LOOSE LIPS Article: The Old Gray Mayor

Great article by Loose Lips of the Washington City Paper on the conflict between Councilman (and former DC Mayor) Marion Barry and DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. To view the article in full click HERE.

A comment on this article probably said it best:

"Marion Barry "disapproving" of Mayor Adrian Fenty is the loudest-ringing and best possible currency I can imagine. Frankly, Fenty grows on me more and more with each passing month. Two years from now I can envision "Re-elect Fenty! Barry hates him!" being the strongest political endorsement in town. "

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I am a great mayor; I am an upstanding Christian man; I am an intelligent man; I am a deeply educated man; I am a humble man."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Marion Barry was relected to another 4 year term as Councilman of Ward 8.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What right does Congress have to go around making laws just because they deem it necessary?"

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

From CP City Desk: Marion Barry to Endorse Michael Brown

"Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry will endorse Michael A. Brown for an at-large council seat today, sources tell LL. The announcement is scheduled to come in a joint press conference with Harry Thomas Jr. (who told the Post his endorsement decision this morning) tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m., location TBA."

Click here for the LL article

How long...

does Ward 8 have to continue to suffer at the hands of Marion Barry? How long does it's residents have to expect and accept coming last all the time? How long do we have to be publicly humiliated by the personal shenanigans and broken promises of a politician long past his prime? For all the wonderful things that Marion Barry may have done these desperate and selfish attempts to hold on erase all of those good works.

How long for a new day for Ward 8?

How long?

It's ironic that on November 4th the entire country will be voting for a chance at real change, real progress and real commitment and us folks east of the river will most likely be looking at another term of the same old song and dance - peppered with crimes against the community and just plain crimes.

Keep hope alive. One day this WILL end. :)

Loose Lips: Gotta Love Ward 8 Politics

Great post by Loose Lips of The Washington City Paper on the Ward 8 race. Who is really surprised at the thought of intimidation by the Marion Barry camp? Manipulation and intimidation go hand and hand with this campaign.

Good luck to all of the challengers!

P.S. MB a word of advice. stop saying "proven track record" it's NOT a positive thing!

Link to original article HERE.

Excerpt:

"LL was pleasantly surprised this afternoon when Darrell Gaston, one of two independents challenging Marion Barry for the Ward 8 council seat, eschewed gentility and took the mayor-for-life to task on WAMU-FM’s Kojo Nnamdi Show, calling him a flip-flopper on the mayoral schools takeover and generally laying into Barry’s performance with passion.

Gaston also delivered one of the best lines LL has heard in Ward 8 politics in a while, pivoting on Barry’s longtime association with the city summer youth employment program: “Mr. Barry gave you a summer job,” he told radio listeners, “but let me give you a career!” Ow!"

Voters Guide: Marion Barry Faces Two Independent Challengers in Ward 8

From News Channel 8. Original article here.

Marion Barry accusing someone of "rhetoric" is like Marion Barry accusing someone of a drug problem. In all seriousness it would have been best for EVERYONE if all the challengers had united behind the BEST candidate (Charles Wilson) and toppled the Barry machine. Barry's time at the party has long been over extended - it is time for him to go home.

WASHINGTON - He beat five Democratic challengers in the primary, but now Marion Barry is up for re-election to the D.C. Council in Ward 8, facing two Independent challengers. Democrat incumbent Marion Barry says he has unfinished business. "I'm working as hard as I can to improve the quality of life, bring about prosperity," said Barry. Barry takes credit for bringing sixty new small businesses to the ward plus a grocery store and sit down restaurant. If re-elected, he says he'll create new jobs in Ward 8. He also says he'll work to attract more primary care clinics. "Well, we'll put money in the budget. We have money in the budget for at least two primary care facilities," said Barry. Independent Durrell Gaston says he would push for a 24-hour clinic in Ward 8, declare an HIV state of emergency and implement tax breaks to attract more health care providers. "We need to bring more doctors to Ward 8 so we have variety," said Gaston. Gaston says he would also help residents transition off public assistance, like he does now as a mentor. "We gave residents free bank accounts, free credit reports and financial goals," said Gaston. Gaston is a native of Ward 8 and says Barry is out of touch. "I experienced what the average person went through so I know what the average person needs and wants," said Gaston. "I've lived in the ward for the last 15 years. I served 2 terms as an ANC commissioner," said Independent Yovocka YoungYoung says she would tap into the job market across the river, bring new residents and new business to Ward 8 and tackle the ward's 14% unemployment rate. "Until we turn those numbers around, we'll continue to be challenged," said Young. She is calling for more vocational programs in high schools and a day labor site. "As long as it's managed well by the city, we can make sure the employees are legal and the employers are legal as well," said Young. Young says Barry is ineffective. "You know it happens in everyone's life. It's evolution," said Young. Barry says both of his challengers are all rhetoric. "Well you know anyone can talk about it. I have a proven track record," said Barry. Barry points to his victory in the Democratic primary where he won nearly 78% of the vote. He calls that "a landslide" and "a mandate." But his challengers in the election point out less than 6,000 voters voted in the primary, which they say shows a voter apathy toward the leadership of Ward 8. They say now more than ever the ward needs change, but Barry says the ward needs his leadership.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If you take out the killings, Washington actually has a very very low crime rate."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

MARION BARRY FALLS - GETS STITCHES

Posted on the DC Wire blog of the Washington Post. To view the entire entry including heartwarming and hilarious reader comments click HERE.

In all seriousness wishing the Councilman a speedy recovery.

Excerpt:

"Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry was treated and released from Greater South East Hospital this morning suffering from minor injuries to his face after accidentally falling down while out walking earlier in Anacostia Park.
Mr. Barry received a deep gash over his bottom lip that required several stitches. Despite the minor accident Mr. Barry suffered no serious injuries and is in good spirits. According to Mr. Barry, doctors in the emergency room at Greater South East Hospital said he will have a full recovery and be back at work in a day or two.
"I just lost my footing while out doing my daily walk," said Barry. "I am in a little pain and it will take a few days to heal but I will get through this. I plan on being back on my feet in no time good as new."

