As D.C. Council chairman, Vincent Gray may have had his flaws, but he often made what seemed to be smart, politically savvy moves. For example, realizing the groundswell of citizen support for a mayoral takeover of public education, he quickly aligned himself with the effort. He put his imprimatur on the pre-kindergarten movement, enabling him to claim partial credit for D.C. Public Schools’ enrollment increases. He pushed for a community college when his predecessor offered only tepid support. Not surprisingly, under his leadership, the council consistently earned high approval ratings.
But where is that Vincent Gray now? Trying to find him is like looking for Waldo.
“On the council, he seemed thorough and very deliberative. Since taking office as mayor, it’s been one misstep after another,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the D.C. Republican Committee.
“I can’t figure it out,” said one of Gray’s supporters, who requested anonymity. “It’s like he’s an entirely different person.”
Chuck Thies, co-host of WPFW-FM’s “DC Politics” show, said Gray is the same “contemplative, methodical” politician he was as chairman. But that’s the problem. His predecessor was seen “as fast charging.
“People want to see fast progress and that works against Vince,” said Thies, adding that Gray has won praise when he has acted decisively — such as during the recent weather and public safety emergencies.
I didn’t endorse Gray for mayor. But I never imagined he would stumble as he has, repeatedly making ridiculous mistakes. Those self-inflicted injuries have been aggravated by his sluggish management style and poor decision-making.
Consider, for example, the hiring of Andrea Pringle. Gray tapped the Democratic branding and message agent to be his deputy chief of staff charged with communications and community affairs. One day after announcing her appointment, D.C. government watchdog Dorothy Brizill accused Pringle of voter fraud. Then the Washington Post editorial board disclosed she had been operating her business without a valid license. Pringle subsequently resigned.
Gray could be forgiven for missing Pringle’s voting history. But why didn’t he check her business license? Wasn’t she hired principally based on the record of achievements of that business?
The Pringle affair was not unlike the other personnel decisions made earlier in his tenure: A crony is appointed to a post without adequate vetting — and often overpaid. In this case, however, she was expected to help Gray rebrand his administration, adjusting his message and reconnecting with an increasingly dissatisfied electorate. Instead, her departure reminded everyone of Gray’s handicaps.
“It’s very unfortunate for him, for the city and for the residents,” said local activist Terry Lynch, calling the Pringle fiasco “amateurish.”
Consequently, residents who began months ago planning a mayoral recall are continuing their efforts — although they can’t officially begin until January. Can Gray save his political career and stop his administration’s downward spiral?
“It’s dead in the water,” said Lynch, while Thies asserted Gray has “plenty of time to get everything in order.”
But, said Craney, “There isn’t any wiggle room for more mistakes.”
Let’s all say amen.
Jonetta Rose Barras’ column appears on Monday and Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected].
