A District mayoral candidate running nearly last in polls on Wednesday pushed to the top of his platform a controversial issue most probably considered a done deal: the baseball stadium.
Also Wednesday, the battle between the two lead candidates continued to heat up three weeks before the Sept. 12 primary as D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams reiterated his support for D.C. Council Chair Linda Cropp, while arguing front-runner Adrian Fenty isn’t ready to be mayor.
Trailing far behind Cropp and Fenty in both support and money, Michael Brown told supporters he would halt construction of the Washington Nationals’ South Capitol Street stadium, spending the money saved on social services and to refurbish RFK Stadium.
“As the next mayor, I’m going to take control of this project,” said Brown, a lobbyist.
The $611 million stadium is under construction and must be open by 2008 under an agreement with Major League Baseball. A refurbished RFK should cost no more than $250 million, Brown said, leaving some $400 million for a variety of needs, from health care to public safety.
“Change orders happen every day,” he said. “We’re just changing the location.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Williams again expressed his support for Cropp, who is running second to Fenty in most polls. He said Fenty, the second-term Ward 4 council member, doesn’t have the experience to occupy the executive office.
But Cropp, the mayor said, could be a “fabulous” mayor once she “gets her sea legs.”
“Adrian could at one point, at some point, be a very good mayor,” Williams said. “I just don’t think he’s ready right now.”
But Williams also said he will work with the next mayor, no matter who it may be.
“Council Member Fenty looks forward to doing that with Mr. Williams,” said Alec Evans, Fenty’s campaign manager.
The mayor also restated his willingness to campaign for Cropp, beyond mere phone calls, if she asks for his help. But, the mayor said, “sometimes the coattails just aren’t there.”
Michael Brown at a glance
» Aug. 10 finance report showed $2,407 cash-on-hand, but campaign owes $15,183
» Son of Ron Brown, former secretary of Commerce
» Platform keys on closing gap between rich and poor
» Support is strongest east of the Anacostia River and among young people
