Guilty on All Counts
Dear Judges:
Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago is involved up to his neck in an
eighteen-month federal investigation of corruption in hiring and
contracting practices by the city government. More than twenty people
have already pled guilty, and the investigation continues. Today’s
Associated Press story (http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/local/12525760.htm)
describes the debate among city residents on the Daley administration:
“Some residents say Daley has not made enough progress on affordable
housing and combating crime, and they accuse him of favoring downtown
and affluent areas at the expense of poor neighborhoods. They think
Daley could be vulnerable at the ballot box for the first time in years
if he chooses to face reelection in 2007. Other residents view Daley as
a can-do manager who has improved the school system, reformed public
housing, boosted economic development and helped make Chicago one of the
nation’s most livable cities. They either argue he cannot be expected
to keep tabs on every city worker, or they shrug and say patronage and
clout help keep the ‘city that works’ working.”
Of course Chicago, like another city that I could name, has long been
tolerant of corruption in its city government. But I’m not mentioning
this story because of the parallels that could be drawn, but because of
a difference. Yesterday, at a budget hearing, Mayor Daley addressed the
crowd and, as reported by the Chicago Sun Times, said, “I know
I should have done more to end the corruption more quickly. . . . It’s
become clear to me that I should have done more to maintain higher
ethical standards and prevent corruption. . . . I let you down by not
putting the same energy into fixing those problems that I have into
moving our city forward. I take responsibility for these problems and
tonight, I make a commitment to you to do everything within my power to
fix them, root out those who engage in misconduct and hold them
accountable for their misdeeds” (http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-daley31.html).
I’m in no position to judge the sincerity of those words, but I’m
still impressed by them. Have you ever heard anything like them here?
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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The Verdict Is In: The Check Is in the Mail
Dorothy Brizill, dorothy@dcwatch.com
This afternoon, the jury returned its verdict in the Washington
Teachers Union (WTU) case, bringing an end to the thirteen-week trial at
US District Courthouse. Gwendolyn Hemphill, who had been the executive
assistant to former WTU president Barbara Bullock, and James Baxter, the
union’s former treasurer, were both found guilty of twenty-three
separate counts, including conspiracy, mail and wire fraud,
embezzlement, money laundering, theft, and aiding and assisting in the
filing of a false tax return for their role in a scheme that resulted in
$5 million being stolen from the WTU between 1994 and 2002. The union’s
accountant and tax preparer, James Goosby, was found not guilty of six
counts, including conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, making false
statements, and aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax
return. Judge Richard J. Leon has scheduled a sentencing hearing for
Hemphill and Baxter on December 8. They could each be incarcerated for
up to twenty years.
Throughout the three-month trial, many court observers have wondered
how Hemphill and Baxter were paying for their defense counsels. The US
government, in Count One of the indictment, charged that “during the
life of the conspiracy, defendant Hemphill, along with James Baxter and
Barbara Bullock, charged in excess of $1,500,000 for personal
expenditures on the WTU American Express account and wrote themselves
undeserved checks of at least $500,000.” The government’s indictment
also “alleges that defendant Hemphill, along with Baxter and Bullock,
wrote or caused to be written WTU checks totaling at least $570,000 to
Michael Martin, Errol Alderman, and Expressions Unlimited and checks
totaling approximately $1.4 million to Leroy Holmes. A substantial
portion of the proceeds went back to either defendant Hemphill or
Barbara Bullock in furtherance of their conspiracy not only to steal and
defraud, but to hide and cover up their crimes.” Over $5 million was
stolen from WTU, about $1.5 million of it to pay for goods and services
and $3.5 million of it in cash; the location of much of that cash has
still not been traced.
Baxter’s trial counsel was Michele Roberts, with the law firm of
Akim Gump Strauss Hauer; Hemphill was represented by Nancy Luque and
Deborah St. Jean, with the law firm of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary. A
review today of court records indicates that Hemphill’s attorneys were
appointed by Judge Leon after her representation that she was “unable
to afford counsel.” Their fees will be paid by the court under the US
Criminal Justice Act.
My detailed report on the trial will be in Sunday’s issue of
themail.
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[Re: Pete Ross, themail, August 28] Until the government of the
District of Columbia is purged of the incompetence, the graft, and just
plain ignorance, the people of the city will continue to be confronted
with half work, lazy work, and no work personnel who are enjoying the
fruits of the Union that protects them. Never have I seen or experienced
a government that is so disconnected from the population of this city.
