WP Endorsements: Wards 1, 3, 5, and 6

Jim Graham for Ward 1 . . .
If any member of the D.C. Council deserves renomination, he does.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006; Page A14

WARD 1 VOTERS sent Jim Graham to the D.C. Council in 1999 and reelected him to a second term in 2002. Now Ward 1 Democrats have every reason to enthusiastically nominate him for a third term in the Sept. 12 party primary. On every major count -- as a legislator, provider of constituent services and monitor of D.C. government performance -- Jim Graham has continued to receive high marks.

Whether the category is public safety, good government, economic revitalization, housing and the preservation of diversity, public health, or local and regional transit, Mr. Graham has established a solid record of achievement. Most notably, he has managed to establish and sustain this level of performance in a unique and challenging ward. Unlike other jurisdictions in the city, Ward 1 does not have a majority made up of any particular population group. In many respects, the ward, which includes Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan in the west and LeDroit Park in the east, is ground zero in the District's "gentrification" struggles. It is an area that calls for a special kind of leader. Mr. Graham fills that bill. In a ward with changing demographics, he has made a strong effort, largely successful, to maintain and expand affordable housing while retaining the ward's rich diversity.

More:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/21/AR2006082101478.html

------------------------------

. . . and Mary Cheh in Ward 3
In a field of stellar candidates, she shines the brightest.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006; Page A14

KATHY PATTERSON'S decision not to seek reelection has given Ward 3 Democrats a chance to nominate a new person to represent them on the D.C. Council. On primary day, Sept. 12, voters will find themselves confronted with an embarrassment of riches, since several outstanding candidates are seeking to fill the vacancy. The choice will be difficult with such excellent Ward 3 residents as Bill Rice, Robert Gordon, Erik Gaull and Mary Cheh in the race. However, narrowing the field to two, and in a tough call between Mr. Gordon and Ms. Cheh, we believe Mary Cheh has the breadth of experience; understanding of local government; and commitment to fiscal prudence, accountability and good government that will make her a first-class addition to the D.C. Council.

As special counsel to the council's Judiciary Committee, chaired by Mrs. Patterson, Mary Cheh directed the landmark investigation into the D.C. police department's handling of political protests. That groundbreaking probe, which documented serious shortcomings and unlawful government conduct, resulted in a new law setting parameters for police conduct and strengthened protection of citizens' rights and liberties. Ms. Cheh's legal skills -- she is a tenured law professor at George Washington University -- along with her involvement in community schools as a teacher, and the experience she gained as a prosecutor, also make her well suited to discharge her legislative and oversight responsibilities.

More:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/21/AR2006082101477.html

-----------------------------

Choices in Wards 5 and 6
Harry Thomas Jr. for Ward 5; Tommy Wells for Ward 6

Thursday, August 24, 2006; Page A20

DEMOCRATS going to the polls on Sept. 12 in Wards 5 and 6 will not find the names of incumbent D.C. Council members Vincent B. Orange Sr. (Ward 5) and Sharon Ambrose (Ward 6) on the ballot. Both veteran lawmakers have decided not to seek another term, thus opening up their seats to spirited competition.

Ward 5 has an especially attractive field of candidates. Three stand out as able potential successors to Mr. Orange: Frank Wilds, a businessman and Ward 5 Democratic Party vice chairman; Bruce Marshall, an attorney and former government administrator; and Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. , a community leader and director of a youth mentoring and learning program. Four years ago, when he captured 40 percent of the vote against Mr. Orange, we said that "Mr. Thomas is close to the Ward 5 community and makes a strong impression on those voters he seeks to win over" but that he would have to broaden his reach to be successful. Mr. Thomas has done that in the intervening years by deepening his service to Ward 5 residents, expanding his civic accomplishments, and earning the respect and support of civic and community leaders. He bears the name of his father, the late former council member Harry Thomas, and the strengths and attributes of his mother, former public school principal Romaine B. Thomas. But Harry Thomas Jr., through the services rendered and experience gained in Ward 5 activities, has earned the nomination of his party on his own.

More:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/23/AR2006082301802.html

I was impressed.