D.C. Wire

Under God: Religious leaders team up for social issues fight

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:44:08 -0500

(Cross-posted from Under God) A highly influential group of conservative Christian leaders are releasing a document today that they have been working on for more than a year, an attempt to unify disparate religious conservatives. Even as political conservatives in the United States are fractured and the Republican Party in a period of soul-searching, you can see some religious conservatives attempting to coalesce, such as Pope Benedict's recent outreach to conservative Anglicans. The document, called "The Manhattan Declaration," is embargoed until noon (when we'll have it for you) but it calls for Christians to regroup around opposition to abortion (and other "life" issues) and to recognition of same-sex marriage. The document calls for 'religious liberty' but people connected with the document say that is a reference to courts and civil authorities who are allowing gay marriage and abortion availability to advance and expand. The positions aren't new here; what's new

Bleak Hallways At Ballou

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:51:13 -0500

When schools opened in August, the Fenty Administration proudly showcased the latest results of its $1 billion overhaul of DCPS buildings. Students at School Without Walls High School, Deal Middle School, Wheatley Education Campus and H.D. Cooke and Savoy elementary schools returned to facilities handsomely renovated under the guidance of construction czar Allan Lew. They are part of an accelerated five-year capital plan that is supposed to give every DCPS student the chance to attend a new or improved school building sometime in his or her academic career. At the bottom of this to-do list is 50-year-old Ballou High School, not due for its extreme makeover until 2014, under current plans. While the school has had some attention from Lew's shop during summer breaks it's difficult to imagine what kind of shape it will be in five years from now, given the conditions we saw during a midday visit Wednesday.

Report: Rhee spoke to feds on Johnson's behalf

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:18:22 -0500

D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee had several conversations last year with a federal inspector general investigating Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for alleged financial misconduct and inappropriate behavior with female students at a charter school he operated, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday. The paper said Rhee, who once served on the board of the St. Hope school, spoke on behalf of Johnson-- whom she is now engaged to-- calling him "a good guy." Rhee's previously undisclosed involvement in the investigation is described in a 62-page congressional report on the White House's firing earlier this year of Gerald Walpin, the inspector general for the Corporation for National and Community Service. The report is scheduled to be released today by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif) and Sen Charles E.Grassley (R-Iowa). Johnson has not been charged with any crimes. Republicans contend that Walpin's firing was politically motivated because Johnson, a former NBA star

Security Firm Found Lacking Back in Schools

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:36:08 -0500

The District dumped Watkins Security from its contract to safeguard D.C. public schools in 2005 after an inspector general's report found that it was overpriced, underqualified, ineffective and employed some guards with criminal records. It awarded a new contract to Hawk One. Turns out Watkins is back, this time as a subcontractor to U.S. Security Associates, one of the two firms hired to replace Hawk One, which went belly up in October. Watkins is supplying security for at least some of the District's "Cluster 3" schools which include most of its elementary buildings. A guard with a Watkins patch was seen Wednesday at Langdon Education Campus, a pre-K through 8 school in Northeast. Watkins president Richard A. Hamilton Sr. declined Thursday to discuss the details, referring all questions to U.S. Security Associates, which did not return phone messages. "I don't want to get into opening old wounds," Hamilton said. "I

Michelle Rhee, Bringing Us Together

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:44:34 -0500

D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee likes to say -- and did so again Tuesday at a CEO gathering sponsored by The Wall Street Journal--that "collaboration and consensus building are quite frankly overrated in my mind." So who better to participate in a national town hall to search for common ground on complex social issues? Rhee is one of the big names confirmed for the USA Network's "Characters Unite National Town Hall," to be hosted by Tom Brokaw on Dec. 2 at the Newseum. She'll join such notables as Newark Mayor Cory Booker, former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson, Politico's Mike Allen and singer Jon Bon Jovi. "People across the country are making tough decisions every day and working to maintain their own unique American character. Too often, instead of coming together to address conflicts, groups demonize each other because of their different beliefs and

District Democratic whistleblowers seek federal probe of party spending

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:10 -0500

Two whistleblowers in the ongoing investigation into how the D.C. Democratic State Committee raised and spent money for last year's Democratic National Convention are rebuffing requests from party leaders to handle the matter internally. On Thursday -- the same day the Washington Post wrote a story about Councilman Vincent C. Gray's (D) role in the matter -- the president of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club reached out to two Democratic state committee members to try keep the story from growing. The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics is currently investigating why the local Democratic party failed to report more than $100,000 in contributions it raised from corporate and other sources for the convention in Denver. In a preliminary audit, the board's Office of Campaign Finance has discovered that several council members solicited or gave donations that exceeded the $5,000 donation limit for a political committee. Jeffrey D. Richardson, the Gertrude

Featured Advertiser

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:10 -0500

Nickles sees nothing wrong with developer's fixes for Gray

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:50:10 -0500

Attorney General Peter J. Nickles said he sees no wrongdoing in the repairs completed at the home of D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) -- a story first reported in the Washington Times on Wednesday. "I don't think I read a serious allegation there. I call it like I see them. I'm not speaking on anyone's behalf," Nickles said Thursday morning, a day after the fallout for Gray. WCS Construction, a company owned by megadeveloper Chris Smith, a friend of Gray's, provided repairs and architectural services to the chairman beginning in July. Gray said he paid more than $10,000 for the work. Smith also owns William C. Smith & Co., one of the region's development leaders. "There's no indication of quid pro quo, except innuendo," Nickles said. "It's just a bunch of isolated facts put together." -- Nikita Stewart