It almost could be considered a government of a country just emerging
from the back woods into civilization. A government of a Third World
Country operates better then the government we have representing this
city. Only in this town could residents have their houses collapse
because construction on the adjoining houses isn’t inspected by the
government charged to protect their interest -- and only here can the
government continue its non-protection without fear of being dragged
into court. Developers that are unlicensed to perform any construction
are allowed to operate with impunity in this city. The same can be said
for electricians and plumbers. What kind of inspectors, reviewers of
construction drawings and other types of personnel do we have within the
construction area of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs?
As for the Department of Motor Vehicles, how many more DMV employees
will be arrested for taking kick backs? The impropriety of their
personnel ought to tell you something about the character of the agency.
Rather then find the source of the problem, they want to accuse Pete of
wrongdoing. Lazy work. When an agency treats the public like a bunch of
liars, what can you say about the agency?
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The Long Election
Neil Richardson, ananda001@aol.com
Time for all us to do our homework. I would like to second Gary’s
call [themail, August 28] for a better type of politics as we head into
a protracted mayoral campaign. Asking questions and wondering about the
essential truth and wisdom of what we hear in response is probably the
first and most important step citizens can do in pondering our choices
for mayor. The District is poised to make a leap forward, and whoever
the next mayor is will help determine whether we aspire to greatness or
for mediocrity.
In the late 90’s, I did a lot of research funded in part by the Pew
Charitable Trusts about how Americans hoped politics could be better
practiced. Then, like now, there was a lot of frustration. I convened
focus groups, helped develop surveys, and spoke to leaders and theorists
from around the country looking for what the "answer" was. As
you can imagine, there wasn’t one single thing but a spectrum of
things citizens yearned for. Essentially, I learned that citizens wanted
politicians, the news media, and ordinary people to do things
differently based on asking tough questions, replying and reporting
honestly, and by all of us doing our homework. By "homework,"
people meant the responsibility citizens have in gathering information
from a variety of sources, understanding our personal biases, and
challenging our own assumptions.
In regard to what people are looking specifically for from
politicians on the campaign trail, I heard: Tell us who you are, Know
us, Explain where you stand. Be forthright, Set the right tone. As we
head toward choosing the next mayor for our city, I recommend that we
hold each candidate accountable for these kinds of aspirations. It’s
been my experience that change occurs when there is tension between
anxiety/fear and hope/aspiration for a different outcome. Perhaps, what
Zoe Yerkes is trying to express in talking about Adrian Fenty comes from
this place where we can authentically engage each other to create a
brighter future. For transparency’s sake, I should add that I’m an
enthusiastic supporter of Fenty and will remain so for as long as he
seeks to represent citizens’ best aspirations for what we can become.
Even so, all the candidates need to specifically describe their policy
ideas; it behooves us all to begin doing our homework now.
###############
I moved to Ward 4 relatively recently (April) and have seen Adrian
Fenty speak at least two events: the Ward 4 Comprehensive Plan feedback
session and the Klingle Road hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement. In neither case did I feel my views were well-represented by
him. In the Comp Plan session he responded to a complaint about group
homes by stating that such uses were a real problem. I share a house
with two other unrelated people, so I felt a bit targeted. I have no
problem with group homes in my neighborhood as long as they are well
maintained. In the Klingle hearing, he testified for the road, painting
it as an east-side versus west-side of the park, poor versus rich issue,
despite the fact that a number of us who opposed the road were there
from Ward 4 (and other east-of-park wards) to testify on what a poor job
the EIS contractors had done in providing options for us to address.
(For example, their “No Action” option stated that further erosion
would continue to occur causing continued environmental harm, not
mentioning that if the District took no action on the road, the National
Park Service could then go in to stabilize the landscape.) In both cases
I felt Fenty was giving his audience what he thought they wanted to
hear.
###############
I’m having a hard time believing that there really is a Zoe S.
Yerkes, and not just an opposition plant. Someone who thinks it is
adequate to base her opinions on what she read in the "newspapers
and elsewhere online" [themail, August 28]? Anyway, the slur about
that “Exploring Committee stuff” is so off base, it needs
correction. I refer your readers to Ms. Yerkes’ paper of record, The
Washington Post, where they state: “Mr. Fenty had the ethical
sense to refuse to take advantage of a bad law,” http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2224-2005Mar25.html.
