Reporting All the News
Dear Reporters:
Councilmember Jim Graham’s chief of staff, Ted Loza, has been
arrested on charges of accepting bribes in what has become a widening
case of corruption in the governance of the taxicab industry. In the
wake of that arrest, reporters, especially Mike DeBonis and Jason
Cherkis of the Washington City Paper, have looked into Loza’s
background and his relationship with Graham. In response, Graham has
made an argument that has been echoed by his supporters, “Far too many
times we’ve seen news outlets pry into the personal lives of public
servants. Rummaging through dirty laundry and printing ‘he said, she
said’ allegations is a surefire method for constructing a poor image
of anyone’s character. At times, we all make mistakes and exercise
poor judgment. When loved ones, friends, or colleagues make mistakes I
don’t turn my back to them. I do my best to help with support,
healing, and learning. As to the abortion that Ted and his friend chose
to have done, I loaned Ted the money (via authorized use of my credit
card) which he promptly paid back. As anyone can imagine, this was an
extraordinarily difficult time for them and the financial burden would
have only compounded their challenges. I was in a position to help. I
have always supported a woman’s right to choice.” According to
DeBonis’ and Cherkis’ reporting, a fairer way to describe this
incident would be to say that Graham financed an abortion that Loza
coerced his then girlfriend to have, which is hardly supporting “a
woman’s right to choose.”
But Graham’s major complaint is, “Far too many times we’ve seen
news outlets pry into the personal lives of public servants.” This is
a selective complaint; Councilmember Graham did not berate news
organizations earlier this year for looking into Councilmember Barry’s
personal life and romantic entanglements in relation to the scandal
surrounding his budget earmarks; on the contrary, he seemed to enjoy
their prying then. The fact is that his complaint is spurious. Public
officials’ personal lives are the public’s business; there is no
firewall between an official’s personal and public life. If the
personal life is troubled and messy, it will sooner or later affect the
conduct of public business, and people in a position of public trust
need to be trustworthy. In national politics, Democrats are outraged by
personal scandals involving Republicans, while they fail to see anything
serious about personal scandals involving members of their own party;
Republicans behave the same way with the labels reversed. In a one-party
town like DC, no public official is truly scandalized by anything done
by any other official; it remains for the press and individual citizens
to be outraged on their behalf.
In this issue of themail, two readers also complain about Dorothy’s
exploration in the last issue of themail into the background of
Councilmember Graham’s current acting chief of staff, Calvin Woodland.
They miss the point; in fact they miss two points about the relevance of
this information. First, it says volumes about Councilmember Graham’s
judgment that the two longest serving and most trusted members of his
staff have backgrounds like Loza and Woodland. Second, a reporter’s
job, and an engaged citizen’s job, is to explore exactly these kinds
of political connections and relationships and to understand how they
affect the work of our government. Complaining about doing that, trying
to discourage reporters and citizens from doing that, and claiming that
Loza’s and Woodland’s actions are irrelevant to who they are and
whether they should be trusted with the public’s business, is a sure
path to surrendering our city to more future scandals.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Three Pictures Are Worth Many Words
Dorothy Brizill, dorothy@dcwatch.com
Three pictures now head the home page of DCWatch.com, but will
remain, after they are replaced there, on http://www.dcwatch.com/issues/loza.htm.
They show 1) Ted Loza, wearing an Ethiopian shawl at the Ethiopian New
Millennium event on September 12, 2007; 2) David Vaca, another member of
Graham’s staff who will testify
before the Grand Jury, Abdulaziz Kamus, who is Individual #1 in the Loza
indictment, and Loza, also at the Ethiopian New Millennium event; and 3)
Kamus and Loza at the June 5, 2007, taxicab drivers’ rally. All of
these photographs come from Graham’s official city council web site,
and the third photograph comes from a whole album showing Loza speaking
at the taxicab drivers’ rally, although Graham now claims that Loza
had nothing to do with taxicab issues and taxicab legislation.
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Last week, School Chancellor Michelle Rhee laid off more than 225
teachers. More than a month into the school year; too late to hunt for
another teaching position for 2009. By using the administrative device
of “laying-off” teachers, Rhee was able circumvent the DC government
rules that provide fair, impartial procedures for terminating employees.
Last summer, Rhee hired more than nine hundred new teachers for the
District’s public schools. I assume these new teachers have little or
no job security. How many in this nine hundred were laid off?
Rhee, by these side-by-side actions, seems to be sending a clear
message to DC public school teachers, including those who have taught
for years in DCPS, that they, too, have few, if any, job rights or
protections. From now on, it’s Rhee’s way or the highway! It is
difficult to conceive a more effective way to demoralize our public
school teachers.
###############
Where Are the Contracted Security Services for
DCPS?
