WP Endorsement: Phil Mendelson For At-Large Council

[Skinner]

For At-Large Council
Phil Mendelson . . . despite it all

Friday, September 8, 2006; Page A16

WHEN PHIL Mendelson first ran in the 1998 Democratic primary for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council, he was among four contenders whom we endorsed in a 10-candidate field. He eked out a 17 percent plurality in that contest. We endorsed two of his opponents in the 1998 general election but endorsed Mr. Mendelson for reelection in 2002. We said that he'd shown a tendency to make tasks look more difficult than they are but that he had established a record of credible service. We retrace this history of lukewarm support because in his quest for a third term on the council, we find ourselves unable to work up any more enthusiasm for Phil Mendelson. Unfortunately, his opponent, A. Scott Bolden, excites us even less.

Mr. Mendelson's current term on the council has been disappointing, especially his stewardship of the Judiciary Committee, of which he is chairman. His oversight of D.C. Fire and Emergency Services, the Department of Corrections and the D.C. police department has been timid, and his committee leadership indecisive. His performance on open-government legislation was a study in irresolution. He helped sabotage two committee mark-ups of that legislation (strongly supported by The Post); then reversed course and voted to report the bill to the council; and then voted to recommit the bill to committee. That's not a profile in political courage.

More:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/07/AR2006090701406.html