While listening to the radio show she produces, Tara Boyle says one of her relatives asked, “So tell me about Jonetta; what does she like?”
Boyle laughs, recounting her reply: “[Jonetta’s] having a good day today — she hasn’t called for anyone’s resignation.”
It’s true: I don’t suffer fools or incompetents. It’s cruel and unusual punishment. In recent weeks, I’ve called for the resignation of Kimberley Flowers, director of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, and her team of imported, challenged managers. They’re making a mess of an agency that began blossoming under its previous director, Neil Albert.
The question from Boyle’s relative isn’t new. I usually ignore it because I am no great mystery.
Today I’ll make an exception. For all those who want the inside scoop or think me all bitter pills and castor oil, this column is for you.
Municipal managers warm my heart when they understand they work for District residents; that taxpayers partially finance their lifestyles; and that their role should be to provide quality, professional service every day for the eight hours they are on the job.
I am encouraged by District residents who know they control the quality government and elected officials they get; that nothing changes unless they invest the time and energy into making things happen; and that whining on the sidelines just won’t get it.
An ethical, honest, transparent government that sees waste, fraud, abuse and corruption as mission failure is divine.
I adore people who speak the truth without hesitation.
I cherish my small circle of friends — one or two more deeply than others. They have seen me grow from a scarf-wearing, rabble-rousing poet to a scarf-wearing, opinionated journalist. During that wild transition, they never deserted me.
A glass of Remy Martin — VSOP — rich New Orleans cuisine, and a passionate debate about world affairs, especially the deadly game of politics practiced by the current occupants of the White House, are extremely satisfying.
“The Wizard of Id” and “Boondocks” crack me up. My Sunday is incomplete if I haven’t read The New York Times book supplement. I love curling up with Gabriel Garcia Marquez near a lake or pool — though I can’t swim or speak Spanish. The only foreign language with which I claim any relationship is French, but a native would muzzle me immediately.
Andrea Bocelli makes me swoon. Nina Simone stirs my soul. Harold Dejan, my grandfather and a Dixieland Jazz great, takes me home. If I could sing, honey, you couldn’t touch me.
The best things happen when you’re dancing. So catch me some summer evening in a small club in Adams Morgan, or along U Street, or in Georgetown, where warmth and generous spirits are always found in this city, which, after more than 20 years, I still I love — madly.
Jonetta Rose Barras is the political analyst for WAMU radio’s D.C. “Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta.”
