D.C. Councilman Phil Mendelson last week described Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s 2011 financial plan as an “election year budget.” The at-large legislator and N.O.F. (Nemesis of Fenty) must have meant the executive resisted the knee-jerk urge to raise income and property taxes, despite an anticipated revenue shortfall of more than $500 million.
The leader of the far-left wing of the council, Mendelson can take his turn proposing such increases when the legislature begins next week its annual ritual of modifying the mayor’s budget plan. But Chairman Vincent C. Gray — who wants to be mayor — and Chairman Pro Tempore Jacks Evans — who wants to become chairman — know tax increases won’t aid their political ambitions.
“We’re making tough choices and coming up with creative ways of solving a huge budget gap,” said City Administrator Neil Albert, who seemed baffled by Mendelson’s comment. “There is going to be pain. We’re cutting $254 million across agencies. There are some popular programs on the cutting board.”
No doubt, there are some areas of concern about Fenty’s $11 billion budget proposal. Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi urged close monitoring of projected savings at the Department of Corrections, the use of select special purpose funds and shifting operational costs for the National Guard from the local to the federal.
But, truth be told, Fenty’s budget ignores his political reality: A segment of the electorate considers him unconcerned about the plight of the poor and working-class. Instead of counteracting that perception by adhering to election year norms where jobs and money are passed around like water, he holds flat spending in human services. Further, he generously increases a variety of fees including for parking and business licenses; consolidates some agencies, notably the employee relations and employee appeals boards; and cuts 385 positions from the government’s payroll.
What politician in his right mind cuts jobs during an election year?
Don’t expect the council — with more than eight members either seeking re-election or higher offices — to follow the mayor’s lead. Already some members have signaled their intentions. Jim Graham, who faces a tough challenge from former school board member Jeff Smith, has said he will restore cuts to the Department of Public Works. While Fenty has proposed increased funding for D.C. Public Schools, Gray may oppose such actions. He wants what he has called “responsible” education reform and has Chancellor Michelle Rhee in his sights.
And another fight is brewing between Fenty and Harry Thomas. The mayor has proposed reducing Thomas’ beloved Roving Leaders project within the Department of Parks and Recreation. A throwback to the 1970s aimed at preventing youth violence, it has a strong base of support in predominantly black communities, particularly those in Wards 7, 8 and 5, where Thomas faces a bank of opponents in his bid to be re-elected.
In other words, council members, considering their political futures and hoping to cater to special interest groups, likely will do what the mayor didn’t: produce an election year budget.
Jonetta Rose Barras, host of WPFW’s “D.C. Politics With Jonetta,” can be reached at [email protected].