They state, “Only council member Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4)
voluntarily disclosed the names of contributors and the amount of
donations to his mayoral exploratory committee.” Ms. Yerkes has mixed
up Fenty, who is in this instance was “squeaky clean” by all
measures, with Vincent Orange, Michael Brown, and A. Scott Bolden, who
failed all good government measures for transparency, accountability,
and unregulated money in their management of their exploratory
committees.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS AND CLASSES
Guy Mason Recreation Center Fall Classes
Toni Ritzenberg, taritzdc@aol.com
Registration for Fall 2005 classes at the Guy Mason Recreation
Center, 3600 Calvert Street, NW, began on August 22, with most classes
starting the week of September 27th. With summer almost over, beach
visits almost finished, and school started, isn’t it time to prepare
for a new season? To encourage your creativity, art classes are offered
at three levels, all with Studio and Critique. China painting, copper
enameling workshops, and potter are also available. To keep your body
and mind in shape, there are classes in Dancercize, Pilates, Qi Gong,
yoga, and senior momentum (for persons over fifty). This year you can
take ski and snow board conditioning classes to get in shape for the
slopes.
Ballroom dancing, French, and Spanish all run for ten sessions, and
for the first time there is ESOL (English as a second language). As
always, duplicate bridge is offered twice weekly. Children were not
forgotten, but Music Together’s (adult/child class, from birth to four
years of age) classes are already filled for this session. Remember this
is one of the District’s best bargains.
For specific program start dates, visit the Center’s web site at http://www.guymasonstudioarts.com;
to register online, visit http://www.dpr.dc.gov
and click on Activities Program Registration and follow the
instructions. For further information or to register in person, visit
the Center Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or
call Robert Haldeman/Caryl King at 282-2180.
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Nursery School Last-Minute Opening
Steve Goodman, steve@topcolleges.com
Parents: there is a last-minute opening for a four-year old at Adas
Israel’s Gan Hayeled Nursery School. School begins on Monday,
September 12. For more information, please call Shelley Remer, Director,
at 362-4491 or Steve Goodman, Educational Consultant, at 986-9431.
###############
American Sign Language Classes, September 7
Debra Truhart, debra.truhart@dc.gov
September 7-29, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G
Street, NW. Let’s Communicate in American Sign Language. Class
locations will be posted on lobby bulletin board. American Sign Language
classes are provided by the Librarian for the Deaf Community, Adaptive
Services Division of the DC Public Library. Beginning Level: Monday
and Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (9/7-9/28); and Thursday, 5:30 p.m. (9/8-9/29).
Intermediate Level: Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday,
5:30 p.m. (9/6-9/27). Conversational Level: Monday and Wednesday,
5:30 p.m. (9/7-9/28) and Saturday, 10 a.m. (9/10-9/24). Public contact
727-2145 (TTY and voice). Classes will also be held at the Northeast
Neighborhood Library, 330 7th Street, NE (call 698-3320) and the
Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 3260 R Street, NW (call 282-0220).
###############
18th Street, Adams Morgan Transportation and
Parking Study Public Meeting, September 8
Corinna Moebius, moebius@bordercross.com
Traffic on 18th Street, crosswalks on Columbia Road, dangerous
intersections, narrow sidewalks, and parking! Come to the District
Department of Transportation’s third of four public meetings to
discuss proposed short- and long-term transportation and parking
recommendations based on findings and community feedback. Come to share
your comments, ask questions, and give your ideas and input. Your
opinion matters, and will influence the final recommendations for
transportation and parking in Adams Morgan.
Thursday, September 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Church of Christ Scientist
(Basement), 1770 Euclid Street, NW (enter from Champlain near CityBikes).
Bilingual (Spanish/English) representatives will be available for
assistance, and Spanish-language handouts will be available. Visit
http://www.18amstudy.com for more information or to share your comments
via an online form.
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Adams Morgan Day, September 11
Lisa Duperier, AMMainStreet@aol.com
The 27th Annual Adams Morgan Festival will feature perennial
favorites such as the two live music stages and Arts on Belmont, as well
as a new international Dance Plaza and expanded Kid’s Fair at the
Marie Reed School. Always the second Sunday in September, it runs from
noon to 6:00 p.m. on September 11 on 18th Street, NW, between Florida
Avenue and Columbia Road. The Arts on Belmont section of the festival
opens at 10:00 a.m.
