After watching the speeches and celebrations during Mayor Vince Gray’s inauguration, I wondered whether I was seeing a coronation, with hugging rather than bowing to the new monarch. Everybody wanted to embrace the new mayor, especially the city council members. Ward 5 representative Tommy Thomas wrapped Gray in a bear hug. At-large member Michael Brown grabbed him a few times. New council chair Kwame Brown threw his arms around him, too. Marion Barry gave him a hug. Mary Cheh, the Ward 3 representative, bathed him with adoring looks. What a change from the way council members got along with Adrian Fenty! What passed between the former mayor and most city council members for the past four years was venom, cold stares and threats about documents and subpoenas.
The most significant difference between Fenty and Gray with respect to governing could be the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. The majority of council members love Vince. Love him! They worked with him as council chair for the past four years. Most supported his candidacy. Of course they want to embrace Mayor Vince. He’s still one of them.