Tonya M. Butler-Truesdale, attytmbt@aol.com
On Tuesday, I received an automated message from DC Public Schools
indicating that the security firm contracted to provide services to DCPS
abruptly ended services on October 1. While the message indicated that
the Metropolitan Police Department would be providing security services
in the interim, I am less than appeased. MPD officers are not familiar
with the parents of the student body, the physical layout of each
individual school, or the individual particular risks associated with
various school environments. Further, while the message indicated that a
new firm would begin services on Monday, October 5, this abrupt change
means that the new security force contractor will not have the benefit
of any transition training from the old firm.
During the first week of school, I deliberately and purposely
introduced myself to the security staff of my son’s school so that
they knew who should be picking him up and to whom they could report any
less than commendable behavior.
Here we are, more than five weeks into the school year, and DCPS
loses their security contractor. Is this another incident of nonpayment
or delinquent payment? As a former DCPS and OSSE contractor, I am
intimately aware of DCPS and OSSE patterns of late payments to
contractors. How could this happen? What supervision is there in
Contracting and Procurement to prevent these types of service
disruptions? Why weren’t parents alerted earlier so that they could
exercise their options? What pubic safety issues are being created as a
result of the assignment of MPD officers to DCPS? What are the budgetary
implications of this mismanagement? As a new public school parent, I’d
like to know when are the parents of this city, who pay inflated
property taxes and cannot afford to send their children to private
schools, going to stand up and demand more accountability from Fenty,
Rhee, and their appointees?
###############
It is totally insane that DCPS does not have security in any of its
school. Some genius in Michelle Rhee’s office reportedly did not renew
the contract. Teachers are being asked at schools to serve as security
during their lunch and planning periods. How can this happen? I work at
Spingarn High School, and this morning that principal issued a safety
plan that had post assignments for each teacher. How can a teacher
secure the safety of a building?
###############
Post
Fails to
Include Teacher Rally in Print Edition
Candi Peterson, kempclp@msn.com
The Washington Post mysteriously did not publish “DC
Teachers Rally Against Rhee, Union Head” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092404304.html)
in its print edition, but only published it online. I think they do not
want anyone to know that teachers are protesting Rhee.
###############
One Thing You Can Be Sure Of
Ed T. Barron, edtb1@macdotcom
If the Teachers’ Union in DC ever does agree to a contract that
will allow Ms. Rhee to excess ineffective teachers there is one thing
that the union will insist on. That prerequisite will be that a very
lengthy and costly appeals and review period to follow any selection of
candidates for excessing. This will ensure that ineffective teachers
will be on the payroll for several years. That review and appeals
provision is keeping ineffective teachers out of the classrooms in New
York City but is costing the city megabucks as these ineffective
teachers report each school day to a “Rubber Room” where they read
their newspapers and magazines the whole school day. So much for
teachers’ unions’ interest in improving the educational process and
system.
###############
Mayor Fenty Deserves Some Credit
Mary C. Williams, mslaw1121@aol.com
I am anxiously awaiting a time when intelligent people look beyond
personality and their own personal agendas and judge elected officials
by their leadership skills on key issues. By all accounts, Mayor Adrian
Fenty will likely never be voted Mr. Congeniality. Once seen as the
amiable young upstart with a quick and glib quote for every media, Mayor
Fenty’s public demeanor certainly has changed to a more guarded,
distant, and seemingly isolated and defensive decision-maker with few
public friends and less than positive media coverage. Given the state of
the District, you can’t blame him for circling the wagons. This is not
an easy town to govern. Everyone who used to be somebody in previous
administrations expected that he or she, or their friends, would be
called upon to serve in high positions. Fenty didn’t follow that path.
Give him credit for recognizing that no significant changes would be
made if he allowed the status quo.
I do not always agree with him on every issue, and he has made some
mistakes in judgment when it comes to his friends. But which one of our
leaders hasn’t had friends take advantage of their positions? Fenty
has done some good things, too, in my view. At the top of my list is
that he kept his promise to make education a priority and he has stayed
the course in the most difficult times. He deserves much kudos. His
selection and support of Cathy Lanier as police chief would have to rank
second in my political book. Though mistakes have been made, Lanier has
brought a new level of professionalism that has made our neighborhoods
safer. I like that Fenty has quietly tackled a number of problems
created by the Williams’ administration but has never publicly
criticized his predecessor. He wisely put an end to the money-draining
and redundant NCRC and the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. A $6 million
a year lease of a Southeast warehouse that could not be used is just one
of many that the Fenty administration inherited.
