Adrian Fenty’s transition to the mayor’s office will be financed with taxpayer dollars and, perhaps, private contributions, he said Wednesday. But what remains in the mayor-elect’s campaign coffers will not be used for the move.
“I think establishing a transition is something that’s important to the District of Columbia government,” Fenty said. “And rather than look to the private sector to fund it, I think that District of Columbia historically looked to the government to put money into this [transition] office, and we’re doing the same thing.”
Fenty’s transition will be incorporated as a 501-C4, allowing him to accept private contributions, in-kind or direct, in addition to the $250,000 check coming from the District government, assuming the D.C. Council approves the payment.
Fenty raised more than $3.5 million over the course of his campaign and as of late October, he still had $850,000 cash-on-hand. Whatever is left after he pays his campaign expenses will be transferred to a constituent’s fund.
“We’ll explore ways to find opportunities for the private sector to either donate in-kind contributions or help out,” Fenty said. “That will almost certainly be part of our transition structure.”
Part of the Washington DC Examiner’s 2006 election coverage
