Speculation over treasured committee leadership posts continued to swirl Friday, even after incoming D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray said he was not ready to announce the leaders.
“No one’s heard anything,” said Democratic at large Councilman Kwame Brown on Friday. Brown chairs a special committee on policy for small, disadvantaged business. “I really don’t know what I’m going to get. I heard [Independent at-large Councilman David] Catania is going to keep health. [At-large Democratic Councilman Phil] Mendelson wants to keep judiciary.”
Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1, said he “indicated an interest” to Gray about giving up his post as chair of the consumer and regulatory affairs committee to lead the Committee on Economic Development. Outgoing Councilwoman Sharon Ambrose, D-Ward 6, has chaired the committee.
“I’m very happy with my committee,” Graham said. “I’ve done a lot and I’d be very happy to continuethere. But if my talents are needed in another committee, I’d be happy there.”
Gray, who has said committee assignments would be made this month in advance of the Jan. 2 inauguration for members, has been tight-lipped about who might be chosen to lead which committee. He has said he would assign a committee to any council member who wanted one, meaning at least one new committee would need to be created. He has also said he would not give committees to new members who will be chosen in a special election in May to finish terms for himself and incoming Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty.
Gray, who could not be reached Friday, “is still looking over the recommendations from the transition team,” spokeswoman Dawn Slonneger said.
Mendelson, who confirmed his desire to hold onto the judiciary committee Friday, said Gray is not taking any longer to decide than is expected.
