Among my favorite political maxims, these three apply best to our current predicament in the nation’s capital: Money talks.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
You get what you vote for.
We might shake our heads at the mayor who hired family and friends to top jobs with fat salaries; at the fancy rides our politicians prefer on the public dime; at D.C. Council members who can’t distinguish between public funds and private cookie jars for their trips and parties.
But we have to look ourselves in the mirror and say: We voted for them. We are responsible for putting them in places of trust they have then betrayed. Perhaps these malfeasant politicians have broken a law along the way, and perhaps the wheels of justice will grind them up and make them squeal — or we can practice democracy and vote them away.
Looking ahead, I see the 2012 election cycle as the ideal time to throw the bums out. To pile on the cliches, a perfect storm of political winds is about to blow through local Washington politics.
» The “new voters” are about to be heard. Tens of thousands of new residents have made D.C. their home over the past five years. They have had the time to settle in, register to vote and get to know the local political landscape. They can join the fray and swing the vote.
» The scent of corruption fills the air. Mayor Vincent Gray, city council Chairman Kwame Brown and Ward 5 Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. are under investigation by federal lawmen. Four other council members have been called out for crossing ethical lines.
» The 2012 season will include a presidential election, which guarantees a healthy voter turnout. Native Washingtonians and newcomers who have moved into Shaw, Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill’s eastern edge can cast ballots for four ward representatives and two at-large members.
Here are three politicians who have misbehaved to a degree that makes them vulnerable:
» Michael Brown, at large: Do we really need a lobbyist who uses his office to help his clients? Brown’s Internet gambling legislation could bring clients to his former employer. Plus, both D.C. and the Internal Revenue Service have had to press Brown to pay his taxes. And he’s Gray’s acolyte. Name one thing he’s accomplished. Besides, he’s crossed the business community.
» Yvette Alexander, Ward 7: A council rookie, she’s the creation of Gray, which is now a strike against her. Her constituents on the hills east of the Anacostia River say they have caught her using constituent service funds for her own needs, and the Office of Campaign Finance has opened an investigation. Her colleagues lament her low candle power.
» Marion Barry, Ward 8: Much as I admire Barry’s instinct and intellect, and much as I would miss my longtime target, I believe Barry is losing it. His once lucid monologues are turning into repetitive mumbles. Pity. And his ethical lapses are legion.
To blow out rancid politicians, this perfect political storm needs credible opponents. Stay tuned for some suggestions.
Harry Jaffe’s column appears on Tuesday and Friday. He can be contacted at [email protected].