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"People have criticized me because my security detail is larger than the president's. But you must ask yourself: are there more people who want to kill me than who want to kill the president? I can assure you there are."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

Blog Post/Stuff Frank Finds Funny - Marion Barry: My Mayor For Life

Funny post. To check it out click HERE.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"First, it was not a strip bar, it was an erotic club. And second, what can I say? I'm a night owl." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The contagious people of Washington have stood firm against diversity during this long period of increment weather."

- M. Barry,Mayor of Washington, DC

Still true 4 years later...

Was browsing the web and came across this blogpost from August 2004 by In Shaw. Had to check the date twice to make sure it wasn't written this year.

"Monday, August 09, 2004

Open letter to Marion Barry, Ward 8 Candidate
Although In Shaw should really stick to Ward 1, 2, & 5 issues, one cannot help but notice that which is over the river in Ward 8. Besides, it is a COUNCIL seat, which would have an impact on all wards. Dear Former Mayor Marion Barry, Dude, you're like 68. For heaven's sake retire. No, really this time. Didn't Walter Washington retire from politics after you defeated him for the mayorial bid? Don't think that you can't serve the people of Washington, DC by retiring. There are other things besides politics. There are non-profits out there that would love your leadership and be a bit less taxing, face it you're not in the best of health. Volunteer your time to a few causes that are near and dear to your heart. If that doesn't appeal to you, then how about just being an ANC. It will tax you. It doesn't really pay. But you get to serve people at the most local level ever. No, please retire. Todays politics are for the young guns like Adrian Fenty (hubba, hubba). With all due respect you are just too old school. It ain't 1960, or 1970, or 1980. We've entered a new century. The old struggles of your time are still here but they aren't the same, they've changed too. Housing and jobs are still a problem, but the old solutions aren't the answer. So once again. Move to Florida or Georgia. Find a 5th wife. Ponder the joys of fishing. Retire."

GREAT ARTICLE: "Black Is No Defense"

To view the orignal article click HERE.

Black Is No Defense
September 10, 2008


If Kwame Kilpatrick were white, don't you think he'd have been thrown out of office a long time ago? Heck, he'd be out of jail by now, shopping his memoirs.Instead, it was just last week, after a year of scandal and revelation that has paralyzed his city and made it the punch line to an international joke, that Detroit's mayor surrendered his office and copped a plea: 120 days in jail, five years' probation and a $1 million fine. Because, you see, Kilpatrick is not white; he is black in a city that is itself over 80 percent black. And that complicated things.For instance, it led to underserved support from the local black paper.And to a massive rally for him at a black church.
And to black people blaming the media for "bringing down" a gifted black man.And to a political consultant calling the case "Jim Crow justice."And to Kilpatrick repeatedly portraying himself as a victim of racial politics and a "lynch mob mentality."All the claims of racial solidarity and victimization gave Kilpatrick what Eliot Spitzer could never have imagined: a base from which to dig in his heels and declare he would not be moved.If you didn't know better, you might have thought this was Birmingham in 1963 or Montgomery in '55, with strains of "We Shall Overcome" ringing in the air. You'd never know it was Detroit in 2008, where the issue wasn't desegregation or human dignity but, rather, a mayor who had an extramarital affair with his chief of staff, fired police who came too close to discovering it, lied about it under oath, agreed to an $8.4 million payoff to keep police from releasing explicit text messages proving the affair and, for good measure, shoved a sheriff's deputy trying to serve a subpoena to someone else in an unrelated matter.Racial victimization? Jim Crow justice? Give me a break.In an April column, I excoriated the mayor for playing upon African America's reflexive tendency to rally in defense of any one of us who gets in trouble. But that's only part of the problem here. It's not just that someone played black folks, but that black folks keep letting themselves be played.Truth is, we get played like checkers any time any high-profile one of us is caught in scandal or sin. From Michael Jackson to O.J. Simpson to Tawana Brawley to Mike Tyson to Marion Barry to Kilpatrick, we keep proving pathetically susceptible to manipulation by any brother or sister who says white folks have done him or her wrong — especially if they invoke God a few times for good measure.African Americans — and, for that matter, all people of conscience — have a moral responsibility to stand up for those who truly are victims of racial injustice. In defending those people, we should be unstinting and unwavering.We should not, however, be unthinking. We should stop falling into the easy trap of believing every black man in trouble is a victim of racial malfeasance. If more black folks in Motown had understood this, the city might not have spent the last year embarrassing itself.For centuries, African Americans have struggled to teach white people that black does not mean guilt. Frankly, it's high time we learned a corresponding truth.It doesn't mean innocence, either. Leonard Pitts Jr. is a syndicated writer.

Still not over...

So he managed to weasel himself to another primary win. The only thing sadder than the possibility of another four years with Marion is that the ones that will surely suffer the most are the very people who came out and voted for him. Because unlike the supporters of the challengers these people really are hoping...pleading that this time he will make good on another batch of promises. To pay back their support with permanent jobs...affordable housing, etc and the fact of the matter is not only is it NOT going to happen but they (the Barry disenfranchised) have just about sealed the deal that by the time change does come they will almost most likely not have a voice in it.

For those looking on the outside in or watching the local news coverage on the election it may have appeared that these were die hard Barry fans. That the entire Ward was rallying behind their great savior! He has arisen! He has come.

Nope.

What you say is another Marion Barry mirage. What you saw were a lot of poor and unemployed people who were begging at the table of MB begging for crumbs. One needs to ask themselves how all these people on a work day were available to sit in front of polls for 12 or 13 straight hours? It's easy - they were paid and not even paid very well.

Marion has figured out a long time ago that poverty and fear works to his advantage. That desperate people make desperate decisions. That $100 today beats a lifetime of self sufficiency.

And for that I am truly sad for those people. They don't even realize they have dealt themselves out yet again out of a game that has been in progress for years. When they finally realize it it will be way to late and once again they will find themselves outplayed, ignored and disenfranchised.

I have a friend in the Mayor's office and they told me "if you could only see how he regularly plays his own people out for his own personal gain it is mind blowing! The only thing that MB cares about is MB and he will use the threat of his "army of supporters" to strong arm his way to getting what he wants but at the end of the day he would and continually has sold them out."

