Worse Than DC

Dear Washingtonians:

There’s good news today, and you deserve good news. DC does not have the worst city government in the United States. That honor belongs to Gould, Arkansas, which in the past few days has been ridiculed from every viewpoint on the political spectrum, by both The New York Times and Fox News, Reason Magazine and The American Prospect. Reason has the best and most concise description of actions by the Gould city council. “Last month it passed an ordinance abolishing the Gould Citizens Advisory Council, which it accused of ‘causing confusion and discourse among the citizens.’ It also forbade Mayor Earnest Nash, Jr., a member of the irksome group, to meet ‘any organization in any location,’ whether ‘inside or outside Gould city limits,’ without the city council's permission. For good measure, Gould's legislators declared that ‘no new organizations shall be allowed to exist in the City of Gould without approval from a majority of the city council.’ Nash vetoed all three bills, but last week the city council voted to override him,” http://reason.com/blog/2011/07/20/arkansas-town-bans-political-g. The DC city council can try to surpass that, but even our current cast of characters can’t outdo those outrages. Well, we hope they can’t.

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The Washington City Paper deserves a prize for the most informative political posts over the past few days. In “Tommy Wells Has No Friends,” Loose Lips columnist Alan Suderman gives the most accurate and most complete explanation of why, when Council Chairman Kwame Brown wanted to remove Councilmember Tommy Wells from the chairmanship of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, Wells had no allies or supporters, http://tinyurl.com/3kpyj5g. In the same posting, Suderman trumps The Washington Post’s story that Mayor Gray’s campaign took small cash contributions from cab drivers and converted the cash into money orders for campaign finance reporting purposes. Suderman reports how a different group of cabbies — ones who hoped to profit if the city government forced taxicabs to purchase medallions — gave Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser larger cash contributions of $500 each, contributions that Bowser’s campaign also reported as money orders rather than as cash.

And City Desk columnist Rend Smith, in a interview with Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Diane Groomes, settles the months-old question of whether she helped other police officials cheat on a departmental test, http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2011/07/19/groomes-on-cheating-i-did-what-i-did/. Yes, she says, she did. “Groomes says she tried to help some police brass pass a 50-question test whose deadline was imminent. That seems to contradict a statement Police Chief Cathy Lanier made to The Washington Post while clearing the popular Groomes of any wrongdoing in December: ‘Lanier said her decision came after an internal investigation concluded that Groomes did not “compromise” the test. Rather, the internal probe found that the exam was an open-book test. “No official obtained or shared the answer key,” Lanier said.’

“But Groomes says she certainly did compromise the test; she compromised the heck out of it. ‘I printed out the answers, and I sent them out,’ she says. ‘I sent it to them and said, “Handle it.”’ Groomes says the answer sheet she used was available to her because she'd already taken the online exam. Even after City Desk gave Groomes an out by repeating the open-book test defense, the cop wouldn't take it: ‘Like I said, I did what I did.’”

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

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National Training School for Girls Research Query
Rachel Thompson, rachelwtoo@aol.com

Research query: information sought about National Training School for Girls, a reform school for young black women opened in the 1890’s and closed on March 30, 1953, situated at 5201 Loughboro Road, NW, on the site now occupied by Sibley Memorial Hospital. A New York senator was quoted from 1936, about NTSG: “I’d send a girl to hell before I’d send her there.” I’m looking for documents (photos, architectural or other drawings) related to structures and farming on the site. I’m also seeking interviews with anyone detained, or with a relative detained, at the facility for any period of time; anyone involved in management and planning around the facility; or any neighbors or others with stories or photographs. Please contact Rachel Thompson at 364-1384 or RachelWToo@aol.com (Palisades).

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Hanging Postponed on DC Municipal Funds
Chuck Ludlam, Chuck.ludlam@gmail.com

Last Tuesday, the DC council voted to delay taxing out-of-state municipal bonds. As it stands at the moment, the tax will be effective on January 1, 2012. Mary Cheh offered the amendment to postpone the effective date, which had been set at January 1, 2011 — taxing income on these bonds earned before the council vote! The change in effective date does essentially nothing to mitigate the outrage with this proposal. What we need is a grandfather clause for current investments. Period. Without a grandfather clause it's like the council’s tripling property taxes only on homes on certain streets. No problem, says the council. These homeowners can just sell their homes and buy some others where the new triple tax doesn't apply. And we’ll give them a year to do it. Outrageous.

