THE BARRY STOPS HERE!

BARRY AGAIN FAILS TO FILE TAX FORMS

2009-01-29T11:16:00.002-05:00

Sidebar: Why is MB above the law? He has made it clear by his actions (or lack thereof in filing his taxes) that he does not care and he is confident he will never be held responsible for his actions.

How many run of the mill citizens are given a pass like this everytime? It is time for some felony changes and revocation of his probation. People are really losing faith in the system as being equal for everyone.

Would love to see a follow up article by the Washington Post where they compare what happens to ordinary not quite so famous citizens who repeatedly violate the terms of their probation in such a way.

FROM TODAY'S WASHINGTON POST:

Barry Again Fails to File Tax Forms
By Del Quentin Wilber and Nikita Stewart

Washington Post Staff Writers

Thursday, January 29, 2009; B04

D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has again failed to file his tax returns.
The former District mayor has not submitted federal or city tax forms for 2007 -- the second instance in which he has not filed required returns while on probation for tax offenses, said two sources familiar with the situation.
Two years ago, federal prosecutors failed to convince a federal judge that Barry should be jailed for violating the terms of his probation, which was ordered in 2006, because he did not file 2005 tax returns. The probation expires in March.
Barry declined last night to discuss the matter or say when he might file his taxes.
"As with any American citizen, my tax status is a matter between the IRS and the taxpayer and not The Washington Post," he said. His attorney, Frederick D. Cooke Jr., and Channing Phillips, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, also declined to comment.
The sources said they did not know whether Barry owed taxes in 2007. The D.C. government withholds a portion of his $92,530 salary, and Barry might be owed a refund, the sources said. He filed his 2006 returns, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss tax matters.
Barry's current trouble stems from a guilty plea in 2005 to two misdemeanor tax charges. He admitted not filing federal or D.C. tax returns from 1999 through 2004 and said that he did not pay most of the taxes he owed on more than $500,000 in income. U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson sentenced him to three years of probation in March 2006.
In less than a year, federal prosecutors returned to court and asked Robinson to revoke Barry's probation and send him to jail because he had failed to file 2005 returns. Prosecutors said at the time that the judge should send Barry to jail to make "clear to this defendant that he is not above the law."
Barry eventually filed the required forms, and Robinson allowed him to remain on probation because, she said, she did not think the prosecutor proved that Barry had "intentionally" and "willfully" failed to file the returns.
In light of Robinson's previous ruling and the fact that Barry filed his 2006 returns, prosecutors might be reluctant to seek sanctions again, legal experts said.
"I don't think they will have any more luck proving their case this time around," said Steven Levin, a criminal defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor in Baltimore who focused on white-collar offenses.
Barry, who has served as a D.C. Council member since 2005, did not list any additional income on his most recent financial disclosure form.
According to campaign finance records, he has not listed extra income on such forms since 2005, when he acknowledged earning in excess of $1,000 from M.R. Beal & Co., a minority-owned investment firm that specializes in corporate and municipal finance.

The article reader comments reflect just how fedup and upset people are by this. This goes across racial and socioeconomic lines . Overwelmingly people are sick and tired of this foolishness - its time for people to be held accountable for breaking the law.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2009-01-05T14:58:00.001-05:00

"I promise you a police car on every sidewalk."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

LOOSE LIPS Article: The Old Gray Mayor

2008-12-03T09:06:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-18T00:43:00.001-05:00

"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...

2008-11-18T00:42:00.002-05:00

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

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-10-31T00:16:00.001-04:00

"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

2008-10-28T23:42:00.003-04:00

"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...

2008-10-19T17:55:00.005-04:00

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

2008-10-19T17:41:00.006-04:00

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

2008-10-19T17:30:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-12T17:40:00.001-04:00

"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

2008-10-06T22:36:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-06T12:38:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-10-05T15:15:00.002-04:00

Funny post. To check it out click HERE.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-09-30T15:34:00.001-04:00

"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

2008-09-24T12:58:00.002-04:00

"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...

2008-09-17T05:32:00.004-04:00

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"

2008-09-12T10:51:00.001-04:00

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...

2008-09-12T10:32:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-09-08T16:20:00.004-04:00

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?

2008-09-07T15:05:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-09-06T10:52:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2008-09-05T16:40:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2008-08-28T12:06:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2008-08-27T21:20:00.006-04:00

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

2008-08-26T14:07:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-25T21:01:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-25T17:07:00.000-04:00

'Nuf Said!

Barry's still "mum" on debate challenge

2008-08-25T16:36:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-08-25T15:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-25T00:39:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-24T23:21:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-08-23T08:21:00.001-04:00

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

2008-08-22T13:33:00.001-04:00

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

And the dirty tricks begin...

2008-08-22T12:44:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2008-08-21T14:25:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-21T12:12:00.007-04:00

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...

2008-08-20T16:40:00.003-04:00

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.

if ("".length>0) {document.write('');} else {document.write(''); }
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

2008-08-20T14:06:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-19T15:17:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-19T14:47:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!!

2008-08-19T12:55:00.004-04:00

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".

2008-08-19T10:14:00.006-04:00

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!!!!!!

2008-08-18T22:43:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-08-18T18:03:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-18T14:12:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-18T12:16:00.002-04:00

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

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

2008-08-18T08:39:00.010-04:00

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.

GOOD TIMES: The Politicians Part 1 & 2 : Marion Barry has a guest staring role as "Alderman Fred Davis"

2008-08-17T10:30:00.002-04:00

Just because I never get enough of these! LOL.

The role of "Jimmy Pearson" will be played by Charles Wilson.

PART 1

PART 2

FOR THOSE OF YOU WONDERING...

2008-08-17T08:55:00.006-04:00

Marion Barry was a no- show at the Ward 8 Democrats candidate forum yesterday (color me surprised - NOT). The Ward 8 Democrats were taking votes from the community (in this case mostly allegdly uncompensated Marion Barry supporters) to determine who would get their endorsement.

While Marion Barry was a no show his supporter were out in full force and in their green and white "Marion Barry" t-shirts.

At least one Marion Barry supporter took the MB slogan "fight for the people" literally. Peeling of her green and white t-shirt she tried to physically fight an 80+ year old man unable to stand with a baby strapped to his chest who was campaigning for Sandra Seegars. Not sure what the gentleman did to justify her anger but quoting the Barry supporter "I don't give a fuck that he is old I will knock that old mutherfucker right out! I don't give a fuck I will fuck him up!!!" Fighting Franny had to be restrained and led off down the block by other Marion Barry supporters.

Marion Barry supporters keeping it "real" for the people... real ghetto that is.

CHARLES WILSON CONTACT INFORMATION

2008-08-16T00:20:00.007-04:00

Since endorsing CHARLES WILSON for the Ward 8 Council seat TBSH has received several requests on how to reach Charles to either have him come out and speak to their community group or to offer assistance with the Charles Wilson 2008 campaign.

Below please find a repost of Charles's contact information. Unlike Barry, Charles is totally accessible and actually wants to improve Ward 8.

