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Editorial
Editorial Archives
Friday, December 3, 2004; Page 20
Stop the Game-Playing and Vote
The contentious seven-hour D.C. City Council debate over a plan to build a baseball stadium in Southeast, D.C. received preliminary approval on Tuesday. It seems the more the matter is discussed, the less attractive the idea, which means that Mayor Anthony Williams still has a lot of work to do to garner greater Council support and public support, as well.
Councilmembers Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5), Sharon Ambrose (D-Ward 6), Kevin Chavous (D-Ward 7), Sandy Allen (D-Ward 8) and Harold Brazil (D-At Large) supported the plan allowing for public financing for the stadium and eliminating the inclusion of extra funds for libraries, neighborhood projects and special benefits for D.C. students.
Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward4), Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), David Catania (I-At Large) and Carol Schwartz (R-At Large) voted against the proposal while Linda Cropp (Chairman), Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and Kathy Patterson (D-Ward ) abstained.
So, while baseball will give D.C. residents an opportunity to share in a “favorite pastime”, human needs may still go un- or underserved a little longer. D.C. residents have become extremely pessimistic and disbelieving over claims that the economic growth of the city will in some way benefit them, i.e. job training, jobs, improved services or better living conditions.
The Council will deliver a final vote on the funding proposal on December 14 or 21. In the meantime, the Council, Mayor and other city officials will have more time to draw a line in the sand. It is clear that a vote for or against baseball will probably determine the future political career of every Councilmember. That is what is most at stake. The Mayor has served the pitch, the Council has to take a swing or take the bench. Get on with the vote and bring the game-playing to an end. |
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