It’s not surprising the American Federation of Government Employees-Local 2741 filed in federal court a lawsuit against Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, hoping to prevent the firing of day care workers at the Department of Parks and Recreation. What’s baffling is the D.C. Council hasn’t taken similar action, although the executive consistently has challenged its authority.

In May, the council passed legislation that prohibited the mayor from privatizing DPR day care services until Fenty presented an impact report. While that bill was approved unanimously, it was superfluous.