A day after campaigning against D.C. Democratic mayoral nominee Adrian Fenty, outgoing Mayor Anthony Williams urged the District to rally behind the man who likely will replace him and head the nation’s capital.
The 35-year-old Fenty soundly defeated Williams’ own choice for mayor, D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp, earning 57 percent of the vote in a four-candidate race. Fenty ran on a message of change, tirelessly knocking on doors across the District.
Voters clearly wanted someone new, Williams said, and Fenty represented hope.
“Hope is important,” said Williams, who will step aside after eight years at the helm. “Cities since ancient times have been built on hope, dreams and aspirations and he represents that for our city. We need to get behind him.”
Williams called the District one of the most complex political entities in the world, with limited home rule, public safety issues and the pressures of a big, diverse city.
“Everything’s a challenge around here,” he said.
Education, public safety and building a new stadium are the most pressing issues facing Fenty, Williams said. Fenty, who prides himself on answering all calls and e-mails, won’t be able to continue that pace if he wins the general election Nov. 7 as expected, Williams said.
