veil of law enforcement, whereas the other would simply lower accident rates without making money for anyone. There's a dramatic difference in violation rates from intersection to intersection. A significant factor is yellow light timing. For example, “the Virginia Department of Transportation increased the yellow time on the traffic lights at US 50 and Fair Ridge Drive by 1.50 seconds on March 26, 2001. This increase in yellow time from 4.00 seconds to 5.50 seconds resulted in a 96% drop in citations, less than one per day, at this red light camera enforced location.” (quoted from National Motorists' Association). Surely many other factors, such as badly-designed intersections, contribute to red-light running. A perfect example: Connecticut and Porter Street. I am amazed that after all that construction there's still no left-turn arrow from Porter Street westbound, which basically requires running the light to turn left during any kind of moderate traffic.

I might favor red light cameras if I could believe they were actually installed with safety, rather than revenue generation, in mind. History has shown that the contractors, who generally have a financial stake in the volume of tickets issued, have chosen high-volume and short-yellow-light intersections as their targets, not those that have had a history of accidents. Another interesting paradox is that if the camera actually works, then the contractor (and government) will by definition stop making money. There's not much incentive for them to figure out if the yellow timing, or other factors, may be contributing to the red-light violation rate. After all, if it went down too much, the camera wouldn't pay for itself any more.

As for the Oxnard study, it did actually indicate an increase in rear-end collisions of 3 percent. Although not statistically significant, the overall finding of a 7 percent reduction in crashes at signalized intersections is barely significant. It also has other problems, such as very small sample size (less than 300 incidents in a year used as the basis for it's fundamental finding of injury crash reduction). But regardless, I'm not trying to dispute that red light cameras can potentially lower accident rates — despite the questionable nature of this study — but rather to point out that there are much simpler ways to deal with the problem. But apparently the lure of easy money is too strong for governments to actually take a look at the problem intersections and try to fix them. So we are stuck with broken intersections, panic braking, and probably worse traffic flow as a result of badly-designed intersections remaining bad. But at least Lockheed's getting rich.

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Bob Barr
Richard Steacy, richard.steacy@gte.net 

Perhaps as a tribute to Mr. Barr's legislative abilities and interest in DC affairs, we, as a nation, should rename National Airport as The Robert Barr National Airport. How about it? Of course, there is the issue of changing all of the signs. Just a suggestion.

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DC Neighborhoods
Marguerite Boudreau, margeet@hotmail.com 

[On DCWatch], I saw a listing of about 120 neighborhoods developed by Mark David Richards [http://www.dcwatch.com/richards/0106e.htm]. Do you know the source of any information that would expand on the listing by providing a description of each neighborhood?

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Jonetta Rose Barras — Washington Post Article
Elliott Teel, eteel@yahoo.com 

I don't think I have seen any mention in themail of this excellent article by Jonetta Rose Barras, so I thought I would pass it on. It is from the August 11 Washington Post, entitled “Giving Gentrification a Good Name — Hey D.C., It's Not a Black and White Issue.” It can be found here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1100-2002Aug9.html

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DMV Report
Bernard S. Arons, barons@world.oberlin.edu 

Waiting in line for inspection provides enough time for a book length comment, but I'll keep to themail expectation of a paragraph or two. The situation is outrageous, but others have clearly made that point. I went on Monday, but just bailed out and went back home. I returned on Thursday, leaving home at 5:15 a.m. and got back home at 8:15 a.m. I view myself as one of the lucky ones. Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems that just a moment or two of thought could help the situation. Pete Ross's comments on the impact on the city doesn't go far enough. The loss of productivity must be immense. The attitude that develops about city life is even worse. A couple of suggestions: A phone number to call to check on length of line has got to be easily doable in this digital age. Some placards on the line indicating the likely waiting time at various points. The lines are there, the equipment is there, why not open up 24 hours (the grocery store seems to be able to do that). When I went through from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., only three lines were in operation. It's hard to believe they wouldn't use all the lines available. Waive the penalty for late inspection. I don't know if the fourteen reinspection stations are charging, but if so, a fee should be paid by DMV to encourage their use.

And, as others have said, have the Council members, Mayor's staff, etc., required to take a car through the line until it passes. I bet things would change within hours.

One additional oddity to my inspection experience. I kept the car windows open during the prolonged wait, and for some reason there were quite a few mosquitoes that kept wandering by. I don't know if others have had that experience or if there was something I was doing to attract them.

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I’m Missing the Point Too
Dawn Dickerson, ddd668@aol.com 

I find myself in agreement with Alan Heymann's comments in “The stuff about the Mayor” posted in a previous edition of themail. I have contemplated unsubscribing to this list since Dorothy Brizill's involvement in the Mayor's ballot scandal, not because I am an avid supporter of the Mayor but, as stated, “What was her point in exposing the election violations?”

I'm not trying to shot the messenger. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to take a stand like Dorothy Brizill has taken and it was plain ole wrong that phony signatures were added to an election petition. This act diminishes the integrity of the election. But I too would like to understand how exposing that was supposed to help us? All that seems to have been accomplished is further damage to the reputation of this City, personal/professional embarrassment to a decent person, and $250,000 added to the budget of the DC Board of Elections (and god only knows what that will be used for, but my bet is that WE won't reap any tangible benefits from that money). So I fail to see how the citizens of the District benefited from this?