EMAIL: CharlesWilsonhu@gmail.com
PHONE: Phone: 202.889.2008
WEBSITE: http://www.wesetthetone.com/
MYSPACE: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=365128894

In order to successfully defeat the "Barry Machine" Charles needs volunteers (both from within and outside Ward 8) to assist with campaigning, wave "Charles" signs at metro stops, assist with voter registration, host fundraiser events, make phone calls and generally being an advocate for the Ward 8 community.

There is definitely a need - young people are STRONGLY encouraged to come out and volunteer with the Charles Wilson campaign as "Jr. Advocates". We invite those interested in the political process or Ward 8to please contact Charles or send an email to Ward8forcharleswilson@gmail.com for details.

Campaign donations are STILL needed! Barry has done nothing to improve his ward yet he is raking in donations hand over fist for special interest groups. You can make an online donation to www.WeSetTheTone.com/donations or send a check to: Charles Wilson 2008 P.O. Box 54456Washington, DC 20032

-THE BARRY STOPS HERE!

UPCOMING WARD 8 POLITICAL MEETINGS

2008-08-15T11:06:00.004-04:00

We should start a pool now on whether or not Barry will be another "no show" or how late he will be.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th 12 - 2pm
Ward 8 Democrats
Washington Highlands Library
115 Atlantic Avenue, SE
Ward 8 Democrats will be taking public votes to establish their official nomination for Ward 8.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18th 12 noon
Ward 8 Candidate Debate on WAMU
Debate will be hosted by Kojo Nnamdi and will air live at noon.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 6:30pm
Violence Against Women D.C. Council Candidate Town Hall
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
2616 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave

From the Washington Post: DC Party is Resistant To Audacity of Change

2008-08-15T10:49:00.003-04:00

So this article doesn't name Barry directly but it does touch on an interesting dilemma in today's politics. The old (and sometimes corrupt) OLD guard and the new and enthusiastic NEW guard.

To read the full article click HERE.

Here is an excerpt:

D.C. Party Is Resistant To Audacity Of Change
By David Nakamura
Washington Post Staff WriterFriday, August 15, 2008; B01

Like thousands of young Barack Obama supporters, Kahlil Palmer has poured his soul into the politics of change.

He's volunteered at the polls, taken road trips to knock on doors, and done his part to help build those big rallies.

Now Palmer, a 30-year-old lawyer from Northwest Washington, is ready for the next step: his own run for elected office. Palmer and a dozen friends from the volunteer group D.C. For Obama are part of a slate bidding for seats on the D.C. Democratic State Committee. They are touting ideas and experience from the national campaign that they say can energize and grow the local party apparatus, whether it's using the Internet to organize or broadcasting meetings to boost visibility.

And they're getting their heads knocked hard against the wall of political reality.

Their idealism and enthusiasm have crashed into a formidable opposing force: the local Democratic Party, with its internecine rivalries and territorial squabbles. The District, after all, is that proverbial "small-town big city," where everyone knows everyone and insiders aggressively control tiny fiefdoms.

These insiders have called the newcomers Johnny-come-latelies who don't know the city and haven't paid their dues. The old guard is intent on keeping them at bay.

We Need You!!! Please submit your stories and opinions!

2008-08-14T23:27:00.004-04:00

It's going to take ALL of us to put an end to this once and for all.

THE BARRY STOPS HERE!

FOX NEWS IS OFFICIALLY THE STUPIDEST NEWS STATION IN THE AREA

2008-08-14T18:09:00.004-04:00

A lot has been made of "Loser for Life" Marion Barry spending the night at a homeless shelter (to view the Fox report go HERE).

Who do Fox News and Marion Barry think they are fooling? Marion Barry just coincidentally wanted to go out to a homeless shelter and spend the night out of the kindness of his heart? PUULEASE.

Anyone with 1/4 of a brain and a smidgen of a soul can see that that little stunt was nothing more than a choreographed photo-op perpetrated by the Marion Barry machine in time for the Ward 8 election.

If Marion Barry wanted to honestly and truly do something he would have done something BEFORE now, he would have at LEAST answered some of the MANY emails and calls made to his office for assistance...he would went out on the streets WITHOUT a camera and reached out to "his" people instead of sitting on his rump and collecting his $92,000 a year paycheck.

It's only fitting that Marion Barry would expect some special credit for spending the night at a homeless shelter - he has only spent the past 4 years ASLEEP on the job

Just another example of how others are forced to suffer for Marion Barry's self serving interests.

FOX NEWS - Where is your integrity?

THE ROLE OF ALDERMAN FRED DAVIS WILL BE PLAYED BY MARION BARRY

2008-08-14T11:26:00.001-04:00

CHARLES WILSON: WARD 8 READ-A-THON PRESS RELEASE

2008-08-14T11:11:00.004-04:00

Charles Wilson: Ward 8 Read-A-ThonPress Release

My Ward 8 Friends,

In the spirit of my Ward 8 council campaign "We Set the Tone," below are some Ward 8 illiteracy facts according to The State of Adult Literacy Report issued in 2007.

· Ward 8 ranks 2ND in residents over the age of 16 who are functionally illiterate (48.9%)

· Ward 8 only has TWO libraries (Washington Highlands and Parklands-Turner), but we have 25,264 children the most in the District. That is 25,264 growing minds without the full benefit of the library system.

· 47% of jobs the District require a college or advance degree

As your next Ward 8 City Council member and advocate I am VERY concerned about these staggering statistics. I want us to "Set The Tone," and invite you to my Community Read-A-Thon this Thursday, August 14th at 1pm to discuss SOLUTIONS to take aggressive action to curb this serious epidemic and save OUR children from being condemned to a lifetime of illiteracy.

Please join me on Thursday August 14, 2008 beginning at 1pm at Washington Highlands Library - 115 Atlantic Street, SW

We Set The Tone,

Charles Wilson

http://www.wesetthetone.com/

Phone: 202.889.2008

VIOLENCE DRAWS IRE FOR MARION BARRY

2008-08-14T01:33:00.003-04:00

From today's Washington Times. To read the original article click HERE. This man is literally costing lives with his incompetence. When will we finally have enough? Please donate/volunteer for the Charles Wilson campaign.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
Violence draws ire for Marion Barry
David C. Lipscomb (Contact)