This new tax applies to the types of investments held by retirees who are relying on the fixed income from these investments to fund their retirement. The council is saying, "You can always go back to work." Fixed income isn't fixed. The council can steal it. The new tax is intended to force the holders of these bonds to sell their current investments, a large percentage of whose value will have been expropriated by the council. This new tax penalizes those who planned for their retirement and made sure that they would have enough income to support their retirement. To single them out for penalties is grossly unfair and punitive. When you sell these devalued investments, you have to pay commissions and capital gains taxes — another tax imposed by the Council. Then you can't find remotely as many options for buying new bonds. Your prospect for finding good yields falls. The yields you wisely thought you'd locked in 10-20 years ago will evaporate. You also get much less selection of bonds so you can't diversify to protect yourself. Lower yields and more risk: This is exactly what DC retirees do not need in a time when it's hard to find high yields, and risk is growing exponentially.

The big question is whether Mary Cheh will use the next five months to win a grandfathering of current investments. A change in effective date does not solve the problem. With nineteen thousand Ward 3 households (Cheh’s own number) being hit by this unconscionable and retroactive tax, we'll be watching her very closely. Delaying the fall of the hatchet is no comfort for retirees. The pain and injustice is simply postponed by a few months.

The other councilmembers who voted with Chairman Kwame Brown to impose this outrage are Michael A. Brown, Ind.-At-Large, mbrown@dccouncil.us, 724-8105; Phil Mendelson (Dem.-At-Large), pmendelson@dccouncil.us, 724-8064; Vincent Orange (Dem.-At-Large), vorange@dccouncil.us, 724-8174; Jim Graham (Dem.-Ward 1), jgraham@dccouncil.us, 724-8181; Harry Thomas, Jr. (Dem.-Ward 5), hthomas@dccouncil.us, 724-8028; Tommy Wells (Dem.-Ward 6), twells@dccouncil.us, 724-8072; and Marion Barry (Dem.-Ward 8), mbarry@dccouncil.us, 724-8045. If you care about this issue, send an E-mail to Mary Cheh at mcheh@dccouncil.us.

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Repeal the Internet Gambling Bill
Chris Wells, echriswells@yahoo.com

I filed my comments regarding the gambling situation on the AdamsMorgan Yahoo listserv on July 3 (message #26561): “How DC’s gambling law will radically transform Adams Morgan. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie. Great move, council, shifting past the current crop of scandals likened to a ‘smog’ (no beginning and no end, until the wind changes direction)! This is just another way to swerve our attention to the issue at hand i.e., what will the council do to control corruption? I say to the council, ‘get back to basics’ create values that influence the notion of justice, root out corruption in all district departments, removing those DC employees that collect perks or envelopes!

“Think about what would have been accomplished, if the then councilmembers followed through on reports about a complex embezzlement scheme run out of the District of Columbia's Office of Tax and Revenue, responsible for siphoning nearly fifty million dollars from the coffers and what could have been accomplished, if not stolen! Hypocrisy is the state of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that one does not actually have. Nothing is more unjust, however common, than to charge with hypocrisy him that expresses zeal for those virtues which he neglects to practice; since he may be sincerely convinced of the advantages of conquering his passions, without having yet obtained the victory, as a man may be confident of the advantages of a voyage, or a journey, without having courage or industry to undertake it, and may honestly recommend to others, those attempts which he neglects himself. I feel that, if every reader would list one department, results would be the same! Too many special interest groups slip different perks/envelopes that some District employees take gladly!”

No councilmember has stepped up to the plate as of yet, and to quote Gary Imhoff: "f you’re not part of the solution, you’re the problem yourself," [themail, July 17] It is obvious that pay to play schemes are rampant in the District, from the top to the lowest employees in each segment of the government! A blind eye by the council and the administration is not the answer. Justice is not a blind maiden, and she will enact her due. Hopefully at the local level and not the federal. Elected officials need to remember that political sovereignty is retained by the people and exercised directly by citizens not by special interest groups. Do we need another Harriette Walters embarrassment for the council to wake up? And who will be worthy of our vote in 2012? The pivotal answer is up to the voters.

