neighborhood news / the district beat
A Hiring Spree could the next election be the motivation? by Jonetta Rose Barras
K
eep your friend close, but your enemies closer,” Marion Barry, the now deceased Ward 8 DC council member and ‘Mayor-for-Life’ advised. Barry often went out of his way to cultivate people or organizations who wouldn’t toss bouquets whenever he arrived. That philosophy always gave him an edge in the political arena, anticipating with fairly decent accuracy, what the opposition had planned for him. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Attorney General Karl Racine may be giving new meaning to Barry’s strategy. They have been hiring former political candidates, raising the puzzling question, who benefits? While the two took office only six months ago, already observers are predicting a faceoff in the next mayor’s race. When asked directly, Racine has repeatedly denied any interest in becoming the chief executive. Still, no politician is injured by cultivating or expanding constituencies. That appears to be some of the motivation behind a few of the mayor’s and the attorney general’s hiring decisions. Both snagged individuals with strong ties to unions, the LGBTQ community, environmentalists, returning citizens, and seniors. It’s been like watching a game of chess: The executive hires someone focused on Ward 8, for example. The AG ups the ante with his own hire. “I kind of like the competition with the mayor,” Racine tells The District Beat, noting that as his office has moved to address critical issues, like synthetic drugs or juvenile justice reform, he sees the mayor taking stronger interest. Bowser recently announced a new drug strategy, promising to focus on suppliers rather than “low-level users.” “We welcome that kind of healthy competition,” continues Racine. “Citizens ultimately benefit.”
No Random Thing Bowser’s hiring of Edward “Smithy” Smith wasn’t random. Smith received the second highest votes—34,039-- against Racine in the 2014 General Election. Two things could happen: Smith, who understands some of the quirks and strengths of his former opponent, could help the executive play defense against an independent AG who, no longer a legal “yes man,” possesses his own powers and clout. Equally important, Smith could also use his time inside to hone his skills and make contacts with people who might be crucial to a future reboot of his political career. That later proposition is aided by Smith’s appointment as the head of justice grants. He could use that office to enhance the juvenile justice platform on which he ran. Racine has carved out that same terrain for his administration. Advocates and ordinary citizens have strong interest in the topic, particularly with increasing conflicts around the country involving youth and law enforcement. In turn, Racine hired Robert White. While not a direct counter to Smith, this former at-large candidate is a bright, articulate, hard-worker who is well-respected around the city. Many people have urged White to run again next year. If Racine is interested in strengthening his citywide machine for a pos-
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sible matchup with Bowser, than having White in his corner can’t hurt. White is expected to work closely with the small and local business community around a variety of issues including contracting and procurement. Racine has also added Lateefah Williams to his team. Williams ran against Racine in the November General Election receiving only 7.74 percent--13,736—of the votes cast. Her prime weakness may have been that she lacked sufficient experience as a litigator and manager. She could use her time in the office to boost her skills in both areas Racine says. Williams is focused on unions and environmental issues and constituents. A member of the LGBTQ community, she certainly can help her new boss forge alliances there. Some people think that’s why Bowser hired Courtney R. Snowden as the deputy mayor for economic opportunity. A former at-large candidate who is openly gay, she could soften whatever impact White and Williams might have, particularly since Snowden’s portfolio includes the Department of Small and Local Business Development. What’s more, as an east of the river resident, she can help the mayor solidify her voter base in Wards 7 and 8. Snowden, not unlike Smith, may be biding her time, waiting to see who will announce in council races in 2016 or other offices in 2018.
Future Perfect If 2018 is on some folks minds, then east of the river is surely a focal point. No one has won a citywide election without a decent showing in Wards 7 and 8. That may be one reason Bowser, who already is plotting a re-election bid, went all in for LaRuby May during the Special Election. May also led Bowser’s Ward 8 campaign. But while May had the mayor’s support and a bunch of cash, Trayon White diminished her dominance. His sharp organizing skills and intimate knowledge of Ward 8 communities helped him compensate for the cash and clout handicap, creating only whispering distance between him and May. Last month, Racine seemed to send Bowser a “don’t-get-comfortable-message.” He hired
White as his community development specialist, with a salary of nearly $74,000.White is expected to focus on juveniles, returning citizens and workforce development. White, who won a seat on the State Board of Education only to resign for financial reasons, had been considered the likely candidate to challenge May next year in the Democratic Primary. Is his decision to step inside permanent or is he waiting for next year before pouncing on May? White did not return the District Beat’s calls requesting a comment. But one clue about his future could be that his job with the AG is temporary, according to an agency spokesman. It ends Sept. 30. Meanwhile, another former Ward 8 candidate could be added to Bowser’s list of hires. Her administration has been talking with Eugene DeWitt Kinlow about possibly coming on board. While he came in fifth in the crowded field, he continues to have significant support in the ward, particularly among middle– class voters. Kinlow says he spoke with Snowden. “It’s heavy duty work [that] she’s going to be involved in. I’m excited about her charge and how she can make an impact.” He says the deputy mayor for economic opportunity has only “three or four staff ” “It’s an awesome task, and all eyes are on you,” continues Kinlow, adding that he “hasn’t received an offer.” Will he be Bowser’s checkmate? Jonetta Rose Barras is a Washington, DC-based freelance writer. She blogs at www.jonettarosebarras.com u