A recent surge in homicides in Southeast has embattled residents pointing the finger at D.C. Council member Marion Barry, who is seeking re-election in November.
There have been 18 homicides east of the Anacostia River in the past 60 days, including 14 in Mr. Barry's Ward 8.
The most recent killing in the ward - that of Omar Finney, 22, of Southeast on Monday - prompted resident Joyce Scott to say Mr. Barry has squandered his influence with young people.
"They love Marion Barry," said Mrs. Scott, founder and president of the community group People United. "They would do anything for him. They would put their guns down for him."
Mr. Barry brushed off the criticism but said he remains firm in his approach to violent crime. He even said that he supports his critics' goals - except as they might relate to his own political future.
"It's political. They're opposed to my re-election," Mr. Barry said. "But I support them because it's the right cause."
Mr. Barry joined Mrs. Scott at a press conference that she convened Monday at the Robert L. Yeldell Towers on Southern Avenue to urge community leaders and ordinary citizens to confront young people who are living destructive lifes.
Tamalea Perry, 45, who lives in the towers, shares Mrs. Scott's spirit and also her criticism of Mr. Barry as the mother of two children that have been victims of gun violence.
Miss Perry's son, Reginald Lockard, 26, was fatally shot July 29, and her daughter, Kourtiney Lockard, 19, was paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in May 2006.
"He could show his face more - be more hands on," Miss Perry said. "Just show you care."
Mr. Barry has supported community policing and efforts to funnel social services to the most impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhoods. But he said that those ideas are Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's and that he has his own plans for reducing the violence - proposals that parallel Mrs. Scott's.
Mr. Barry said he expects residents to take responsibility for their communities, but he also supports more job training for youths as well as re-entry programs for returning offenders.
"Thousands of ex-offenders come back into the neighborhoods with nothing to do except rob people out on the street," Mr. Barry said.
Metropolitan Police say they are continuing community policing and intervention programs but acknowledge that poverty and lack of education have made policing a challenge.
"We're using a number of community policing strategies," said Metropolitan Police Cmdr. Melvin Scott. "We encourage our officers to engage with residents. We all are responsible for engaging residents."
Cmdr. Scott said the department has also received consistent support from Mr. Barry.
Mrs. Scott said she is satisfied with the police and wants to see residents get involved with the lives of their children and those of their neighbors instead of being afraid that they might become targets.
"It doesn't make sense when we live in a time when we're afraid of our own children," Mrs. Scott said. "We need to figure out how to get past their guns."

From CHOTR: CHARLES WILSON ROCK THE VOTE VOTER REGISTRATION AND FUND RAISER. SAT, AUG 16TH 3 -5PM

2008-08-13T21:35:00.003-04:00

From Congress Heights On The Rise:

CHARLES WILSON

http://www.wesetthetone.com/

THEN AFTER COME OUT AND CELEBRATE AT
The Savoy Court "Rock The Vote" Voter Registration Drive
&
Charles Wilson for Ward 8 Council Fundraiser

Come enjoy the city's breathtaking views from the Savoy Court roof deck Saturday, Aug 16th 3 - 5pm . Come out and mix and mingle with your Ward 8 neighbors while getting registered to vote!!! Refreshments will be served. There will be a special guest in attendance, CHARLES WILSON (http://www.wesetthetone.com/) who is running for the Ward 8 council seat.Come out and meet Charles and support his campaign. If not we are doomed to another term with "you-know-who".

Even if you can't register to vote come out and contribute to the Charles Wilson fundraiser. The goal is to get at LEAST 50 people registered to vote - especially Ward 8 residents so please invite your friends and neighbors. Voter registration forms will be provided. Those registering for DC for the first time need to include supporting residency documentation such as utility bill, tax bill, etc. with their application. For those who want to "put their money where their mouth is" we will be accepting campaign donations at this event so please bring your checkbook /wallet in case the spirit moves you. You can also donate online to the Charles Wilson campaign.

To donate online go to http://wesetthetone.com/donations.htm

To sign up for this event please send an email to ward8forcharleswilson@gmail.com to receive an invitation. You MUST RSVP to attend. The guest list will be checked at the gate.

ABOUT CHARLES

Charles is a proud Ward 8 resident residing in the Historic Anacostia Neighborhood. He graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Maryland and completed his undergraduate degree in Accounting at Hampton University.While enjoying the college experience, Charles discovered his passion for civic service. He was able to develop his leadership skills while serving as his class president for four consecutive years. After leaving Hampton, Charles continued his studies at the University of Baltimore School of Law. While a student at Baltimore, Charles continued to hone these skills while serving as the Student Bar Association President for two years.
In 2006, he co-founded the Historic Anacostia Block Association (HABA), a civic organization where both new and established residents work together to promote the welfare of the community. Since its establishment, HABA, under Charles' leadership, spearheaded the effort that brought nearly $1,000,000 in grant money from the District of Columbia's Historic Preservation Office for residents to improve, upgrade, and beautify the facade of their homes.

ABOUT SAVOY COURT CONDOMINIUMS

Savoy Court is well located East of the River in a

quiet, wooded neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown and across from the new Southeast Federal Center and the new home of the Washington Nationals. Savoy Court offers direct access to I-295/Anacostia Freeway and SW/SE Freeway, and is just minutes from Bolling Air Force Base and the Capital Beltway. A Metro Bus Stop with a frequent rush hour schedule is right in front of the building, and the Congress Heights and Anacostia Metro Rail Stations are nearby.
Unique, contemporary floor plansNew wood floorsCarpeting in bedroomsStainless steel kitchen appliancesNatural maple kitchen cabinets with sliding shelvesOverhead track lighting and under-cabinet task lightingCeramic tile floors and walls in bathrooms27" stacked washer and dryerNew central air conditioning and heatingQuartz countertops

ANNOUNCING THE SAVOY COURT REFERRAL PROGRAM

Refer a friend to Savoy Court and receive up to $2000!!*Your friend will receive $5000 in Closing Cost Assistance a 1 Year of Condo Fees!!

THE BARRY STOPS HERE SUPPORTS CHARLES WILSON FOR WARD 8 COUNCIL

2008-08-13T10:27:00.011-04:00

Time is of the essence, each day with Marion Barry at the helm is one day too long. We need change for and within ward 8. We need to hold Marion Barry accountable and stand up and declare loudly, "We will NOT tolerate this behavior!"

So with that in mind and to unite behind the BEST OVERALL CANDIDATE as soon as possible we will be joining other blogs such as And Now, Anacostia and Congress Heights On The Rise, DC residents (within and outside of ward 8) as well as readers and voters of this very blog to stop the Barry machine of fear and manipulation.

The Barry Stops Here blog will be officially endorsing

CHARLES WILSON for Ward 8 Council.

CHARLES WILSON (http://www.wesetthetone.com/) is not only the BEST qualified challenger for the ward 8 seat but he is the BEST candidate -period. The Ward 8 candidate forum held last night (click HERE to read in full) was just the latest in a string of positive works of a man dedicated to ushering in change for a NEW Ward 8 - to replace the Barry fear mongering with pride and to shed light on the back office and sweet heart deals that have become standard operating procedure under Barry and his self serving cronies. It is time to restore FAITH AND CONFIDENCE in Ward 8. Help Charles (and all of us) do that.

In order to make way for the new the old needs to be cleared out. You can't have progress in Ward 8 with Marion Barry in office. It's not feasible - Marion will not allow it. Progress in Ward 8 means that Marion Barry will lose his foothold and he likes to keep his hands tightly around the hearts and minds of Ward 8 residents. His current term is a testament to that. Marion Barry is nothing but a black eye on the entire district, a testament to graft and corruption being allowed to continue unchecked.

Despite the good intentions and commitment of the other candidates (Braxton-Jones, Young, Seegars, Gaston and Brown) we hope that they can find it within their hearts to do what is best for the ward...for the city and resign from the race and publicly support Charles. There is no doubt that when Charles is elected the entire ward...the entire city will applaud those candidates for their selfless sacrifice for the benefit of the ward. There is no doubt that Charles and the entire city would make room for them in the NEW Ward 8 and would support their positive initiatives and utilize their vast talents - we have the talent WITHIN ward 8 to CHANGE ward 8!!!

