D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown probably has asked Santa for a new year better than the last. He can forget about that.
There are indications 2012 may be more of a nightmare: The ethical cloud could become darker; U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. likely will announce results of those criminal investigations of Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. and Brown. More than a few residents will try to recall the chairman and his misbehaving friends.
“I have not spent any energy on [preventing] any recall,” Brown told me recently.
That may be all bravado.
A successful recall may be difficult. It’s not impossible.
The effort is prohibited during an official’s first or last year. Brown, Thomas, and Gray are in their second year. So, a notice of intent to recall could be filed Jan. 3, according to the Board of Elections and Ethics.
Recall proponents have a maximum 180 days to circulate qualifying petitions. They must secure the signatures of 10 percent of registered voters. As of Nov. 30, there were 453,137 voters.
Thus, about 45,000 signatures would be needed to place the recall of Brown and Gray on the ballot. With 59,823 registered voters in Ward 5, about 6,000 signatures would be necessary to recall Thomas.
The BOEE could take 30 days to validate all signatures. If proponents have realized the mandated goal, a recall election must be held within 114 days. That could mean the issue would be on the November general election ballot.
If the majority of voters decide affirmatively to kick out the offending politicians, then the BOEE must hold a special election to fill those vacancies.
“I’m focused on doing my job and delivering for the residents,” Brown told me, continuing his “man-of-the-people” campaign. His personal second-year legislative agenda would emphasize finances, economic development, and education reform.
“Our budget problems are not over,” he said, adding that he also intends to conduct rigorous oversight of that new $800 million General Services Agency. Created by Gray, it controls all of the city’s capital projects. That alone is going to take up a significant amount of his time.
As for economic development, he said it won’t be enough to talk land acquisition. “I believe we have to move dirt,” Brown said. Further, he intends to push harder for improvement in middle schools and to advocate that more youth choose college.
“I always say exactly where I’m going and then I get things done,” said Brown. “Even with all the distractions [of 2011] I still got done what I said I would do.”
His optimism is admirable.
In reality, a criminal trial may loom. Five of Brown’s colleagues are seeking re-election, which promises political pandering and high jinks, particularly during the budget season. Waiting in the wings is a lottery contracting scandal that could ensnare top city officials.
If Brown thought 2011 was like “none other,” he ain’t seen nothing yet.
jonetta rose barras can be reached at [email protected]
Jonetta Rose Barras’s column appears on Monday and Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected].
