Jonetta Rose Barras: Hurting District children
By: Jonetta Rose Barras
Examiner Columnist
September 14, 2009
"I'm not rich. I believe my child deserves the best and want what any parent would want for his child," said David Washington, a single parent rearing a young daughter. "At the end of the day, it's the welfare of the children we should be concerned about."
Washington was among dozens who testified last week before the D.C. Council's Committee on Recreation and Libraries. Ward 5's Harry Thomas Jr. called the unusual summer recess hearing after it became apparent Mayor Adrian M. Fenty was continuing to dismantle the Department of Parks and Recreation's day care program in violation of local laws.
The American Federation of Government Employees has filed a lawsuit. Fenty and Attorney General Peter Nickles have denied any wrongdoing. Further, they have said that because the Daycare Services Act, which prohibited the mayor from proceeding without first reporting to the legislature, was returned unsigned to the council, that law didn't take effect.
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Only an executive or congressional veto prevents enactment of a law. The legislature has the power to override the mayor -- not Congress. Neither the mayor nor Congress vetoed the day care bill. Fenty was obligated to follow it.
Interestingly, neither the day care bill nor any other law prevents Fenty from privatizing city services. He is required, however, to document savings, demonstrate no injury to the District's economy and give workers an opportunity to bid on contracts.
There is reason to believe that had he followed the law, Fenty would have received council support. Last year, the legislature allowed the mayor to close or merge more than 20 public schools.
Fenty's actions surrounding privatization of day care services, used most by low-income families, have been unconscionable and repugnant.
Some workers told of being shifted to "temporary" status, preventing them from receiving severance pay. One worker said she was told her center would close at the end of September. But on Aug. 24, she was ordered to quickly pack files and materials. The facility was shuttered that day; parents didn't have time to find alternative care.
Thomas had requested several agency managers attend his hearing. But only acting DPR Director Ximena Hartsock appeared. She provided little or no information, repeatedly articulating a stand synonymous with the Fifth Amendment.
Fenty's actions are puzzling: Hartsock, whom he appointed in April, has no recreation experience. She is, however, an award-winning educator. She ran the D.C. Public Schools' before- and after-care programs.
Oddly, instead of strengthening DPR's Office of Education Services, the mayor has dismantled it. The agency's before- and after-care programs have merged with DCPS. A private contractor has been chosen to run select centers.
Then, there is the issue of funding. Most costs for day care services aren't borne by the city. They are covered chiefly by a federal grant.
"Trying to privatize something you don't even pay for makes no sense," Washington said. "It's asinine."
Amen.
Jonetta Rose Barras, host of WPFW's "D.C. Politics With Jonetta," can be reached at rosebook1@aol.com.