None of us, not even the misguided Barry supporters deserve another 4 years under Marion Barry. We ALL need a fresh start - we deserve nothing less than the best person for Ward 8 council. We need someone unaffiliated with the Marion Barry machine to lead and to eliminate the corruption.

WE ARE PLEADING FOR YOUR HELP!!! WE NEED YOUR TIME, YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR DONATIONS! WE NEED "WILSON WARRIORS" NOT ONLY IN WARD 8 BUT IN ALL OF DC (IN FACT THE COUNTRY). PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHARLES WILSON CAMPAIGN!!!! IT IS TIME TO SHOW MARION BARRY THE DOOR!!!!

We have one honest and vital young man against the vast Barry machine - we all need to stand behind him to support and protect him. Let's support David against Goliath. Let's not lose this battle. The time for action is NOW!!!

Come out and endorse CHARLES WILSON, candidate for Ward 8 Council Sat, Aug 16th 12-2pm at the Washington Highlands Library (115 Atlantic St SW, 645-5880). Show your support for CHARLES and real change in Ward 8 by voting for Charles to receive the Ward 8 Democrats endorsement. We need EVERYONE (both in and out of the ward) to come out. The Barry machine is working overtime to keep him in office. We need support.

TO MAKE A DONATION ONLINE VISIT:

http://wesetthetone.com/donations.htm

OR MAIL TO:

CHARLES WILSON 2008

PO BOX 54456

WASHINGTON, DC 20032

AS YOU MAKE A DONATION PLEASE POST A COMMENT! LET'S GET THE MOMENTUM GOING!
SPREAD THE WORD! IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!

WHAT HAPPENED AT TONIGHTS WARD 8 CANDIDATE FORUM

2008-08-12T22:57:00.020-04:00

PART 1: THE OPENING CREDITS

This evening I attended the Ward 8 candidate review hosted by the Fair Budget Coalition held at the Thurgood Marshall Academy in Anacostia.

I would like to say that the entire meeting was an example of public service at it's best. Instead it was yet another example of why Marion Barry and all his misguided cronies need to be banished to a deserted island with no food (perhaps then they would be forced to eat him).

In typical community meeting fashion the meeting got off to a late start but by 6:45 most of the candidates that were expected to attend had arrived.

Those candidates for the Ward 8 council seat that were in attendance:

Ahmad Braxton-Jones

Yavocka Young (running as an independent Democrat)

Charles Wilson

Darell Gaston (running as an independent)

Howard Brown (thought he had dropped out)

Marion Barry (showed up over an hour and 15 minutes late -wish he would drop out)

Sandra Seegars (showed up over two hours late -should drop out and support another candidate)

Without going over all the details of who said what I am going to give you my take on everyone and who was the best candidate based on this event and why.

If this was a movie (jury is still out on whether this would be a comedy or a drama) your major roles would be played by:

Ahmad Braxton Jones as "The Preacher"

Yavocka Young as "The First Lady"

Charles Wilson as "The Hero"

Darrell Gaston as "The Optimist"

Howard Brown as "The Funny Sidekick"

Marion Barry as "The Evil Wizard"

(supporting roles played by Barry Supporters as "The Moonies")

Sandra Seegar as "The Enforcer"

The event started on a positive and professional note. The moderator, Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer was professional, inviting and informative. Another example of what community meetings in Ward 8 COULD BE without Barry. In keeping with the seriousness of the event and showing their respect for their host and the audience the on time candidates (Braxton-Jones, Young, Wilson, Gaston, Brown) were all dressed professionaly and behaved accordingly.

About 15 minutes into the event during opening comments the first of many Barry (allegedly unpaid) supporters (aka "The BS Crew")trickled in decked out in their typical "Barry For Ward 8" green and white t-shirts. Despite their leader still being a big no-show you could just feel their animosity - it was palpable. Much like their self professed "savior" they were old and out of touch - in sharp contrast to the youth and vitality to the Ward 8 candidates and the vast majority of the audience. Despite all their animosity and aggression one couldn't escape the fact they were looking at the last of the dying breed of Barry supporters - unable to even entertain the possibilities of a better tomorrow. When they say "misery loves company" they were talking about your Barry supporter. They need him just as much as he needs them to continue the cycle of disfunction. Heaven forbid if positive change were to come via a NEW leader - they would probably explode from the realization they have been hoodwinked (or underpaid) for years.

During his opening statement, Ahmad Braxton Jones described his many years of service working with "hard to reach" youth. Howard Brown used his enthusiasm to discuss his goal of reaching a 100% graduation rate (in truth this would be his go to catch phrase for the evening). Darrell Gatson touted his need for more than just change and wrapped up his speech by reminding everyone "I am Ward 8". Charles Wilson was able to introduce himself as a relatively new resident but an active resident with a proven track record of success wrapping up with a tie in to his "We Set The Tone" campaign platform. Yavocka Young described her 15 years of service in Ward 8 including two terms as ANC Commissioner and on the DC preservation team.

With all this talent, youth and vitality campaigning for his seat it was glaringly obvious the contempt, disregard and cockiness that IS Marion Barry. He doesn't show up (in this case on time) because he doesn't have to (in his mind anyway).

Enter more loud and disruptive Barry (allegedly unpaid ) supporters. Noisy and disrespectful. They made no pains to even respect those in attendance even candidates answering questions. Traipsing in and out of the room, talking and campaigning ever so blindly for their savior. At one point (and their would be several) the moderator had to stop the event to address disruptive Barry supporters and as would be a theme throughout the night advise them of the proper way to behave. You could see his campaign manager constantly fussing about, coming in and out of the auditorium chattering away nervously on the phone. Pleading perhaps for the great man himself to make an appearance.

By far the most qualified and best overall candidates were Yavocka Young (http://www.ward8works.com/) and Charles Wilson (http://www.wesetthetone.com/). Not only did both of them have the "look" of success but had the credentials and good intentions to back it up. For all intensive purposes the forum illustrated how far beyond the other candidates (most of all Barry) were in comparison to Young and Wilson. Braxton-Jones, Gatson and Brown all had good intentions (and their community actions to date trumped the current councilman in spades). All would definitely offer something sorely need in Ward 8 -vitality but they were not the best OVERALL candidate - at least in this point in time.

Questions posed to the candidates ranged from housing to economic development and both Young and Wilson were able to stay on task and answer the questions directly without any of the standard rhetoric.

A highlighting moment in the candidate question period came when Charles Wilson (http://www.wesetthetone.com/) actually referred to himself as "your next Ward 8 Councilman". Despite the expected grumblings from the Barry peanut gallery one could actually see him at that very moment as the next Ward 8 Councilman. Not only was he the first (and only) candidate to dare state his true intention of being the next councilman he said it with such bravery and ease (even when faced with the Barry brat pack) that one could easily imagine him as the next councilman. That is what set him apart from Yavocka who without a doubt is one of those wonderful Ward 8 treasures and resources that should be utilized to the utmost. Yavocka would make an excellent addition to any person or group looking to make positive changes in Ward 8 but Charles Wilson had that..."something" that great people always seem to have. Not to mention that with Yavocka being knocked off the September primary ballot ( thanks to the successful petion challenge introduced by Sandra Seegars) only adds a challenge to her already struggling campaign that we just can't afford.

