The clock is ticking for the District on two playing fields this summer, and when the whistle blows the games to a close next month, our lives could be affected in profound ways.
Down here in the marsh between the Potomac and the Anacostia, we have young Adrian Fenty trying to extend his rule as mayor for another four years, in opposition to challenger Vincent Gray, the elder city council chairman.
No doubt Gray would slow down or put a halt to many of Fenty’s reforms, from schools to housing the homeless. Some would prefer Fenty slow down, be more consultative, less imperious. This contest could get interesting and ugly by September.
Up on Capital Hill, time is running down on D.C., as well. A number of bills are in play that could alter our governance long after Fenty and Gray have played out their terms.
Before Congress at the moment are laws that would:
— Give the District control of its local budget, for the first time in recent history. Imagine — I would pay taxes to an elected local government that can actually determine how the funds are spent! Up to now, Congress has had the power to direct D.C. how to spend our taxes.
— Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced a separate bill that would enhance the city’s autonomy by removing congressional review from an array of local functions.
— And then there’s the matter of guns: The National Rifle Association still is pushing for a near total ban on laws restricting firearms in the District. Can you feature tourists packing pistols on Pennsylvania Avenue?
Remember: By law — the Constitution and the Home Rule Act — Congress ultimately runs the city as a federal enclave; the mayor and city council can make laws and regulations; Congress still can override them and make new ones.
Time is of the essence on the Hill because it’s increasingly possible that the House could change from blue to red in the fall elections. At the moment Democrats control the White House, Senate and House. Being a Democratic city, the nation’s capital should fare best when the Dems control the legislative and executive branches. Right? Wrong. Not during Bill Clinton’s first term when Congress was Democratic. Not now, when Barack Obama is in the White House.
At the risk of joining the whiners who wish Obama were other than he is, I am amazed the president has not lifted a finger to advance D.C.’s agenda on Capitol Hill. LBJ started us on the road to self-government. Richard Nixon signed the Home Rule Act. Each president has assigned an aide to work with D.C. George W. Bush designated Josh Bolten, his chief of staff.
Obama’s go-to staffer on District affairs? Not sure he’s taken the time to pick one.
There’s a decent chance D.C. will get budget authority this Congress. There might not be enough time to pass Norton’s changes to governance. And Norton might be able to preserve the city’s right to regulate guns.
No thanks to Obama.
Harry Jaffe’s column appears on Tuesday and Friday. He can be contacted at mailto:[email protected] “>[email protected].