And we should not forget that Fenty voted no on the Nationals
ballpark financing package. And our last ditch effort to stop this
ridiculous deal failed when Marion Barry, Vincent Gray, and Kwame Brown
— newly elected so that they would vote against the “biggest robbery
since Jesse James” — forgot why they were elected and voted to
support the deal. I’m sure that Fenty has done more good things that
have had positive effects citywide but I can’t list them all here. I
wouldn’t want to forget the one act that has garnered Fenty many
points: he was first local politician to support the presidential
candidacy of Barack Obama and made this announcement before a sweltering
crowd in my Southwest neighborhood in July 2007. It will be hard for any
other mayoral contender to top that.
###############
Google SketchUp Delights the Mind
Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
For those of you who’d like to communicate the visual ideas in your
head, the free version of Google SketchUp (for Macs and Windows) might
do the trick. I’m blogging again about this software at http://bit.ly/jtfl2
Put me down as determined, steadfast, or whatnot. I believe in what
this software can do for the human mind, and as a public library staffer,
I’m in the mind business. If you mind your own or mind the mind of
others, mine this.
###############
Selective RPP Enforcement — Really?
James Treworgy, jamietre@gmail.com
Clyde Howard [themail, September 30] believes there is some
conspiracy preventing Residential Parking Permit enforcement in the U
Street area and notes the permit hours of 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or
through 10:00 p.m. I am a bit confused by this observation. First, in my
own experience, the efficiency with which my car has been ticketed for
violating RPP rules just about anywhere is astounding. Second, in order
to actually violate the RPP rules, with few exceptions (e.g., right
around DCUSA), you must park there for more than two hours. So for
someone to be in violation of the 8:30 p.m. rule, they must have been
there since before 6:30 p.m. If you observed the car at 8:00 p.m., the
driver could possibly have just arrived, and be legal until a 10:00 p.m.
restriction ends.
Mr. Howard, have you actually made the rounds to verify that the same
cars are there two hours after you first observed them, or are you
simply assuming that because a car is in your zone, without a ticket,
that there is some conspiracy to let them park there?
Finally, the attitude of the E-mail is highly troubling, and speaks
to the attitude of the city government (and obviously some of its
residents) towards the foundation of its economy — its visitors. His
complaint is that “strangers are imbibing and dining on U Street.”
These “strangers” whom you seem to fear so much are the only reason
that U Street exists. Do you really think that a vibrant restaurant
district such as U Street can be supported only by the people who live
within walking distance? Finally, where in the tax code is it written
than any DC resident has a right to curbside parking? I was unaware that
having a place on public property to put your car was one of the
guarantees of paying taxes in the city. Buying an RPP permit gives you
one thing: exemption from restrictions in your zone. There is no right
or guarantee that you shall have a spot near your house, nor should
their be.
DC’s arcane labyrinth of residential parking regulations does
little to ensure parking for its residents — that much is clear. On
the other hand, it is very effective at is making DC a hostile place for
people to visit and spend money — the very people we depend upon to
support the vibrant nightlife communities in which people like Mr.
Howard have chosen to live. It is so hypocritical to decry non-residents
(sorry, “strangers”) for parking when they come to spend their money
in the very places that make your neighborhood the kind of place you
where want to live.
###############
Lay Off New York
Malcolm Wiseman, mal@wiseman.ws
Mr. Imhoff, IMHO, this [themail, September 30] is entirely too much
detail regarding NYC schools. Come on back to DC.
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Sec. 141, Row E, Seat 4
Malcolm Wiseman, mal@wiseman.ws
Mr. Barron’s post about $7.50 beers [themail, September 30] is
another indicator that some people (those who would pay it) are just
making too much money.
###############
Calvin Woodland’s Background, So What
Qawi Robinson, qrobinso@lycos.com
After reading the September 30 edition of themail, I fail to see the
value-add or relevance to Calvin Woodland’s background in reporting
Graham. Substance abuse, drug dealing, etc., were his past. A past that
he has left behind in working for Graham. It is insulting that any
legitimate reporter would juxtapose his drug history in the selection of
being chief of staff. Last time I checked, a Councilmembers’ staff is
not up for public vote. They can choose whom they want based on whatever
qualifications. The only thing that we should be concerned about with
Mr. Woodland’s qualifications is whether or not he can execute his
duties in his role. Please stop adding unnecessary garbage to this trash
fire regarding Graham and alleged bribes.
###############
I don’t know why exactly Dorothy found it necessary to bring to
light the criminal record of Calvin Woodland, Jr., who has been
appointed to serve as Councilmember Jim Graham’s acting chief of
staff. It’s one thing to dig into the history of a public servant; it’s
another to selectively highlight a criminal record that is over 15 years
old, if not more. Since Woodland has been clean since 1992, there must
be something else that Dorothy could have offered us if her intention
was simply to inform her readers of Graham’s new go-to guy. (Now, if
she hoped to simply tar someone else in Graham’s employ, choosing the
information she did served that purpose.) At this point I know nothing
about Woodland other than the fact that he had a difficult past. But
that he cleaned himself up and is now serving in an important position
for a local legislator says something valuable of the ability to
overcome challenges and take advantage of second chances.