Yavocka and Charles would make an excellent team (hence her casting as the "first lady") but Charles with his "We Set The Tone" platform and his continued promises to "develop and utilize the vast talent within Ward 8...to bring out the talent from within" would be most likely to work with Yavocka or anyone for that matter. Charles was great because he freely admitted that he did not know ALL the answers (at least right now) but he wouldn't be afraid to seek the counsel of anyone who would.

More candidate questions and more candidate answers.

7:41pm. More Barry (allegedly unpaid) supporters. Late, rude and rowdy.

Another highlight. Ahmad Braxton-Jones displayed a magazine from 1986 with Marion Barry on the cover with a title along the lines of (don't quote me here) "Marion Barry - What Went Wrong". It was hysterical yet illuminating at the same time.

PART 2: WHEN THE SAINTS DON'T COME MARCHING IN

7:43PM. MARION BARRY HAS ENTERED THE BUILDING! (DAMN! I had $20 riding on him being a total no-show). Barry arrives in the much the same fashion as his career of late - not entirely clean, a bit unkempt and too little too late. In short, he looked tired. He was dressed more fitting for a back alley than a candidates forum. While his (allegedly unpaid) supporters cheered and rallied (our saviour has arrived) the few serious candidates seemed non plussed - obviously they were forewarned of the shenanigans that were soon to come.

Despite his very late arrival (claimed he had two prior meetings to attend-ha) and general disregard for the entire process he was allowed to give an opening statement (translation: hijack the entire event). During his opening statement he was both condescending and manipulative. The Marion Barry show of "Smoke and Mirrors" had begun.

Insert more questions and answers. Insert Mary Cuthbert (she of the "white trash"infamy) heckling Charles Wilson constantly (another example of how evil will never die). More Barry (allegedly unpaid) supporters doing everything but falling to their knees in gratitude to the great man or throttling the competition, more weaker candidates (sorry Howard Brown) allowing themselves to be worked by the man himself. Unaware that with every head bob and goofy grin those candidates were playing ever more into the hands of the great Barry machine. Yet another carefully choreographed photo op. Barry doesn't even put forth the effort to have more than one face. He will grin slyly in your face (sorry Howard Brown and Darrell Gaston) with that type of condescension and smugness reserved for one that knows that regardless of what he may say (and hasn't he said it all) he really doesn't consider you anything other than a vote splitter. Just another tactic to keep the Barry gravy train flowing

8:13PM Sandra Seegars arrives with what one can only describe as "sunglass wearing hitmen with fliers". As the night wore on and the hitmen called MB on his BS they became "WONDERFUL sunglass wearing hitmen with fliers".

Sandra arrived with an explanation that she was at a vigil for yet another senseless murder in the streets of Ward 8 (I wonder how MB would spin this as another MB success story). "SS" brought her usual brand of straight talk with NO apologizes. She was mad and she had no problem saying such. Sometimes you got to love Sandra Seegars. Don't want to elect her as Councilperson but you got to appreciate her calling BS out for what it is. With all her quirks and disdain for new people moving into the ward believe it or not there is a place for SS in the NEW Ward 8 - just not at the top.

PART 3: WHEN THE PATH LEADS STRAIGHT TO HELL

Closing arguments. Please hold laughter (or tears) til the end.

The Marion Barry "keys to success" as told BY Marion Barry FOR Marion Barry.

Proven track record (go with the devil you know)

Person of (in) action
Always fighting for the people (who know how to grease the Marion Barry wheels)

Ward 8 transformation (from bad to worse)

Howard Brown - couldn't really tell what he was saying with all the "shucking and jiving" he was doing for MB. Howard, have you ever considered that the real reason MB encouraged you to run was because you would be yet another unsuccessful candidate that would only split the vote and increase his likelihood to be reelected? Do us all (yourself included) a favor and withdraw from the race and apply your enthusiasm and good intentions for a candidate that would take you and the entire ward seriously. Howard Brown has the type of enthusiasm that Ward 8 is so desperate for it would be great to see it applied in a more constructive manner.

Darrell Gaston - Thanked MB for his service but very eloquently pointed out that MB was first elected in 1978 and it is now 2008 and Ward 8 was in desperate need for some "new blood". Insert Barry (allegedly unpaid) supporters going wild and crazy at the very notion that anyone could replace the great MB -even in death one can imagine his supporters clutching at his dead body willing it to reanimation. Gaston closed with an excellent line, "Marion Barry may have given you your first summer job but I want to give you your first career". Although Gaston is a bit young and inexperienced it would be great to see where he is in 5 years. Great things will come of this young man. Another example of a candidate with a good heart and good intentions but with bad timing. Again would recommend that he resign from the race and join the support for a single candidate against the Barry machine.

Sandra Seegars - was refreshingly honest and justifiably riled up. Called out Marion Barry for what he was (a lost cause) and his (allegedly unpaid) supporters for what they were (patrons of a lost cause). By far the best quote of the evening came from Seegars when she shouted, "WE HAVE THE WEAKEST GOVERNMENT IN DC AND YOU PEOPLE KEEP ELECTING HIM. YOU ALWAYS COMPLAIN BUT YOU KEEP ELECTING HIM!" At this point the Barry (allegedly unpaid) supporters went ape sh*t and SS gave it right back to them telling one of the most uncouth BS (Barry Supporter) to "shut up". Actaully thought a fight was about to break out (had $20 bucks riding on that one too). While one applauds SS's refreshing honesty and straight to the point actions she just is not what Ward 8 needs. We need a NEW and IMPROVED Ward 8 image. You can't always use a hammer to open a peanut. We need more finese in Ward 8. A more "professional" image. Sandra should really align herself with either Yavocka or Charles (most likely Charles) and drop out of the race. I am sure there will be a place for Ms. Seegars in the new councilman's office. Her heart IS in the right place.

Charles Wilson - Almost tearing up with emotion he said simply but forcefully "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid of change. We CAN do it together. WE set the tone." It is not just a catch phrase with Charles you can see he truly believes that the success for ward 8 lies WITHIN ward 8. Another reason why he is an excellent choice as our next Ward 8 Councilman. He truly believes in the people.

Yavocka Young - Informed everyone she was running as an independent democrat in the November election, her website, http://www.ward8works.com/. Key comment -"We can't keep doing the same thing expecting a different result".

Ahmad Braxton- Jones - "What is the root cause for change? Leadership and we need NEW leadership".

TOMORROW: THE BARRY STOPS HERE OFFICIAL WARD 8 COUNCIL ENDORSEMENT

WARD 8 CANDIDATE FORM!! TONIGHT AT THURGOOD MARSHALL ACADEMY (across from Anacostia Metro) 6:30 - 8:30pm

2008-08-12T11:17:00.007-04:00

This was just posted on the Congress Heights On The Rise blog:

Fair Budget Coalition's Candidates Forum for Ward 8
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH 6:30PM - 8:30PM
@
THURGOOD MARSHALL ACADEMY
(right across from the Anacostia metro)
Moderator for the event will be Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer

FROM WCP: LL Campaign Finance Roundup: Four Weeks to Primary Day!