I asked a few of those same green and white t-shirt clad folks why they were supporting the (un) great man himself. I got a variety of answers from "he is going to win anyway" to "I am just trying to get paid" to "I don't know". Not one person was able to even remotely articulate what exactly it was that MB has done or will do that has garnered their respect.

It is not in MB's best interest to have these people continuously working...at jobs that pay a living wage. It is in his benefit to keep his people hungry...to forever just hold the carrot out of their grasp. To keep them dancing to his tune all while blaming their circumstances on "them". When will these people smarter up and realize that if MB was even half as good as as he claimed to be that they would see "progress" and not "promises"?

On election day the ward had an opportunity to clean out the "cobwebs of corruption" to endorse someone who looked like them who represented the best "of them" and they failed to do so. Part of it could be linked to poor voter turnout (and indeed it was poor), or just for a failure to hope or an inability to let go of that fear of change.

The great news is that this is not the end. It is the beginning. Barry doing another four years in reasonable health and unindicted is a snow ball's chance in hell. So a special election or special prosecutor could be right around the corner.

We can always hope.

Until then the Barry Stops Here! blog will be going on strong. Shining a bright light on the corruption that is and will always be Marion Barry!

1 day to the Primary and to a new "Barry-free" day!

Just one more day until Ward 8 can officially kick that corrupt, self centered, and self serving "you know what" to the C-U-R-B. The thought that we are less than 18 hours from potentially being "Barry-Free" is enough to make me do the electric slide at my desk.

Hopefully Ward 8 will show the district - heck the world that the scheming and conniving that is Marion Barry will NO longer be tolerated and that Ward 8 is ready for a NEW beginning with NEW progress!

The Ward has complaining for some time about Barry's inattention, graft and corruption hopefully they will turn out in droves to drive him out!

For those Barry (confirmed paid) supporters we pray that they look inside their hearts (if not their wallets) and do the right thing NOT for themselves (and his empty promises) but the RIGHT thing for the COMMUNITY and vote Charles Wilson into office.

Marion Barry is 72 years old. He had his run.  If he was going to make improvement

s in Ward 8 he would have done them by now and one thing that everyone should be able to agree on is that progress in Ward  8 has been measured in centimeters if at all. It is time for someone young, active, agile and committed to drive the community to the next level.  It is time for the next generation of leaders  to take the helm.  We can no longer sponsor Marion Barry's $92,000 a year retirement.  

Please come out and vote. YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!! Barry has been counting on people not getting active, not getting involved, not getting informed.

CAN WE REALLY AFFORD ANOTHER FOUR YEARS WITH THIS MAN?

From the Washington Post

Metro Chief Cuts Barry A Break, Then a Check
By Lena H. SunWashington Post Staff WriterMonday, June 16, 2008; B01

It was a hot and hazy summer evening.
D.C. Council member Marion Barry was in his champagne-colored Mercedes-Benz parked on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in the heart of Ward 8, his district in Southeast Washington. The driver's window was down, he recalled, because he had been talking to an acquaintance on the street. It was 6:45 p.m.
Suddenly, he said, a Metrobus sideswiped his car on the passenger side. He said that he honked his horn to stop the bus but that it kept going. He remembered the route sign on the back of the bus: B2.
About a month later, Barry filed a claim against Metro. Metro tracked down the bus operator, who denied hitting any vehicle. There was also no damage to the Metrobus. Unable to confirm Barry's account, a mid-level Metro manager advised against paying the claim.
But this was not just any claimant. This was Barry, 72, the Democrat known affectionately by his supporters as "Mayor for Life," a former four-term mayor who won election to the D.C. Council in 1992 after serving six months in prison for a misdemeanor drug conviction. For three years, he has served on the Metro board, which sets policy for the agency, the region's largest transit provider.
So when his accident claim was brought to the attention of Metro General Manager John B. Catoe Jr. last year, Catoe decided to make an exception.
"We couldn't prove it one way or the other," Catoe said in a recent interview. "The reality is, he's a member of the board of directors.
"In my judgment, I did not feel that he would have lied about such a small claim," Catoe said. "I believed he was truthful, and I made the decision to pay him."
On Aug. 17, Metro cut Barry a check for $3,227.40, according to Metro records provided to The Washington Post in response to a public information request.
Metro sent the check by courier to Barry's council office. The accompanying letter read that Metro "has been unable to confirm the particulars of your allegation that a Metrobus caused the occurrence and your damages. Nevertheless, in recognition of your public position and your commitment to the public interest, [Metro] has determined that it is appropriate to accept your demand for full settlement."
Barry said he did not request special treatment and is indignant at the suggestion.
"I think it was a valid claim on its face," he said in an interview. Metro is "implying the only reason they paid it is because I'm a board member," he said. "I resent that."
Barry said he didn't report the accident to police because "they don't come to minor accidents."
Barry said the June 18, 2007, incident happened this way: "I was at the curb lane on Martin Luther King Avenue between W [Street] and Chicago [Street]. . . . I had just finished talking to somebody. I was parked. I heard this noise and looked up and see I was hit by the bus. I blew my horn and tried to stop the bus. There was a sign on the bus. It said B2."
There were no witnesses.
According to Metro records, Barry's office first reported the incident by telephone July 19, a month after the accident.
While Metro was investigating, a Barry aide took the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 to a repair shop. Georgetown Service Center in Northeast Washington said it would cost $2,234, labor and parts included, to replace the passenger side mirror and door panels.
Barry's office was impatient to have the claim paid, according to a claim adjuster's notes. In a note to Reed Appraisers in Wheaton requesting the required independent appraisal, a Metro claims representative wrote: "PLEASE RUSH!!"
Reed's estimate: $3,227.40. In the end, that's what Metro paid Barry. By then, Georgetown Service Center had already repaired Barry's car for about $1,000 less, according to owner Fred Hassani.
So, given Metro's financial difficulties, would Barry consider returning the $1,000 to Metro?
Barry said he couldn't remember the actual repair cost. An aide handled it, he said. "The case is closed where I'm concerned."
As for his Metro service, Barry, an alternate, has the worst attendance record of the 12 members. In three years, he has attended nine of 165 Metro committee and board meetings, according to board records and interviews. He showed up briefly Thursday for one of two committee meetings after a reporter asked about his attendance. The last meeting he attended before that was seven months ago.
Asked about his attendance, Barry responded: "I'm surprised I've been to that many."
District members receive no fee for their board service. Maryland and Virginia board members receive nominal compensation, with the exception of the alternate representing Prince George's County. Since 2003, Marcell Solomon has held that position. The county has paid him nearly $73,000 so far this year for Metro work and other county service, a county spokesman said.
The District, Maryland and Virginia each appoint two voting and two alternate members. Alternates can't vote during full board meetings, but they have equal votes during committee meetings, where major decisions are made.
The District's stake in Metro is huge. The majority of Metrobus routes and nearly half the Metrorail stations are in Washington. The city provides $203 million a year to Metro's operating budget, 38 percent of the subsidies from jurisdictions served by Metro.
City officials have been flagged about Barry's absences. Council chairman Vincent C. Gray (D), whose office makes appointments to boards and commissions, including Metro, said he would review all appointments after council elections in November.
Barry said he has been present for important meetings, such as when increases in bus fares were being discussed last year. He added that the District is ably represented by its two voting members, council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) and city transportation director Emeka C. Moneme.
Besides, Barry said, he wants to focus more on his council duties. "I'm going to ask Mr. Gray in January not to reappoint me," he said. "I've done enough. I don't apologize."