Dorothy, I respect that you dedicate your time and efforts to
ensuring our local government is accountable and responsive. But
publishing Woodland’s decades-old criminal record and nothing else
about him seems like an underhanded attack that would be reserved for
someone of lesser standing.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Dupont Circle Citizens Association Meeting and
House Tour, October 5, 18
Robin Diener, president@dupont-circle.org
General membership meeting and program, Monday, October 5, 7:30-10:00
p.m., at Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th Street, NW.
Program: Greening Your Home, featuring Ken Wilson of Envision Design,
who will discuss residential green building; and David Burd of Earth
Aid, whose company offers energy conservation and money saving
strategies for your home.
House tour 2009, Sunday October 18, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tickets available
online and at neighborhood outlets. Become a house tour patron,
benefactor, or sponsor online today. It’s not too late to volunteer.
House tour is an all-volunteer effort. Volunteers earn a free ticket to
the tour and an invitation to attend the volunteer after party. House
tour is the major fundraising project of the Association, which supports
local charities and neighborhood schools. We need your help more than
ever this year. Nonprofits have been hit hard by the economic downturn
just when the demand for their services has increased. To become a
volunteer, contact Kay Marlin at volunteers@dupont-circle.org.
###############
Klingle Valley Meeting, October 7
John Campbell, jcampbell@geofinity.com
Supporters of turning the former Klingle Road into a major trail
through Klingle Valley have an important step in the process coming up
next week, a public meeting for the Klingle Valley Trail environmental
assessment, the next step in trail building. Wednesday, October 7, 6:30
to 8:30 p.m., at the National Zoo Visitor Center Auditorium at 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW.
This public meeting is mandated by the NEPA process, and sponsored
jointly by Federal and District authorities, to interact with the public
about the range of alternatives for the proposed multi-use trail and
drainage system improvement in Klingle Valley. Supporters, please drop
by, express your support, and ensure that the Klingle Valley Trail stays
on schedule. See the project web site at http://www.klingletrail.com.
For more information, contact the Klingle Valley Park Association and
Sierra Club of Washington, DC, and Lisa Swanson, Sierra Club: melatar@yahoo.com.
###############
The Humanities Council of Washington, DC, presents Humanitini: Where
Happy Hour meets the Humanities. Thursday, October 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m.,
Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th Street, NW. Metro: Gallery Place/Penn
Quarter. Free. Please join the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, for
its new Humanitini series, where young professionals can come together
to discuss the issues of the day that are relevant to themselves and
their community, in a relaxed atmosphere. We will be discussing Pay It
Forward: Professional Mentoring Exchange. The Humanities Council worked
with Busboy’s bartenders to create the Humanitini, a lovely, purple
colored, fruitty martini. Please RSVP at http://www.wdchumanities.org
or call 387-8391
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National Building Museum Events, October 8-10
Sara Kabakoff, skabakoff@nbm.org
October 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Smart Growth: Greening the Ghetto, and
How Much it Won’t Cost Us. Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable South
Bronx, speaking from her experience revitalizing South Bronx’s Hunts
Point, explains how “horticultural infrastructure” is not only a key
component of successful stormwater runoff management, but also a
mechanism for bringing social, economic, and environmental benefits to
the entire community. Free; registration required. Walk-in registration
based on availability.
October 10, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Family Program: Festival of the
Building Arts. Find out more about our built environment at the Museum’s
annual, all-ages Festival of the Building Arts. Future builders can
watch live demonstrations, learn how to drywall, design a house from
recycled materials, climb aboard a construction vehicle, and much more.
Free drop-in program. No registration required for individuals and
families; online registration required for scout groups.
At the National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW, Judiciary Square
Metro station. Register for events at http://www.nbm.org.
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Department of Parks and Recreation Events,
October 9
John Stokes, john.astokes@dc.gov
October 9, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th
Street, NW. Double Dutch for ages eight-fifteen. Participants will learn
the basic technique of Double Dutch. For more information, call Rochelle
Bradshaw, Recreation Specialist, at 671-4794.
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Capitol Hill Energy Co-Op, October 13
Cecily Kohler, cecilyk@juno.com
The Capitol Hill Energy Co-Op will hold a community meeting on
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at the Capitol Hill United
Methodist Church, 421 Seward Square. We shall have guest speakers from
DDOE’s River Smart Homes and DC Greenworks.
The goal of the River Smart Homes project is to reduce stormwater
runoff through shade trees, rain barrels, pervious pavers, rain gardens,
and BayScaping. DDOE will provide you with up to $1,200 if you adopt one
or more of the above. DC Greenworks is the region’s preeminent green
roof advocate and educator. The final half hour will be open for
socializing.
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