2008-08-12T10:09:00.007-04:00

From the Washington City Paper. To view the entire article click HERE.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make a donation to a challenger's campaign!!! They need your support! Barry obviously has the "good ole boys club" in his pocket! Please donate in particular to the Charles Wilson campaign - Charles and his campaign (red and white signs) has the most visible presence in Ward 8 at this time even with limited campaign contributions. Charles should be able to attract the young professionals vote. Regardless of your choice for candidate please DONATE to their campaign. Show that you support him or her with your time and/or money!

To donate to a campaign click HERE.

"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.)

Sandra “S.S.” SeegarsIn: $7,273 ($19,772 total); Out: $4,351 ($5,799 total); Debts/Loans: $0; Cash on Hand: $13,974

The Skinny: S.S. knows how to throw a party: The bulk of Seegars’ fundraising this cycle—just over $5,000—came from mass collections and ticket sales from what’s listed as a “Party/Dance.”

Charles WilsonIn: $1,035 ($3,045 total); Out: $625 ($6,509 total); Debts/Loans: $0; Cash on Hand: $410

The Skinny: Judging from the size (small) and provenance (out-of-District) of most of his donations, Wilson’s on the friends-and-family plan when it comes to fundraising. Most of his spending this period was on a single newspaper ad.

Reports for Howard Brown and Ahmad Braxton-Jones had not been posted by last night."

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! MAKE A CONTRIBUTION!

2008-08-11T22:48:00.011-04:00

It will take ALL of us, both within and outside the ward to remove MB from his pedestal of power.

The first step is to elect a NEW Ward 8 Councilperson. In order to do that we need to fully support those ACTIVELY running for office. This includes volunteering for their campaign and making campaign contributions.

Despite his poor performance history MB has the major donors on lock down. If everyone who visited this blog could make just a $5 contribution to a challenger's campaign it would go a LONG way in replacing MB. Make a contribution - any amount will be helpful.

This isn't just a Ward 8 issue - this is a DC issue.

Below please find a list of the current challengers on the ballot for the September 9th primary. Names in bold are the most active candidates. Contact information is provided.

AHMAD BRAXTON-JONES

Phone: 202.506.6566

CHARLES WILSON

Phone: 202.889.2008

Website: http://wesetthetone.com/donations.htm

HOWARD BROWN

Phone: 202.489.3673

SANDRA "SS" SEEGARS

Phone: 202.561.6616

Dear Mr. Barry, Please Pass The Torch!

2008-08-11T13:23:00.009-04:00

Mr. Barry,

My great grandmother was a very, very, very wise woman. One of the things she always would say was "no road goes on forever".

Mr. Barry with all due respect it is time that you get off the road and make way for NEW leadership in Ward 8. If you love Ward 8 and it's residents you would do what is best for THEM and not what is best for YOU. You would retire, with as much dignity and honor that you can muster.

Ward 8 needs someone who is vital both in mind and body and for whatever reason that is no longer you. We need someone representing ward 8 who has an untarnished background who has credibility...who has the ability to UNITE Ward 8 - not divide it.

In short we need the best TODAY to ensure a better TOMORROW. It is time to let it go and let someone else lead. There may have been a time when there was a shortage of advocates and leaders for Ward 8 but that is no longer the case. There are younger people out here, people with a focus and the vision to achieve a greater tomorrow.

If you truly love and want to do the best for the ward you will withdraw from the Ward 8 council campaign and give your FULL support to the best candidate FOR THE WARD. Your constituents are talking and they are asking you to retire...to make way for NEW BLOOD FOR A NEW WARD 8.

There is still time for you to exit the race positively and with much dignity. It is time for you to withdraw from public life. You can still be involved in the positive, progressive direction that Ward 8 is working toward but in a different role. We need someone who is capable (and willing) to pound the pavement. To advocate as well as unite all of us for a better tomorrow.

Please stop using the scare tactics of the past to instill fear in Ward 8 residents. Encourage residents, encourage the leaders of today as well as those that will lead tomorrow. For some time now you have been engaged in a co-dependent and unhealthy relationship with those (despite all the disappointment and controversy) that still so desperately want to believe in you. For the benefit of all it is time to be honest with them and yourself.

It is time to for you to RETIRE from public life.

It is time for you to PASS the torch.

It is time for a NEW Ward 8.

Every day that you continue with this charade is another day that you tarnish what was once a great name...a great memory of a man who was once - Marion Barry.

PLEASE LOOK WITHIN YOUR HEART AND DO THE UNSELFISH THING. DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE. RETIRE. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BEST THAT WARD 8 HAS TO OFFER. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED IN YOUR LIFETIME.

TBSH Word of the day: SELF-SERVING

2008-08-09T11:44:00.004-04:00

SELF-SERVING

1.
preoccupied with one's own interests, often disregarding the truth or the interests, well-being, etc., of others.
2.
serving to further one's own selfish interests.
[Origin: 1900–05]

The New Ward 8? How about a NEW neighborhood?

2008-08-08T07:35:00.004-04:00

One thing that constantly baffles me when I see Barry's green and white campaign signs is his campaign slogan for a "new Ward 8". It would seem to me that that slogan would be better suited for lets say...a NEW candidate. In my opinion (and bear with me I am just a lowly constituent) if Barry is anything he is NOT not new. his own campaign slogan is direct slap to his previous terms as Ward 8 Council member.

When I think of a NEW candidate with NEW blood and NEW ideas MB doesn't exactly come directly to mind.

Perfect example. If anyone has every taken a ride out to MB's current digs on Orange Street you can see the markings of what was once a really great neighborhood at some point. Large single family homes with plenty of yard space. Homes that had been in families for years. Tall large beautiful trees. The type of neighborhood that you could imagine living as a child. Then there is the neglect. The several eyesores that are not only a slap in the face of a once really great neighborhood but which are threatening to breed more eyesores...more neglect.

Barry's modest single family home sits on the corner of Orange Street SE and 4th Street SE directly in front of a bus stop. From his front porch he would have a direct view to the River Hill apartments - a very well maintained apartment complex. Very suburban looking in nature but directly to the left of the River Hill complex comes the rental properties that time (and landlords) forgot. There they are 4 sad little multi family matchbox rentals in a row. 3 vacant (one due to a long ago fire) and one occupied but from the looks of how it is maintained is but a moment from being condemned. Sad little properties with broken windows, dilapidated fences, unkempt grass awash in a sea of litter. Each with it's emerald green "Marion Barr for Ward 8 Council" campaign sign. No better commentary than the sight of a campaign sign in the yard neglected home in a neglected ward.

Anyone who lives in this neighborhood is familiar with the blight, drugs and generally unrest that is that side of Orange Street SE. You have dealers and their customers walking up and down Orange Street across to the 500 b/o Oakwood and back. Drug trafficking is one of the worst kept secrets in the entire neighborhood. It's its own soap opera and drama played out on city streets there is the villain, the sidekicks, the innocent bystander but where o' where is our hero?

