On Tuesday, the D.C. Council approved a resolution that extended the level of decorum required on the dais to all open meetings of the council. In other words, no shenanigans when reporters are present. No shouting, mocking and certainly no swearing.
The resolution was a response to last week’s outburst from At-Large Councilman David Catania in the general direction of Ward 8 Marion Barry. Catania started his tirade with, “F you, Marion,” and proceeded to admonish the former mayor for never doing anything to help United Medical Center, a pet project of Catania’s.
We wonder if people would be complaining as much if councilmembers had to pay into a fund for each time they swear during an open meeting — and Catania’s tirade netted a charity a cool $500. Well, probably. But at least an organization in need would get something out of it.
It remains to be seen whether a change to the code of conduct will actually change personalities on this sometimes volatile council. But a swear jar? Hey, that’s instant results.
