On Jan. 2, the face of the D.C. Council might look a bit more progressive and organized than in legislative sessions past.
The Council is expected, under the new stewardship of Council Chair Vincent Gray, to take a fresh look at reconnecting neighborhoods east of theAnacostia River to the economic prosperity seen in recent years in the western part of the city, a campaign promise Gray referred to as “one city” on the campaign trail.
“We’ll just have a stronger council, stronger body,” Council Member Kwame Brown, D-at large, said. “I think you’re going to see a lot of emphasis on development in neighborhoods.”
In Wards 5 and 6, incoming first-time representatives Harry “Tommy” Thomas Jr. and Tommy Wells, respectively, have painted themselves as economic reformers who want to see redevelopment that favors the community feeling of their neighborhoods. Thomas, who lives in Brookland, and Wells, who lives on Capitol Hill, are both experts on their neighborhood’s histories.
Incoming Ward 3 Democrat Mary Cheh has said she would like to push for more recreational opportunities for families and children as well as for more public safety initiatives. Her leadership style seems as if it might follow closely to that of outgoing Ward 3 Democrat Kathy Patterson.
One of the first and heaviest issues the council could take on would be Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty’s school takeover plan, which could be made public before the new year, Fenty said during a news conference Wednesday.
“First and foremost is education,” Council Member Jim Graham, D-Ward 1, said Thursday. “He’s going to have a lot on his plate. He’s a very expansive personality; he’s going to come forward with a lot of issues, no doubt about it.”
But Brown said he doesn’t expect the council to “rubber stamp” any plan put forward by Fenty, who is known more for his energy than his patience.
The council also will work for the first six months of the year without direct representation from Ward 4 or Ward 7 because Fenty and Grey are leaving halfway through their four-year terms.
Leadership for those wards is expected to be chosen in a special election in May.