A walk down Orange St is an illustration of what could be and what has become. On one side of Orange Street (the MB) you have these lovely single family homes with well kept yards and potted plants , the hallmark of homeowners who still take pride in maintaining their homes...their community. Then on the other side of the street you have the typical matchbox "4 in one" rental units that are what comes to mind when one thinks of Ward 8. Transient, dirty, unkempt. The byproducts of two many people and too few jobs. The type of neglect that flourishes when t here is no accountability, of landlords who reside in the suburbs - their properties allowed to rot and become an eyesore and health hazard to the residents that remain. The community has petitioned DCRA, ANC 8C and Barry's office for some time for some assistance with these properties as well as the several known drug houses in that neighborhood (all within a 1 or 2 block radius of Councilman Barry's home) with NO luck. On the one occasion a resident was able to reach someone in Barry's office in regards to getting litter cans installed on Mellon street (FYI - MB has one right in front of his house) the staffer chose to ignore the litter can request and instead thanked the resident for "experiencing firsthand the fine works of Councilman Barry" (what?) and invited the resident to participate in MB's "campaign for a new Ward 8". Where is this new ward 8 and where can I find it?

On Barry's own street on the corner of Orange Street and 5th Street SE there is a "Deaf Pedestrian" sign that has been lying on the sidewalk for the better part of 8 months. Calls to 311 or DPW for service go unanswered much like the calls to Barry's office. The residents in his community have all but resigned themselves to the fact that the once great MB is either no longer as great or as involved (at least in a non election year). When one mentions MB in regards to neighborhood issues it is not to look to him for assistance but as merely a landmark to that current issue (ex. the vacant building closest to his house) or as a testament how Ward 8 constantly gets the short end of the stick - even from their own leaders.

Take a trip over to the 500 b/o Oakwood Street and on one side of the street you see progress. Homeowners (some new) who actually live in their homes, who raise their families and who go to work every day and then on the other side of the street you have a collection of properties that residents call "disharmony lane". Here you have several single family homes which are well known in the community as being known drug houses most if not all section 8 properties. It is not unheard of to hear fights or loud music coming from their properties weather it is 3pm or 3am. Despite the constant stream of dealers and their customers in and out they are still in business - less than 2 blocks away from the Ward 8 Council member...the "champion" of the people. Residents have seen MPD's Assistant Chief Groomes on the block more than MB and he lives there. When one asks when was the last time MB attended an ANC 8C meeting there is always a long pause followed by an even longer pause while one tries to recall.

There is a running joke in the neighborhood that the traffickers are MB lobbyists and they have more money and clout than a hard working, law abiding resident and until that changes hardworking residents who seek change are own their own.

MB if you are truly serious about a NEW Ward 8 why not start in your own backyard? There is PLENTY to do.

From The WashPo: Barry Tested Positive for Cocaine Use In The Fall. Drug Check Ordered After TAx Case Plea - Jan 11, 2006

2008-08-07T22:06:00.003-04:00

Below is an excerpt from this article. To read the entire article click HERE.

Barry Tested Positive for Cocaine Use In the FallDrug Check Ordered After Tax Case Plea
By Yolanda Woodlee and Carol D. LeonnigWashington Post Staff WritersWednesday, January 11, 2006; A01
D.C. Council member Marion Barry tested positive for cocaine use in the fall in a drug test ordered by a court after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor tax charges, according to two sources familiar with Barry's case.
Barry, who served four terms as mayor and was elected to the Ward 8 council seat in 2004, has since begun treatment for drug use, the sources said, but Barry's failure to pass the mandatory drug test puts him in legal jeopardy.
Because he violated the terms of his release, Barry, 69, faces an increased risk of serving the maximum 18 months behind bars -- rather than probation -- for his failure to file tax returns for six years. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 8, but a federal judge could jail him or sanction him at any time.
Barry, interviewed last night in his Howard University Hospital room, where he's being treated for hypertension, said he did not deny accounts of his drug test and treatment but declined to discuss his case. "Write what you want to write," he told a Washington Post reporter. "That's my official quote. No more, no less."
Barry pleaded guilty Oct. 28 to the misdemeanor tax charges, and as a condition of being released on his own recognizance, he was required to undergo drug testing soon after, court records show. But, according to two sources close to Barry and an official familiar with his case, the court's probation office notified U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson and prosecutors in or around November that Barry's test result was positive for drug use. Two of the three sources said the drug was cocaine. The sources asked not to be identified because a court case is pending.

From the Washington City Paper: Marion Barry is Fascinating

2008-08-07T21:43:00.001-04:00

Marion Barry is Fascinating!
Posted by Arthur Delaney on Feb. 3, 2008, at 3:53 pm
In today’s Washington Post, Metro columnist Marc Fisher PWNS D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry for pulling a huge flip-flop on Mayor Adrian Fenty’s proposal to close 23 schools. Barry was grandstanding for TV cameras on Thursday, calling schools chancellor Michelle Rhee “bullheaded” and railing against the proposed closings. Less than 24 hours later, he’s shaking the Mayor’s hand and calling the plan a “victory for our children.”
Fisher asked Rhee what she thought of Barry’s flip. She said: “I thought that was fascinating.”
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm and is filed under Education, Marion Barry, Washington Post. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
One Response to “Marion Barry is Fascinating!”
Dennis Moore DCICC Says: February 4th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Councilmember Marion Barry can appear to grandstand and “flip-flop” all he wants for news media cameras. However, as a member of the Coalition to Save Our Neighborhood Schools, I can affirm Mr. Barry is nothing more than background activity as our coalition of parents, teachers, students and activist organize, command, control and spearhead the effort to raise educational excellence in D.C.
If councilmember Barry happens to motivate other members of the D.C. Council to support and empower our cause, that’s just fine. Throughout this effort and in the end, each coalition member clearly recognizes that any supporting public official is an employee of District citizens. We affirm and remind them that they are never entitled to their job, with or without their support for our mission. They also know we will remember in November.
Mr. Barry’s photo-ops are for us just a sideshow. The main event is the focused efforts behind the continuous growth, formidable activism and eventual success of this grassroots citizens coalition. Again, we will remember in November.
Dennis Moore, MemberCoalition to Save Our Neighborhood Schoolshttp://www.saveourneighborhoodschools.org/

Washington City Paper: "He's Still Marion Barry"

2008-08-07T10:22:00.003-04:00

To read the entire article click HERE.

EXCERPT

"Barry’s overwhelming 2004 election victory was fueled by the familiar lofty rhetoric that keeps the faithful believing, even when the candidate made few appearances on the campaign trail. In trouncing incumbent Ward 8 Councilmember Sandy Allen, Barry promised to be a fighter for the community and a constant irritant to Mayor Anthony A. Williams on issues like gentrification, job creation, and the proposed baseball stadium.
He dusted off the old speeches, demanding that every child in the city have a summer job and reminding the grown-ups that, as mayor, he’d done the same for them.
The celebration that spilled into Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE on Sept. 14, 2004, after his primary victory was an explosion of pent-up frustration felt by residents of the city’s poorest ward. Barry was called a savior who promised a new day in Ward 8.
When Barry arrived at the council in 2005, many of his colleagues say they made a special effort to reach out to him. They publicly portrayed him as a valuable asset with great knowledge of how government works. Some made hopeful statements that the frail-looking Barry was really a wily old fox who would be a valuable ally in John A. Wilson Building dustups.
Barry had a familiar way of responding to overtures from colleagues welcoming him onboard. Two councilmembers recall lunch appointments for which Barry arrived more than an hour late.
His lack of interest in council business is explained away by more man-of-the-people rhetoric. Barry claims his most important work takes place in the community, not behind a desk at his Wilson Building office."

