Sometimes, during meetings of the D.C. Council, it seems like someone has turned the clock back to the 1970s. I half-expect that at any moment one or all of the 13 members will start humming “The Way We Were.”
That sense of living in the past is not a function of age — although several members are over 50 years old. Rather, it comes from the fact that the council’s politics and public policies often are anchored in the later part of the 20th century. The members seem tethered to old-world courtesies. They whine incessantly about perceived slights and violations of process. Atmospherics and stagecraft rule — while issues affecting the quality of life for District residents frequently don’t receive the attention they deserve.
But pointing out the problem is not enough to secure immediate and sustained change. Part of the trouble is that current members are more similar than dissimilar. Yes, I know, at-large Council Member David Catania is an independent and incumbent At-Large Member Carol Schwartz, a Republican — although she leans more to the left than the right. But the other 11 members are from the same party.
Not surprisingly, many of their ideas about government have uniformity to them; they were fired in the same kiln, during the same political season. Or, as in the case of incumbent at-large Democrat Kwame Brown, they were touched by the same fire’s embers: Brown’s views were shaped by programs designed and implemented when Marion Barry was the District’s mayor. That kind of homogeneity strips the council of the creative tension essential to innovation.
The legislature could use more diversity. It needs people with different ideologies and perspectives. Republican Patrick Mara and Independent Mark Long, both candidates for at-large seats on the council, are such individuals.
Fiscally responsible, socially progressive, bright, energetic and thoughtful, they offer fresh approaches for dealing with seemingly intractable problems affecting the city. Media organizations, political operatives and pundits have praised both men. Each time, however people have suggested the duo can’t win because of the political machines backing their opponents or the high name recognition of other candidates.
All that is required for Mara and Long to win is for voters to ignore that kind of peripheral chatter and choose individuals who can best affect the District’s future.
At this juncture in its history, the council needs people who understand the role of the legislative branch — who are prepared to work hard; who will resist the urge to go-along-to-get-along; and who will work in collaboration with the executive. It needs people motivated by the singular goal of serving District residents rather than personal ambitions of climbing the next rung on the political ladder.
The District needs people who aren’t trapped in the 20th century. The future won’t wait. For these reasons, Patrick Mara and Mark Long are the best choices for the at-large seats on the council.
