I've Had Enough!

I believe that the residents and businesses of Ward 8 (and the entire city) are entitled to have fair, ethical and accountable government. I expect that our representative should comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and politics affecting the operations of government. The effective functioning of democratic government requires public officials be independent, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions. To this end, I believe that the D.C. City Council should adopt a Code of Conduct for members of the City Council and the City's commissions to assure public confidence in the integrity of local government and its effective and fair operation. In addition, when Council members blatantly disregard such codes, the Council has the authority to hold the parties accountable and if necessary enforce a zero tolerance policy. How long are the constituents of Ward 8 required to look the other way, while our "representative" makes a mockery of our community as well as our city? How long is the Council going to shrug their shoulders and laugh (albeit uncomfortably) at his "indiscretions"?

I am appalled to discover that there is no code of ethics or enforcement policies in regard to the accountability of the D.C. City Council. Are we, the constituents of this city, supposed to sit back and watch as you gallivant and do as you please? I think not. If I am held to the letter of the law and am accountable for ethic violations then I expect you to be as well. Stewardship of the public interest should be your primary concern. The Council should be working for the common good of the people, but one questions whether this is happening when Marion Barry is repeatedly allowed to disgrace the city with little to no repercussions.

I am a Ward 8 homeowner who has never voted for Marion Barry. He did not help me get my first job, nor did he turn me into the professional I am today. He has not helped me get a better police presence in my Single Member District, nor has he ever responded to an email or a phone call sent by me in regards to aid from his office. As the entity that oversees our city (disregarding Congress for a moment) I find it disheartening that no one will step up to the plate and call it like it is, even when Marion Barry fails to comply with the laws of the federal government. If you are willing to turn a blind eye and essentially give Marion Barry carte blanche, then perhaps the entire council needs an overhaul. The very entity that creates legislation for this city has lost my faith. I no longer believe in my local government.

As I understand it Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) has ordered council procedures to be reviewed for a new code of conduct. This is too little, too late. Action needs to be taken against Councilmember Barry. Feel free to go ahead and review the nonexistent code of conduct, but please ensure that you add a mechanism to censure and discipline a council member. Please note that a slap on the wrist is not satisfactory and should not be included as a response for accountability. If I fail to comply with the code of conduct/ethics in my profession or any other rules or regulations of my particular Association; am convicted of a felony or a crime related to, or arising out of moral turpitude; or engage in immoral, dishonorable, or unprofessional conduct that is considered prejudicial to the best interests of, or inconsistent with, the purpose of my profession than I am guaranteed a suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of my right to practice. Why shouldn't we expect this same zero tolerance mentality in our city government?