Although I have no doubt that Tony Williams will be reelected, what if he is not elected ? Then what? I won't even allow myself to think of the implications if he's not reelected. I feel that the citizens of Washington deserve an explanation from Dorothy Brizill as to her point in compromising the government of this city! Because I'm missing the point.

[One factual correction: the fine, when it is paid, will be paid to the DC Treasurer and go into the city's general fund. — Gary Imhoff]

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Write in a Real Democrat on September 10
C. King, King13CT@aol.com 

In their post titled “Write in a Real Democrat on September 10,” Ronald and Deborah Washington (rhn2411@aol.com)  write: “Jackson has worked for more than 5,000 Democratic elected officials.” If Art Jackson worked for one elected official each for one day, it would take more than thirteen and a half years, without a day off, to have worked for 5,000. How can this be so?

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Term Limits
S. E. Reuter, Rtlreuter@aol.com 

[To Councilmember Kathy Patterson] You said, “Had the matter been put to voters, I believe term limits would have been overturned.” But term limits was put to the voters, who approved it. There are times when a representative of the people should substitute his/her judgment for the polled opinions of the voters, but why in this case when the vote was very clear?

In the DC “government,” the perks of incumbency are massive, and totally discouraging to any challengers. Most of the rest of the people live with little job security. If you think that term limits deny voters an opportunity, why don't you sponsor legislation that would term limit the incumbent, but permit the limited candidate to run as a write-in candidate, free of party label and big dollars contributions?

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS AND PROTESTS

Forum for At-Large Candidates
Susie Cambria, scambria@dckids.org 

You're invited to the Who's In It for Kids? At-Large Candidates' Forum, Wednesday, August 28, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Library (901 G Street, NW, Room A-5). Support the city's youth. Come prepared with questions and bring a young person. While you're at the forum, grab a copy of the Who's in it for Kids? voter guide as well as the Human Needs 1st guides. All At-Large Council candidates have been invited and are expected to attend. For more information, contact DC Action for Children, 234-9404, dcaction@dckids.org

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IMF and World Bank Protests this Fall
Martin Thomas, THOMASM@seiu.org 

The Mobilization for Global Justice and other groups are again organizing colorful, nonviolent demonstrations at the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. A large rally and march is planned for Farragut Square at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 28.

The demands of the protest are to: Open all World Bank and IMF meetings to the media and the public. Cancel all impoverished country debt to the World Bank and IMF, using the institutions' own resources. End all World Bank and IMF policies that hinder people's access to food, clean water, shelter, health care, education, and right to organize. (Such “structural adjustment” policies include user fees, privatization, and economic austerity programs.) Stop all World Bank support for socially and environmentally destructive projects such as oil, gas, and mining activities, and all support for projects such as dams that include forced relocation of people. Most of the organizers live in DC and are your neighbors. We'd love to hear your thoughts and concerns about the protests. For more information, check out http://www.globalizethis.org or call 452-5912.

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CLASSIFIEDS — FREE

Three Free Things
Victor Chudowsky, vchudows@yahoo.com 

Doing a little house cleaning; here is some valuable stuff free: 1) rear bike rack for a sedan (VW Jetta or similar), worth $100 and used once; 2) dog travel crate, for a medium/large dog; 3) juicer — veggies go in one end, juice out the other. Worth about $80 and used two to three times. E-mail me at vchudows@yahoo.com

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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING

Room Available
Lynne Mersfelder, Lynne.Mersfelder@noaa.gov 

Small, fully furnished small bright basement room in Tenleytown, with air conditioner. Cost: $600 includes breakfast and utilities; shared phone line is $12 extra. Perfect for commuter or AU student. Rate reduction possible for part-time/ commuter housemate. Nonsmokers looking for mature, clean responsible housemate to share home, some groceries/meals; part-time or commuter housemate ideal; neat/cleanly important; short-term renters OK.

House is beautifully furnished with deco and Asian antiques, wood floors, lots of windows, and great lighting; bathroom is shared with one person; front and back porch; basement rec/TV room. Location: N. Cleveland Park, less than ten minutes walk (six blocks) to Tenley or Van Ness Metro (Red Line) or easy car parking. Looking for someone who wants to join a warm collaborative atmosphere. We like to eat together some meals. Housemate could contribute to monthly food for meals if he/she is interested.

Rent includes: all furnishings (dresser, night stand, new queen futon couch, bookshelf, clock radio, two lamps, sheets, pillows, blankets), utilities, shared supplies (laundry detergent, TP, cleaning supplies, etc.), and a simple breakfast. Does not include phone, lunch or dinner. Interviewing candidates now. E-mail to Donald.Lewis@starpower.net or phone at home, 362-9494 before 10:30 p.m.

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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS

General Contractor
Harold and Teresita Foster, incanato@earthlink.net 

We need a good, affordable general contractor to re-roof and renovate a brick and cinder block garage that had a fire a week ago. The work is mostly replacement of a virtually brand new aluminum fiber roof (including the (now badly charred) beam and timber frame it is sitting on), installing a new garage door, pressure cleaning the cinder block interior to get rid of the "fire smell," checking the electrical wiring, replacing a window frame and panes in the brick wall and replacing the walk-in side door.

Please let us know ASAP. If possible, let us know what work the contractor you are recommending has done for you and how satisfied or not you are/were with what they did for you.

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