SOME READER OUTRAGE (AKA COMMENTS)


bc1123 wrote:
I'm so glad that, 17 years after leaving DC, I can say Mayor Barry is still a great provider of laughs. There's nothing this guy could do that could make him look bad to his supporters.
6/18/2008 4:45:33 PM
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8-man wrote:
We should be thanking Metro for not buying him a new car stocked full of crack.
6/17/2008 5:11:38 PM
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nobs4me wrote:
Why isn't anyone from Ward 8 on here jumping to his defense? You were last year when DC police were critisized for pulling him over for suspicion of drunk driving. Has it finally sunk in that he's taking and using your tax money for his own? Don't re-elect this scumbag and then whine and cry about how public aid and your schools are in the crapper. Now you know why.
6/17/2008 5:02:20 PM
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deaniac wrote:
I agree 100%, donmac1. I was denied a claim by Metro. It took them only 24 hours to report, 'we've done nothing and your claim is denied'.Contact Metro and complain about the double standard, and force them to reopen all of their claims denied to non-former-Mayors.
6/17/2008 10:18:14 AM
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donmac1 wrote:
Typical? I wonder how many of us peasents could file a claim with no evidence a month later and get paid? Marion " I forgot to pay my taxes" Barry is sooooooo honest. Get real! For years he made DC the laughing stock of the entire country and continues to play the bufoons in DC like a violin! Given his history he should have called the police immediatly and been drug tested before cutting a check! It's called hit and run and is a serious crime. Catoe is obviosly one of Barry homies and should be fired! Anyone who is denied a claim by metro past or future needs to cite this precident and get paid!
6/17/2008 7:45:14 AM
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mdpilot wrote:
People.Perspective.Give Snorter a break.The young Marion Barry would have got a paid rental car in the deal whilst his car was in the shop.
6/16/2008 11:48:23 PM
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cavalierauc wrote:
John Catoe for Obama's Secretary of Transportation! Marion Barry for the next HUD Secretary!
6/16/2008 10:54:11 PM
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zydecoqueen wrote:
More holes in this story than Swiss cheese. He's in the curb lane, and the B2 bus hit the PASSENGER SIDE? Either he drives a British-made Benz, or the bus drove up on the sidewalk! There are no witnesses on Chicago St., SE at 6:45 p.m. in June? Are you kidding? There's always somebody on the street, at least that early in the day. Also, the police will come to any collision you call about; you need a police report to submit an insurance claim. Lord, have mercy!
6/16/2008 10:47:39 PM
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nsdc wrote:
Unfortunately, the fact that Marion "The B@tch Set Me Up" Barry is once again stealing from the taxpayers of DC is no surprise.However, that the Metro Chief is assisting with this scam is a surprise.Unbelievable.
6/16/2008 10:11:57 PM
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ajguzz wrote:
"Bus set me up!!!"
6/16/2008 9:50:50 PM
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surlydoc wrote:
some of you are wondering why ward 8 keeps voting for this man of questionable character.. they vote him in because it's their way of "getting over" on "whitey". the "mayor" fits their image of a hero in this respect. he did his time in the pen and that gave him street cred up the wazoo. to those of the non-african american persuasion he is the caricatured epitome of the lazy, shiftless, lying, stealing, fornicating, drug and alcohol induced porch monkey. It's the clash of images between these diverse constituencies ( ward 8's image of barry vs. the rest of the world's image of him ) that spurs ward 8 on to the polls each time he's up for re-election. he'll die in office with his boots on, most likely mugged in an some darkened corner of an alley trying to score.i write this as a disinterested observer many miles removed from the problems that are DC'S.
6/16/2008 6:00:34 PM

City Paper: LL Campaign Finance Roundup: The Final Weekend!

Color me surprised! TBSH has been saying for weeks that those Barry "supporters" were little more than paid employees. Talk about selling out your integrity! I wonder how committed any of these faithful would be if their faith (i.e. check) bounced.

From Fridays, LL report. To view the original article click HERE.

WARD 8
Marion BarryIn: $20,695 ($217,090 total); Out: $14,950 ($209,142 total); Debts/Loans: $0; Cash on Hand: $7,948

The Skinny: LL spoke too soon when taking Alexander to task for her army of “consultants”; Barry’s spent more than $13,000 on 15 paid consultants this reporting period, making from $3,100 on down to a couple of hundred dollars. Financing all this walking-around money? Old-time Barry crony Dickie Carter, for one; businesses and individuals associated with the garbage hauler donated $2,500. Also: Did Barry receive Bud Doggett’s last political contribution? The parking mogul died Aug. 13 at age 87; his $500 check to Barry was deposited two days prior.