First held in 1978, this nationally known festival celebrates
international cultures and creativity, arising from the melting pot
quality of the unique Adams Morgan neighborhood. With its multicultural
gumbo of music and dance performances, youth activities, international
food and vendors galore, this regional festival is a favorite of metro
residents and tourists alike.
Two large, live music stages bookend 18th Street. The Florida Avenue
stage, produced by Clear Channel’s Jerry Phillips, has a
Latin/Caribbean and jazz flavor, and at 2 p.m. will feature a special
9/11 tribute. The Columbia Road Stage, produced by Madam’s Organ,
features: live R&B, funk, bluegrass and blues, Bob Perilla and Big
Hillbilly Bluegrass, ABC’s Doug McKelway of Good Morning Washington,
the legendary "Sauce Boss" and DC in Drag. Washington Metro
Area Dodge is the major sponsor of the festival, which is organized by
AdamsMorgan MainStreet Group, an umbrella nonprofit working to retain
and promote the unique, vibrant character of the Adams Morgan’s
business area. The new Dance Plaza, sponsored by PNC Bank, features an
exciting lineup of dance groups that will perform and then teach basic
dance moves so the audience can participate. Performers include the
Dance Place Youth Step Team (nominated for the DC Dance Awards), as well
as other groups performing Mexican, salsa/rueda, West African,
Afro-Cuban rumba and Bolivian folkloric dance. For more info, see http://www.AdamsMorganDayFestival.com,
call 232-1978 or E-mail AMDay@AMMainStreet.org.
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Cleveland Park Citizens Association, September
13
George Idelson, g.idelson@verizon.net
Tuesday, September 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Library, Gary
Imhoff and Dorothy Brizill, who host the online newsletter themail, will
talk about local politics, the upcoming election, and issues that affect
our neighborhood. We will also have updates on the Wisconsin Avenue
Giant Store, the Cleveland Park Commercial Overlay, Tregaron, and St.
Albans expansion plans.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Friend Needs Apartment
Joan Eisenstodt, jeisen@aol.com
My friend Beverly needs an apartment! The one in which she currently
lives is being sold when the owners of the house sell the entire house.
Beverly is fabulous and a wonderful tenant. She needs a one bedroom
apartment, would love a balcony or patio but can live without, safe
neighborhood, near Metro, in the less than $1,000/month range and much
less if possible. She is honest, kind, smart. E-mail me if you have one
for rent or know of one.
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CLASSIFIEDS — WANTED
Last week a generous community member donated a PowerMac G4 computer
to DC LEARNs, the coalition of literacy organizations in the greater
DC-area. I’m volunteering to help literacy organizations use this
computer to produce literacy-related videos for uploading to the
Internet Archive — which provides free web hosting. If anyone has an
older camcorder or tripod to donate for use by literacy organizations, I
can stop by to pick it up. Any vintage camcorder is usable. A
tax-receipt thank-you letter can be given to you from DC LEARNs.
On a related matter, here is a ten-minute video I shot at an annual
DC LEARNs meeting a few years ago (http://www.archive.org/details/maryharshawaward2002).
Click on the word QuickTime on the left side of the web page to view the
video. This video explains about the Mary Harshaw Adult Learner Award
given to the most exceptional adult learner each year. People often
define courage as that virtue demonstrated by soldiers on a battlefield.
If you meet people like Mary Harshaw, you quickly realize uncommon
courage can be found in many people right here in our community. Life is
a battle -- a struggle. Are we doing enough of the right things to make
it less so? What should we be doing — as individuals, as
organizations, as companies, as governments — that we’re not doing
yet? Can we afford to lose more time, more opportunities?
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Local TV Investigative Reporting
Ed Cowan, EdCowan1114@yahoo.com
I would like to hear from readers who have an informed view about
which of our local DC television stations does the most aggressive
investigative reporting vis-a-vis the DC government. I have a story lead
I want to pass on. You may reply to me directly at the above address.
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Mini Cooper Service
John Hughes, jah :at: radix :dot: net
I see a lot of Mini Coopers around town with DC plates, and I have
been thinking of buying one. But as far as I can tell there are only
dealerships in Sterling, Annapolis, and (gulp) Towson. If you want to
take advantage of the warranty, you have to get the car serviced at a
dealer, according to their web site. I can’t imagine driving out to
Sterling every time, or getting it towed there if something is wrong! So
where do you guys get your cars serviced if you live in the District
proper?
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