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One Year Later, Still No Medical Marijuana
Kayley Whalen, Safe Access DC, info@safeaccessdc.org

On July 27, 2010, the second thirty-day Congressional review of ballot Initiative 59, which included amendments added by DC Councilmembers Catania and Mendelson, expired, and DC’s medical marijuana program became law. The following day, Tim Craig at the Washington Post wrote an article (http://tinyurl.com/3fnuvvk) that claimed medicine would be available in the Spring of 2011. However, nearly one year later, there is still no legal medical marijuana for the sick patients in the District of Columbia and it?s unlikely there will be any medicine available in the near future. It has been over a month since the District of Columbia Department of Health received over eighty letters of intent for five dispensary and ten cultivation center licenses, but there has been no communication with any stakeholders or patients since April. The Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee, which is statutorily obligated to issue a report on the District's medical cannabis program by January 1, 2012, has not even been selected. This continued delay is unacceptable.

Had Councilmembers David Catania and Phil Mendelson chosen to let patients grow their own medicine, as authorized and approved in Initiative 59 before their amendments were added, these continued bureaucratic delays would not matter because qualified patients would have access in the privacy and safety of their homes. Patient home cultivation is what began the medical cannabis movement in America, and that movement began here in Washington, DC. Robert Randall, a patient with severe glaucoma, was caught growing his own medicine at his apartment in Capitol Hill in the late 1970s and decided to fight back, successfully suing the federal government in order to legally obtain a supply of medicine his entire life. The federal program his activism created was the Compassionate Investigative New Drug Program (http://enwp.org/Compassionate_Investigational_New_Drug_program). It’s a program that was discontinued because Mr. Randall wanted HIV/AIDS patients to have safe access, and President George H.W. Bush chose to end the program instead of extending it to patients in need. Today there are four living federal medical cannabis patients, one of whom, Irvin Rosenfeld, will be coming to DC on Wednesday, July 27, to stand in solidarity with the patients of the District of Columbia.

Last month James Cole, the Deputy Attorney General, issued a memorandum (http://tinyurl.com/3h7ez9l) that stated that the federal resources would not be used to go after patients in compliance with their state law. Conversely, the District's medical marijuana program does not shield any medical marijuana organizations growing and/or dispensing medicine from federal prosecution. This means that even after the DC Department of Health licenses five dispensaries and ten cultivation centers, the federal government can shut down the program at a moment's notice. Without patient home cultivation there will be no medicine, and likewise the lack of dispensaries is why there is no medicine today. In every jurisdiction with a functioning medical marijuana program, patients are allowed to grow their own medicine, so why should the District be any different? The patients of the District have been waiting more than a decade longer than other American citizens in jurisdictions with medical marijuana laws to receive their ballot-approved medicine. How much longer are they going to have to wait?

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DPW Starting Trash Collections at 6:00 a.m.
Kevin B. Twine, kevin.twine@dc.gov

The DC Department of Public Works announced that its trash and recycling crews will begin their collections an hour earlier, at 6:00 a.m., throughout the week of July 18, due to predicted 90° and above temperatures. Residents may put their trash and recyclables out for pick-up starting at 6:00 p.m. on the day before their collections so they do not have to change their morning schedules to make sure these materials are collected.

Throughout the summer, when the temperature is predicted to be 90° or higher or the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announces unhealthy air quality (Code Orange or Code Red days), DPW collection crews will begin their work at 6:00 a.m. to avoid health or environmental issues.

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Conserve Energy During the Heat Wave
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, info@dc-opc.gov

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the Washington Metropolitan area in effect for Thursday, July 21. As a result, PEPCO is urging consumers to conserve energy whenever possible. The company has issued the following news release for the Washington region:

“PEPCO today urged customers to conserve energy wherever possible as high temperatures are forecasted to affect the entire mid-Atlantic region. While power supply in the region is expected to be sufficient to meet anticipated high demand, extreme heat also can stress electric system equipment. In preparation for the extended hot weather, Pepco is staffing to quickly address any equipment issues that may arise from heat or potential storms resulting from the heat.

“PEPCO also offers the following energy-saving tips: 1) set air-conditioning thermostats at 78 degrees and use an electric fan, which doesn't require as much energy, and the air will seem cooler without sacrificing comfort. 2) Keep window shades, blinds, or drapes closed to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day and retain cooler air inside your home or business. 3) Limit the use of electrically heated water and turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible. 4) Limit opening refrigerator or freezer doors. 5) Postpone using high-energy appliances like electric stoves, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers until the evening.