CHARLES WILSON ENDORSED BY WASHINGTON POST AND CITY PAPER!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Wednesday The Washington Post and the City Paper joined the ever growing ranks of those endorsing Charles Wilson for the Ward 8 Council seat. Let's not forget Anacostia, Now and Congress Heights On The Rise who endorsed Charles Wilson weeks ago!!!

FROM THE WASHINGTON POST (To view original article click HERE)

"Affection in Ward 8 for Marion Barry, plus the presence on the ballot of four challengers, is seen as ensuring the former mayor's victory. A better choice is Charles Wilson, a consultant and president of the Historic Anacostia Block Association who is waging a campaign keyed to getting the community involved in solving its problems. Mr. Wilson is eloquent in talking about his love for Ward 8, and he has the energy to take on its biggest challenges. "

FROM THE WASHINGTON CITY PAPER (To view original article click HERE)

"LL’s pick is Charles E. Wilson. The 32-year-old management consultant and Anacostia resident doesn’t have a whole lot of governing bona fides aside from helping his neighbors rake in D.C. government money to fix their homes, but he’s shown a decent grasp of the issues and a willingness to forgo the usual Ward 8 pandering game. "

DO YOUR PART TO PUT AN END TO THE BARRY MACHINE! DONATE OR VOLUNTEER FOR THE CHARLES WILSON CAMPAIGN!

WWW.WESETTHETONE.COM

Barry - we are coming for ya!

BLOG CALL: LET'S RAISE $1,000 FOR CHARLES WILSON!!!

This just came in over the wire from Congress Heights On The Rise. To read the original post click HERE.

Asking/Begging/Pleading for all of our The Barry Stops Here! readers to support this young man and donate and donate quickly.

In order to be rid of Marion Barry once and for all we are going to have to support this young man. He has been doing very well but he needs more support.

From the Congress Heights on the Rise post:

With the primary only 11 days away we are teetering on the cusp of a NEW day for Ward 8. In order to do that we need to rally as a community behind one candidate...our BEST candidate, CHARLES WILSON.CHARLES WILSON (http://www.wesetthetone.com/) needs YOU.

He needs your financial support and your time! Volunteers of all ages are needed at the voting polls on Tuesday, Sept 9th. I am reaching out to ALL my wonderful readers and I am imploring my brother and sister blogs to please get involved and encourage their readers to donate to the Charles Wilson campaign ASAP. Let's raise AT LEAST a $1,000 this week! A donation of even $25 will go a LONG way in driving the campaign! There is $500 donation max PER person. Please dig deep and give what you can spare. This is for the good of the ENTIRE ward. Please make your donation ASAP - time is running out! We can not afford another 4 years with Marion Barry!

The campaign could also use business support. If you work for or own a printing company, a catering company, a transportation company, etc you could provide a VALUABLE service. Please contact the Charles Wilson campaign at ward8forcharleswilson@gmail.com

WE CAN DO IT WARD 8!!! WE SET THE TONE!!!

The Barry Accomplices - For Shame!!!!

From Loose Lips of the Washington City Paper. Click HERE for the original article.

What exactly is Marion Barry doing for you?

WARD 8
Marion BarryIn: $87,850 ($196,395 total); Out: $119,269 ($194,192 total); Debts/Loans: $0; Cash on Hand: $2,203

The Skinny: A Marion Barry council campaign, if nothing else, is an opportunity to give back for all those opportunities given in the past. Consider the many thousands donated by concerns that got very rich during the Barry mayoralties: for example, the accounting firm Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, or Chartered Health Plan, both associated with Barry acolyte Jeffrey Thompson and both benefiting from millions in city contracts. Or take R. Donahue Peebles, who’s become a millionaire many times over as a hotel developer thanks to Barry. Now based in Florida, he donated $2,000 though various Florida-based business concerns. Some other fun names: Former Ward 1 Councilmember Frank Smith ($100), PR consultant and former Barry aide Raymone Bain ($500), schools construction czar Allen Y. Lew ($200), lobbyist and council candidate Michael A. Brown ($100), and megalawyer Donald Temple ($250).

Who’s benefitting from all this largesse? Paid consultants Hakim Sutton, Sandy Allen, Joe Ruffin, and Andre Johnson, as well as a favored cause of the Barry campaign: the Marion Barry Scholarship Fund, which won a contribution of $5,000. (Notably absent from the list: son Christopher Barry, who had been paid last reporting period and has been listed as treasurer on campaign materials.)

Washington City Paper - Loose Lips

Barry to LL: You’re Still Banned
Posted by Mike DeBonis on Aug. 26, 2008, at 11:44 am

DENVER—This morning, LL grabbed Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry outside the elevators here at the Crowne Plaza. He saw an opportunity for détente on his longstanding ban from the mayor-for-life.
Things started out auspiciously with Barry extending his hand to LL, but turns out Barry didn’t recognize him: “Who you with?” he asked. LL pressed Barry, arguing that perhaps outside of the District of Columbia, the ban might be relaxed.
“Nope,” he said. “Same rules.”

EIGHT FOR WARD 8 DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL CANDIDATES SELF PROMOTE AT ANC SPONSORED FORUM

Just spotted this in the August edition of the "East Of The River" magazine. Excellent article - so on point with the lack of follow up and follow through that is Marion Barry. This council forum was in July. One correction - my understanding is that Ahmad Braxton Jones is still in the race.

To link to the original article click HERE.

Eight for Ward 8Democratic Council Candidates Self-Promote at ANC-Sponsored Forum
by David Garber

It wasn’t long ago that Marion Barry was on top of his game. Always cracking a smile at eager constituents, always ready to kiss a cheek and tip a hat – to the right people, of course. But when he didn’t show up at the forum of candidates for the Ward 8 DC Council seat, not even the presence of his bright-green t-shirt fan club could do much to stir the crowd. This was a forum of candidates willing to take time out of their hectic schedules to verse the public on where they stand on important issues such as development in Ward 8, fixing the city’s school system, and the problem of unemployment. Although many were hoping that the aging incumbent would show up to express his views on these and other pressing matters that rarely see political action, five out of the eight vying for the seat did their best to impress on voters why they were the best fit for the job.
Impressive in his black business suit and with a fresh-out-of-political-science-class motivation to remake Ward 8 into an equal opportunity area, Darrell Gaston began the evening by admitting, “I have no experience.” Interestingly, Gaston has since dropped out of the race.
Charles Wilson, current president of the Historic Anacostia Block Association, whose dynamic red and black signs have blazed across the Ward 8 landscape in recent months, set the tone by suggesting that “the improvements and enhancements that we want for our ward start with us.”
Independent Democratic candidate Yavocka Young, current president of Main Street Anacostia, focused on job creation, citing recent statistics that show Ward 8 struggling with over 10 percent more unemployment than the rest of the city.
Also in attendance was Ahmad Braxton-Jones, who has since withdrawn from the race, and Sandra “S.S.” Seegars, the long-time “also ran” who showed up late for the forum and focused on bringing public restrooms to Ward 8’s main streets."

