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."