DCPS 2011 Budget Season Begins

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:50:35 -0500

Seems like the dust was just beginning to clear from all the scuffling over DCPS' 2010 budget, which included confrontations between Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee and the D.C. Council over enrollment projections and teacher layoffs. But those who can't wait for another round will be pleased to know that Rhee will hold a public hearing on the FY 2011 budget--for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 2010--on Monday. It will be from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Old Board Room at DCPS central offices, 825 North Capitol Street NE. Members of the public are welcome to testify for up to five minutes. If you're interested, contact Sang Yoon at sang.yoon@dc.gov or call 202-480-0860 before 5 pm Thursday. Or you can sign up when you get there. For some reason, DCPS asks that you bring three copies of your testimony. Bill Turque

Same-sex marriage opponents file lawsuit

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:16:10 -0500

Bishop Harry Jackson, represented by attorneys from a conservative legal organization, filed suit today against the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics over its refusal to allow an initiative to ban same-sex marriage. Attorneys for the Alliance Defense Fund said the suit was filed today in D.C. Superior Court. On Tuesday, the elections board ruledthat an initiative to define marriage as being between a man and woman cannot proceed because it would be discriminatory toward gay men and lesbians. Jackson and other same-sex marriage opponents are vowing a lengthy court battle over the issue. -- Tim Craig

No public vote for same-sex marriage

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:44:17 -0500

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled today that a proposed ballot initiative defining marriage as between a man an a woman cannot go forward, reaffirming an earlier ruling that such an vote would be discriminatory. The board cited the city's Human Rights Act, which bans discrimination against gay men and lesbians. The board decision, which will likely be challenged in court, means the D.C. Council can move forward with its plans to vote on a bill next month to legalize same-sex marriage. "We have considered all of the testimony presented to the Board and understand the desire to place this question on the ballot," said Board Chairman Errol R. Arthur. "However, the laws of the District of Columbia preclude us from allowing this initiative to move forward." Bishop Harry Jackson, who is leading the effort to get a public vote on the issue, called the ruling "outrageous and

D.C. Council agrees to vote Dec. 1 on same-sex marriage

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:22:26 -0500

The D.C. Council officially agreed today to vote on the bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Dec. 1, clearing the way for the measure to head to Congress for its review around New Year's. Before the council put the bill on its December agenda, council members reiterated they are not likely to be swayed by arguments from the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington that passage of the bill as written would affect the church's charitable work in the District. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At large), chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, said he has reviewed the concerns raised by the church and concluded the council bill is not that much different than same-sex marriage bills that have been enacted in other states. "The church focuses on the right to discriminate, but refuses to consider the effect on the couple," Mendelson said. "They provide these services in other states

Wells, Bowser seek to extend autism coverage

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:13 -0500

D.C. Council members Tommy Wells and Muriel Bowser will introduce legislation Tuesday requiring health insurers in the District to broaden coverage for autism patients. The plan by Wells (Ward 6) and Bowser (Ward 4) comes as advocates make a state-by-state push to make it easier for families to diagnose and treat autism disorders. Currently, advocates say insurance plans cover some but not all therapies, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Under the proposed legislation, insurance companies will be required to extend benefits up to $55,000 annually. "This legislation will dramatically expand health insurance benefits for children with autism," Wells said in a statement. "It is the right thing for our families and our children." Similar legislation has been enacted in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. "The introduction of the autism insurance reform bill in

Norton Pledges Support for New Gay Newspaper

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:52:19 -0500

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) said Monday night she and other local leaders should help the staff and editors of the now defunct Washington Blade form another newspaper to serve the city's gay community. "I know that many will agree that we should do whatever we can to help Blade editor Kevin Naff be successful in starting a new GLBT newspaper to serve the gay community and the national capital region," Norton said in a statement. Norton's remarks followed Monday's announcement that the Blade's parent company, Window Media LLC, was ceasing operations at the company's gay-oriented publications, including the Houston Voice, the South Florida Blade, and the Southern Voice newspaper in Atlanta. News of the closure shocked city council members and staffers at the John A. Wilson Building this morning, underscoring the newspaper's clout with the city's governing class. Several council members and staffers said the Blade was a crucial

UPDATE: Council members will subpoena key figures in parks contracts

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:54:13 -0500

Update 4:25 p.m.: Subpoena time! Council members Thomas, Cheh and Barry just said they would issue subpoenas for Glover and Jannarone. Santos said Glover had not returned her call and Jannarone has the day off. During questioning, Santos said she could not remember whether she signed paperwork for Jannarone to take the day off. Barry said: "You're that forgetful. You have amnesia." He then said to Thomas, "Mr. Chairman, I think this lady's lying." Update 4 p.m.: Council members have reconvened for the contracts hearing. Santos said that Jannarone and Glover are not in the office, and that they could be made available on another date. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) said she wants Santos to text message them now to learn of their whereabouts and when they will be at the hearing. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) asked, "What are they doing?" The council has recessed

Rhee Says She's On The Hook For A Fenty Loss

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:15:29 -0500

If Mayor Adrian M. Fenty loses his 2010 re-election bid, he will have someone to officially blame--besides himself. D.C. Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee told an audience at the Newseum Friday afternoon that she would feel "very responsible" if he served only one term. The admission came at the Bloomberg Washington Summit, a day-and-half series of journalist-conducted conversations with CEOs, elected officials and assorted big thinkers. During her appearance, Washington Post editorial writer Jonathan Capehart reviewed some of the flashpoints of her eventful tenure--including school closures, central office firings and teacher layoffs--and concluded that while she's "broken some dishes in this town and a lot of folks aren't happy" she still enjoyed the full support of the mayor who appointed her. Then he asked: "Considering his backing and considering the centrality of education to what he's trying to accomplish, how responsible will you feel or would you feel if Mayor Fenty