Chris Rock on Marion Barry

'Nuf Said!

Barry's still "mum" on debate challenge

VS.

Still no word from Barry or his camp to Charles Wilson's challenge to the councilman to debate him on the state of the ward.

Perhaps MB's new slogan should be "Always fighting (but not debating) for the people".

What do you have to hide Marion?

TWO WEEKS TO GO!

Just TWO MORE WEEKS until Ward 8 residents go out to the polls and either "warm up" another serving of this...

or elect some REAL change with REAL direction.

Color between the lines

Found this on the Washington City Paper website.

If only this could be 2008.

Today's Washington Post: Barry's Challenger's in Ward 8 Eager To Take The Community Into A New Era

To view the entire article click HERE.

Excerpt:

By Robert E. Pierre

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, August 25, 2008; Page B01

"People constantly stop Marion Barry to ask whether he remembers giving them a job, visiting their home, making a call on their behalf, helping them get food stamps or keep their child in school. Graying men, fresh-faced boys and young girls flock to shake his hand.
A caricature and embarrassment to some, Barry remains a living legend in Ward 8, where he is running for reelection to the D.C. Council. At 72, Barry's campaign slogan is "Always fighting for the people," a nod to his populist appeal and willingness to mix it up.
Love him or hate him, Barry is the District's most recognized leader, and as he seeks another four-year term on the D.C. Council, a small army of challengers is painting him as a relic of the past, a man whose time has come and gone. Three have been advisory neighborhood commissioners; some could be his grandchildren. Eager to enter a new era, each envisions a Ward 8 with less crime, better schools and a leader not named Barry. "

Good mention on Charles Wilson:

Another challenger, Charles Wilson, 32, moved to Ward 8 three years ago, settling in historic Anacostia. He is the co-founder of the Historic Anacostia Block Association, which draws new and old residents to monthly meetings to socialize, get updates on crime and hash out major issues. Wilson counts as his, and the organization's, biggest accomplishment bringing nearly $1 million in city grants to fix porches, repair roofs and spruce up 53 historic homes in his neighborhood. It was a little-used program that Wilson rallied neighbors to utilize.
In the midst of the election campaign, hammers are flying and concrete is being poured, spicing up homes that needed a touch-up. Not bad for candidate Wilson.
But incumbency has its privileges.
When a city agency tried to tax the grants of up to $35,000 to homeowners, Barry got a bill passed to stop it. And even without such help, Wilson said, residents remain emotionally attached to Barry. "People are afraid to let go," Wilson said. "But the ward is bigger than one person. Ward 8 needs youthful, bright and energetic young leadership to bring us together."

Because this NEVER gets old!

Well I guess not TOO old since as recently as 06 Marion tested positive for cocaine.

I guess Rick James was right, "Cocaine is a helluva drug"

In Living Color: Arsenio and Marion Barry

Just found this on youtube. Forgot how funny this was! LOL.

And the dirty tricks begin...

A little birdie has informed me that the Barry campaign has accused the Charles Wilson campaign of "tearing down Barry's posters and putting his [Charles] posters up".

This isn't the first time that Barry has tried to cloud the issues at hand and make false accusations about someone - in this case Charles Wilson tearing down his signs. He made the same false accusations on the WAMU candidates forum last week when he was being pressed about Ward issues.

It's only fitting that now that Charles has challenged Barry to a debate instead of just accepting the challenge he is going to attempt to conjure what he does best - "smoke and mirrors".

Even assuming that someone is tearing down his signs (and that is a very big "IF"), considering Barry's LOW approval ratings in the ward and his poorly constructed signs has it ever occurred to him that perhaps the citizens of ward 8 are trying to tell him something? That perhaps people are tired of his false promises that it is just time for him to retire?

I've seen Barry's signs on the ground in my community and they just fall off the trees/poles. Much like the candidate himself they are thin, flimsy and hanging on by a thread.

Marion Barry accusing someone of dirty political tricks is like the (crack) pot calling the kettle black.

NOW LET'S GET BACK TO THE REAL ISSUES AT HAND!

Sounds like this could be resolved with a debate!

IT'S ON!!! Charles Wilson has challenged Marion Barry to a DEBATE!!!!

This afternoon Charles Wilson called Marion Barry at his listed home phone number to challenge him to a debate however Barry's home phone (much like his leadership) was disconnected.

Charles Wilson then placed a call to Barry's campaign office and left word with Sandy Allen that Charles would like to challenge the councilman to a DEBATE!!

Will Barry reply? Will Barry show up?

STAY TUNED!! MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!!

MAN AGAINST THE (Barry) MACHINE

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...








A sharp eyed resident took this picture this morning at the Anacostia metro stop. Says the eagle eyed resident,

"Charles Wilson and his volunteers have been campaigning and waving signs at this [Anacostia] metro stop for at least two weeks every morning. Today Marion Barry supporters arrived (late and disorganized) and tried to drum up some support for the ailing councilman. They must be REALLY, REALLY desperate. Marion Barry showed up later and stuck it out for a little bit before throwing in the towel. Funny thing is that this only worked in Charles Wilson's favor. Motorists began honking their horns for Charles and waving signs for him. It also illustrated the difference in the two campaigns. The grey haired set that is the Barry supporters vs. the youth and vitality of the Wilson campaign. Wouldn't be surprised if this swung some votes to Charles - just from people who don't like Barry."

Par for the course when dealing with Marion Barry. It must be really tiring "fighting for the people" - that must be why he can't come up with his own campaign ideas!