WashPo Editorial: OUT OF ORDER

2008-08-07T10:09:00.002-04:00

To view the entire letter click HERE.

"Out of OrderMarion Barry is wrong to delay important repairs to D.C. schools.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008; A16

UNUSABLE BATHROOMS and outdated fire sprinklers and alarms may greet some D.C. students when they return to school in a few weeks. Angry parents can blame D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8). A few weeks ago, in reference to the city's efforts to complete unfinished repairs before the start of the school year, Mr. Barry told reporters, "Thank God we've got a change coming. Things are even worse than I thought." Now Mr. Barry is delaying essential repairs to District schools -- including many in his ward.
Mr. Barry has introduced a "disapproval resolution," a parliamentary maneuver that is delaying distribution of $8.9 million worth of funding for school repairs. The money would help bring D.C. schools into compliance with safety and health-code requirements, including the installation of exit signs and the replacement of expired fire extinguishers. It would also help fund the District's summer "blitz" to repair roofs, bathrooms and floors at some 38 schools. Schools will still open if those repairs aren't made, but they will be difficult to complete while school is in session. Mr. Barry has until the end of the week to withdraw his resolution opposing the funding. Otherwise, city officials say there won't be time to make the repairs.
City officials said that Mr. Barry told them he is holding up the funds in retaliation for the city's shuttering a youth summer enrichment program in his district. Mr. Barry told us that's not his motivation; he said he introduced the resolution because Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) tried to steamroll the school repair budget through the council without even a hearing being held. That may be a legitimate grievance, but punishing students is the wrong way to make the point."

READER COMMENTS:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/community/mypost/index.html?newspaperUserId=scorbett1976@hotmail.com&plckUserId=scorbett1976@hotmail.com wrote:
Seriously, as a District resident - one without children who could be affected by this, mind you - I will rejoice, and I'm sure many others will as well, when Barry finally parts ways with this earthly existence. In fact, we may need a parade.
8/6/2008 10:13:25 AM
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OrphanRed1 wrote:
As long as the parents of childern in DC keep electing Barry to office, they will continue to get the type of representation and government they deserve.
8/6/2008 8:59:17 AM
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From The WashPo: Metro Chief Cuts Barry A Break, Then a Check

2008-08-07T02:22:00.004-04:00

Excerpt from the June 16th 2008 article. To read the full article click HERE.

From the Washington Post

"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."

Without a doubt the best part of this article has to be the reader comments. Here are just a few of the best ones.

82AllAmericans wrote:
Man, this is too damn funny, so I’m sorry if someone has already pointed this out, but how can you be stopped in the “curb lane” and get “sideswiped” on the passenger side of your car unless the bus was on the sidewalk, OH, and I may be wrong, but I don’t believe that neither MLK, Chicago or W St are one way at this point so why would a bus pass you on the right hand side? Not picking on the homeless, but any five guys you see sleeping in the park can run METRO and this city better than those in charge now.
6/16/2008 11:03:30 AM

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

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

scottweible wrote:
One is compelled to wonder why the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia does not --- with such obvious implications of graft --- immediately conduct an investigation not only of the entire Metro Administration, but of the Fenty Administration as well. Regardless of whether Mr. Barry is lying or not, this sets a precedent whereby everyone will now have to be taken 'at their word', regardless of whether there are no supporting facts to confirm their claims. This is an unbelievable abuse of power, crass political cronyism and the kind of moral bankruptcy that gives our children the idea that as long as they have 'friends in high places', they don't have to follow the rules. Mr. Catoe should be fired summarily.
6/16/2008 6:27:46 AM

tdiaz wrote:
Oh, wait! I just remembered that Metrobus that totaled my Bentley five years ago and gave me amnesia and PTSD. I'll just file a claim for $110,000. 'Cause, you know, I wouldn't lie. I'm almost as honest as a "recovered" crackhead.
6/16/2008 6:03:02 AM

dlockwood15 wrote:
You have got to be kididng me.. Does this guy have any credibility left?? He didn't call police??? Maybe he was engaged in a crack deal.... no witnesses.. whatever.
6/16/2008 12:49:34 AM

nomayo wrote:
Maybe that "b!tch who set him up" was driving the bus.
6/16/2008 9:36:18 AM

sonoma21209 wrote:
Metro General Counsel or Audit ought to at least get back the profit that Barry made on this. He got it fixed for $2200 and was refunded $3200. He owes Metro $1000 at the very least. My colleagues above have addressed other issues of the wholesale corruption that would allow this sad man in a very sad jurisdiction to continue to pump more cash into his pockets. By the way, who is watching Metro? Arent those our taxpayer dollars that we are just deciding to give away? Perhaps we ought to see what that manager had to hide as well. He is a crook, too.
6/16/2008 9:06:13 AM

Barry-isms

2008-08-07T02:14:00.003-04:00

Found this on the net at , http://www.skeptictank.org/barry.htm. Someone needs to put these on a t-shirt!!!!

These are actual quotes taken from Mayor Marion Barry, of Washington, D.C.

"The contagious people of Washington have stood firm against diversity during this long period of increment weather." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"I promise you a police car on every sidewalk." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"If you take out the killings, Washington actually has a very very low crime rate." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"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

"Bitch set me up." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"I am clearly more popular than Reagan. I am in my third term. Where's Reagan? Gone after two! Defeated by George Bush and Michael Dukakis no less." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"The laws in this city are clearly racist. All laws are racist. The law of gravity is racist." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"I am making this trip to Africa because Washington is an international city, just like Tokyo, Nigeria or Israel. As mayor, I am an international symbol. Can you deny that to Africa?" -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"The brave men who died in Vietnam, more than 100% of which were black, were the ultimate sacrifice." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"I read a funny story about how the Republicans freed the slaves. The Republicans are the ones who created slavery by law in the 1600's. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves and he was not a Republican." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"What right does Congress have to go around making laws just because they deem it necessary?" -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"People blame me because these water mains break, but I ask you, if the water mains didn't break, would it be my responsibility to fix them then? WOULD IT!?!" -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

"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

Why Now?

2008-08-07T01:45:00.001-04:00

You either love him or hate him.

No one is more polarizing in DC (or National) politics than the self proclaimed "Mayor For Life", Marion "The bitch set me up" Barry.

In the best of circumstances the mere mention of his name will illicit chuckles generally followed by a "that's Marion Barry for you". The only thing shocking about the life and times of Marion Barry is the life and times of Marion Barry. With every new scandal...every lack in ethical judgement he trumps the scandal before and tests the true faith of his few (but die hard) believers and attest to the ineffectiveness of his detractors.

At some point Ward 8 probably even DC benefited from Marion Barry, he was touted as an advocate of the poor and disadvantaged, a man to get the job done but as Janet Jackson so eloquently said "what have you done for me lately?" Judging by the harsh criticism of posters on other Internet blogs and newspaper articles the resounding answer is - nothing to write home to mom about.

To that end it has been high time someone dedicated a little piece of digital space to the wonder that is the one and the only...

Marion Barry.