“Additionally, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the Department of Health, will also disseminate emergency public service information to the public via the DC web page at dc.gov or 72hours.dc.gov and the 311 call center. Keep the following numbers handy: DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Hotline, 727-6161. HSEMA may provide transportation to a cooling center or on site cooling buses for residents. PEPCO Safety Emergency, 872-3432, to report wires down. PEPCO Claims Office, 872-2455, to request a form for electric service related damages. OPC, 727-3071, to obtain any information or assistance. OPC's consumer complaints resolution specialists are here to ensure and protect your rights as a utility consumer. If you are experiencing problems with your utility services, please contact OPC online at http://www.opc-dc.gov or ccceo@opc-dc.gov, by phone at 727-3071 or fax at 727-1014.”

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InTowner Special Report
P.L. Wolff, intowner@intowner.com

This is to advise that we have posted at the top of our home page a review of the recently opened Smithsonian exhibition titled, “RACE: Are We So Different.” To date, only The InTowner has published an extensive review of this important presentation.

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS

Smart Meter Education Workshop, July 21
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, info@dc-opc.gov

The Smart Meter Education Workshop scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Sherwood Recreation Center has been cancelled by the event sponsors due to predicted severe weather conditions. As soon as the event has been rescheduled, we will notify you. For additional information on smart meter deployment in the District of Columbia, please visit http://smartmeters.opc-dc.gov/.

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Support the New Dunbar Community Garden, July 21
Llewellyn Wells, lwells@livingcityblock.org

Living City DC 14th and U is bringing a community garden to the Dunbar Apartments on 15th Street between U and V. This garden is all about local food and bringing community together to strengthen a historic area of DC that is rapidly changing and still experiences a high level of violence and unemployment. It gives kids in the community a project to foster a feeling of investment in their neighborhood and provides a place for kids, seniors and other community members to meet and form stronger relationships. Support us by coming to Blackbyrd Warehouse this Thursday, July 21, between 6-9 p.m. Donate $10 at the door to Living City DC and get a free drink!

Blackbyrd is a brand new restaurant on 14th and U by the Hilton brothers, owners of Marvin, Patty Boom Boom, and The Gibson. It's so new they haven't even sent out a press release! Stop on by, have a drink, and contribute to a great community project. Blackbyrd Warehouse is located at 2005 14th Street NW, right next to Marvin. Living City DC (Living City Block) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit working on sustainability and community building between 13th to 15th and U to V Streets, NW. Find out more at http://www.livingcityblock.org

dc greenworks is providing garden planning and install expertise. dc greenworks is a non-profit social enterprise that serves the Washington, DC, community by providing training, tools, and technologies that utilize, advance, and protect the environment. Jair Lynch Development Partners and the Paul Laurence Dunbar Resident's Association, Inc., are joint owners of the Dunbar Apartments. They formed an agreement to jointly own the building in order to ensure it remained affordable, Section 8 housing. Jair Lynch Development is an urban regeneration company that specializes in the responsible transformation of urban markets.

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Medical Marijuana in DC Press Conference and Rally, July 27
Kayley Whalen, Safe Access DC, info@safeaccessdc.org

On the one year anniversary of Congressional approval of the District of Columbia's medical marijuana program, on July 27 at 9:00 a.m., Safe Access DC (http://www.dcsafeaccess.org) and the DC Patients' Cooperative (http://www.dcpatients.org) will be holding a rally and press conference at the steps of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, to make three demands: 1) the program must be fully implemented immediately, 2) Patients must be allowed to grow their own supply of medicine, and 3) DC must establish an affirmative defense for medical marijuana patients. Irvin Rosenfeld, a federal medical marijuana patient, will be present to stand in solidarity with District patients and to speak on the importance of safe and legal access to medical marijuana. He is the author of My Medicine, which chronicles his efforts to legally obtain the medicine that keeps him alive (http://www.MyMedicineTheBook.com)

Safe Access DC (http://www.SafeAccessDC.org) iis the Washington, DC, chapter of Americans for Safe Access (http://SafeAccessNow.org), which is America's largest medical cannabis advocacy organization. Formed in February of 2010 by District residents, Safe Access DC has been advocating for medical marijuana patients throughout the entire implementation process and subsequent delays. We've testified at the only public hearing concerning the program, submitted comments to the proposed regulations, had our members send letters to the Mayor’s office and met with every District councilmember's staff, except Vincent Orange, but our efforts have not been answered with satisfactory action from the DC government. Safe Access DC is open to all District residents and meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

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