UPDATE: Found out that one of Barry Supporters was none other than past Barry challenger and criticizer Sandy Allen! Very odd that they would be working together considering that at one time Sandy accused Barry of voter fraud. Et tu Sandy?

Now we take a trip back to March 17th 2007...

Just ran across an old article on the DCist blog. The only thing funnier than the article itself are the reader comments - PRICELESS.

To view the original article click HERE.

March 13, 2007
Marion Barry: No Jail Can Hold Him


Good news for fans of "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry this morning. A federal judge has refused to put the D.C. Council member in jail for violating his probation in a criminal tax case. As you'll recall, federal prosecutors recently sought jail time for Barry for failing to file his 2005 tax returns on time -- complying with all federal tax laws was a condition of his probation. From the WaPo:
Sidestepping the issue on a technical point, U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson rejected the prosecutors' request to revoke Barry's probation. She said it was up to the federal probation office -- not prosecutors -- to make the request.
Robinson said that she will not take further action or consider the probation violation "unless and until" the U.S. Probation Office brings it to her attention. Probation officials could not be reached for comment on the case.
Talk about phenomenal swag -- Barry is simply unstoppable. Even the ire of angry federal prosecutors can't hold the man the down. We hear they're now looking for an adequate supply of kryptonite. Of course, the U.S. Probation Office still could cause a ruckus by formally telling the judge about Barry's failure to meet his probation obligations -- which would bring up the possibility of a presumed 18-month jail sentence once more. But does anyone actually believe he'll ever be in real trouble in this town?

SOME OF THE MORE "COLORFUL" COMMENTS

no wonder we can't get a vote in congress. if dc keeps electing this guy to council and crowning him "king of dc," i think we should lose local voting rights too.

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By Cranky
[2] 03/13/07 07:50AM
So the judge just stuck her fingers in her ears and yelled "Lalalala, I can't hear you!" when the prosecutors told her about Barry's latest failures to live up to the probation bargain?
I say we send Barry to go search out Osama bin Laden. Clearly Barry is an untouchable superhero.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By Politburo
[3] 03/13/07 07:59AM
Joke or not, the idea that people forfeit fundamental democratic rights because of who they choose to elect is fucking ridiculous.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By K
[4] 03/13/07 08:01AM
so...how does new and improved, gentrified, homogenized, finally not murder one capital of the united states explain this one?
"even in our finest hour, we got a crackhead on stage"-Chris Rock

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By MS
[5] 03/13/07 08:02AM
At one time I hated Barry, but now I just sit in awe of this man. He is such a sleazy politician you can't help but admire the way he gets people to kiss his a--. I have lived in a lot of places and never have seen anything close to this type of situation.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By joe
[6] 03/13/07 08:07AM
Barry is a fine upstanding example for young African-American men trying to escape poverty. He's a great example of how you can get away with everything and land on your feet every time.
As I walk home from the Shaw metro station every night I see his young protogies dealing drugs in plane sight without any fear of retribution. I'm glad these young men have someone to give them inspiration. What a great city DC is, instilling hope on every street corner!

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By Jonny
[7] 03/13/07 08:20AM
The folks who keep voting him back in should be ashamed of themselves and the community which they recreate for themselves.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By DAJ
[8] 03/13/07 08:39AM
Jonny: Barry: Representing Ward 8 the only way they would want it!
Seriously, does anyone have any idea what it would take to get him kicked off the City Council? There has to be some kind of standard.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By Emerald G. Waylon
[9] 03/13/07 09:20AM
While the message sent is appalling - no need to pay those taxes! - I prefer this outcome to having Berry reach martyrdom status. Just picture the 'Free Marion Barry' that would pop up if he did land back in jail...

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By KC
[10] 03/13/07 09:28AM
"dealing drugs in plane sight"
You mean the planes can see them dealing and do nothing? For shame American Airlines, for shame.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
By BSMU
[11] 03/13/07 09:37AM
Senator Barry!Next time you people get on your DC voting rights soap box just think, this is what you are working for!

From Wikipedia

Legal problems

[edit] 1990 trial

Barry captured on a surveillance camera smoking crack cocaine during a sting operation by the FBI and D.C. Police.
On January 18, 1990, Barry was arrested with a former girlfriend, Hazel "Rasheeda" Moore, in a sting operation at the Vista Hotel by the FBI and D.C. Police for crack cocaine use and possession. The incident – played over and over on television – showing an enraged Barry excoriating FBI informant Rasheeda Moore:
Goddamn setup . . . I'll be goddamn. Bitch set me up.[18]
Barry was charged with three felony counts of perjury, 10 counts of misdemeanor drug possession, and one misdemeanor count of conspiracy to possess cocaine; however, in October 1990, he was convicted on only one charge: a single previous misdemeanor count of possessing cocaine which occurred during November of 1989. He was acquitted on one possession charge and a mistrial was declared on the 12 remaining charges.[citation needed]
As a result of his arrest and the ensuing trial, Barry decided not to seek reelection as mayor.[19] In the midst of his campaign for a city council seat, Barry was sentenced to a six-month federal prison term in October 1990.[20]

[edit] 2005 guilty plea
On October 28, 2005, Barry pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges stemming from an IRS investigation. At the mandatory drug testing at that hearing, he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. On March 9, 2006, he was sentenced to three years probation for misdemeanor charges of failing to pay federal and local taxes, and continues to receive drug counseling.[21][22]

[edit] 2006 traffic mishap
On September 10, 2006, Barry was stopped by Secret Service Uniformed Division police officers and was charged with driving under the influence, operating a vehicle while impaired, driving an unregistered vehicle, and misuse of temporary tags. He was acquitted of the drunk driving charges on June 13, 2007.[23]

[edit] Election history

This article or section is incomplete and may require expansion and/or cleanup.Please improve the article, or discuss the issue on the talk page.
November 5, 1974 — elected at-large council member[24] (creation of council, short term[25])
November 2, 1976 — reelected at-large council member[24]
November 7, 1978 — elected mayor[26]
November 2, 1982 — reelected mayor[26]
November 4, 1986 — reelected mayor[26] (did not run for reelection)
November 3, 1992 — elected Ward 8 council member[27]
1994 Mayor of the District of Columbia, Democratic Primary Election[28]
Marion Barry Jr. (D) 47%
John Ray (D) 37%
Sharon Pratt Kelly (D) 13%
Otis Holloman Troupe (D) 1%
Don Reeves (D) 0%
Osie Thorpe (D) 0%
Don Folden Sr. (D) 0%
Write-in 1%
1994 Mayor of the District of Columbia, General Election[29]
Marion Barry Jr. (D) 56%
Carol Schwartz (R) 42%
Curtis Pree (I) 0%
Jodean M. Marks (ST) 0%
Jesse Battle, Jr. (I) 0%
Faith (I) 0%
Aaron Ruby (I) 0%
Write-in 1%
2004 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 8, Democratic Primary Election[13]
Marion Barry (D) 58%
Sandy (Sandra) Allen (D) 25%
William O. Lockridge (D) 7%
"S.S." (Sandra Seegars) (D) 5%
Jacque D. Patterson (D) 4%
Joyce Scott (D) 1%
Frank Sewell (D) 0%
Write-in 0%
2004 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 8, General Election[14]
Marion Barry (D) 95%
Cardell Shelton (R) 4%
Write-in 1%

Marion Barry 1 on 1 with WTOP

Same old false promises

FYI - The Historic Anacostia Block Association that he tries and takes credit for in this interview was actually co-founded by Charles Wilson. That's Barry for you!

THE BARRY STOPS HERE FUND FOR CHANGE

In the top right hand portion of the screen you will notice a new edition to The Barry Stops Here! blog.

THE BARRY STOPS HERE! FUND FOR CHANGE!

To overturn the Barry machine we need monetary support. We need to "fight fire with fire" and let our voice be heard! For now donations made to TBSH will be split 50/50 between the Charles Wilson (http://www.wesetthetone.com/) campaign and for the design and manufacture of The Barry Stops Here! marketing items such as t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. Donations and donation amounts are purely voluntary. If you would like your donation to be split differently than the standard 50/50 split (ex. 100% for Charles Wilson or 100% for marketing items) please include a note with your donation.

Once Barry is removed form office the donations will contributed to a Ward 8 non profit chosen by the readers of The Barry Stops Here! blog.

An update will be sent regularly regarding donations collected. Donor information will be kept completely confidential (unless the donor requests otherwise).

If even each person who visited our site could donate $1 it would go a LONG way!

Thank you!

-A Time For Change

TODAY!!! Aug 19th 6:30pm, Ward 8 Candidate Town Hall Mtng!!!!!!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19TH 6:30PM

Violence Against Women Ward 8 City Council Candidate Town Hall

Matthews Memorial Church, 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE

Well they do say, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery".

For weeks Ward 8 residents and commuters have seen CHARLES WILSON and the Charles Wilson (definitely unpaid) supporters waving "Charles" signs and campaigning on the corner of Martin Luther King Ave. directly across from the Anacostia metro. Charles and his volunteers have been on the street faithfully Monday thru Friday from 7am - 8:30am, reaching out to the community and spreading the word one person at a time - "We set the tone!"

Well Barry MUST be feeling the heat and realizing that his usual "fighter for the people" propaganda is falling on deaf ears. He has now resorted in a DESPERATE attempt to appear "vital and active" by COPYING the actions of our NEXT Council member of Ward 8 - Charles Wilson.

Today a vigilant Charles Wilson supporter alerted TBSH that the self-professed "Mayor for Life" and his (allegedly uncompensated) supporters waiving signs and campaigning on a corner in Congress Heights.

Another example of Barry's "too little and too late" philosophy!

Tuesday, Aug 19th 6:30pm, Ward 8 Candidate Town Hall Mtng!!!!!!

Come out and see the next generation take the reigns.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 6:30pm

Violence Against Women D.C. Council Candidate Town Hall

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave

Time Is Ticking! Only 3 Weeks Until Primary!

With only 3 weeks to go we need everyone both in Ward 8 and in DC to get active and involved in order to topple the Barry machine.

If you heard the WAMU candidate debate this morning then you heard the self professed "Mayor for Life" touting his "track record" as a main reason Ward 8 should keep him in office. Essentially he promised "more of the same". While he kept talking out over candidates and making false accusations (incredulously enough about someone else's campaign supporters) he said a whole lot of nothing.

Obviously Marion either needs a clue or he is blatantly lying to the people about what is going on. Anyone who walks the streets of ward 8 can see how Marion Barry has failed the people he was sworn to support and serve. Marion has consistently and repeatedly put his own needs second to those of the people. MB has not only failed the people of Ward 8 but the people of the District. His antics only add to the confusion, corruption and division within what could be a wonderful city.

It is time to remove Marion Barry...it is time to elect change.

Let's elect Charles Wilson for Ward 8 council so that Charles can unite the people of Ward 8 and unite the other Ward 8 candidates of Ward 8 so that we can heal ourselves from within.

As always please submit your thoughts and articles to thebarrystopshere@gmail.com for posting. Anonymous postings are accepted.

Marion Barry isn't to blame for all of our problems but he has long sense stopped being a solution, despite his thoughts to the contrary.

RECORDING OF WAMU WARD 8 CANDIDATE DEBATE

To listen to today's WAMU Candidate Debate click HERE.





More Barry rhetoric and pandering plus another edition of the "Barry and Sandra" show (although she did call him on his BS).

When will be able to get down to business?

BARRY AND BRAXTON-JONES JUST ARRIVED AT THE WAMU 88.5 CANDIDATE DEBATE

Surprised he even showed up. Late - not a suprise at all.

TODAY: WARD 8 CANDIDATE DEBATE AT 12PM ON WAMU, 88.5 FM

Please set a reminder for today and listen to this on the radio! We all need to get involved to see what his going on.

Not sure if Barry will show up for this or not. This is a community meeting and a debate so part of me says he will be a no show but then again the "mayor for life" will never turn down the opportunity for publicity so I think he will be there - smirk and all.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18th 12 noon

Ward 8 Candidate Debate on WAMU

Debate will be hosted by Kojo Nnamdi and will air live at noon.