Anthony A. Williams Mayor, District of Columbia Tuesday, July 01, 2003; 5:15 p.m ET
Every year on the Fourth of July, thousands of people come to the nation's capital to celebrate America's birthday. "I encourage people to come downtown and enjoy the fireworks and festivities and celebrate the Fourth of July in D.C. style," said District Mayor Anthony A. Williams in an announcement from his office. Williams was online Tuesday, July 1 at 5:15 p.m. ET, to talk about what the city has to offer at the many sites in Washington, D.C., including the National Mall, the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument, Union Station and the Capitol. He will also address citywide safeguards that have been instituted to ensure the safety of the public. A transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Alexandria, Va.:
Mr Mayor,
I live in Alexandria, Va. I go to clubs in D.C. I got robbed two weeks ago. After I got robbed I called the police to file a report. I waited an hour and the police never showed up. Are you planning to change the way 911 works?
Anthony A. Williams: We will have additional call-takers to answer 911 and 311 calls. They will be civilian, well-trained people who are focused on responsiveness and customer service. Citizens, though, should restrict their calls to actual emergencies. It will take citizens and government working together to make this work.
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Washington, D.C. : What do you think of Rep. Tom Davis' proposal to create two new seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and that one would be for the District?
Anthony A. Williams: Generally I think any step in the direction of self-determination for the District is good. I need to see more of the details, but that's my general inclination.
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Washington, D.C.:
President Bush visited a D.C. charter school to plug his plan to offer $15 million in private-school vouchers to D.C. public schools and that the Dept. of Education would monitor performance at the private schools. A D.C. Council member opposes this and said it favors just a few instead of being fair to all. What is your position on vouchers?
Anthony A. Williams: I suppoet a three-tier approach to schools: additional support for the traditional public schools; modernization help for the charter schools; and, a scholarship fund to provide real help for parents to choose to send their children to private or parochial schools. The voucher program would be targeted to low income children in low performing schools. In the event of excess demand, there would be a lottery.
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Hyattsville, Md.: Do you know if Metro will provide free bus services as it has done in the past for 4th of July?
P.S. You are doing wonderful things with the city!
Anthony A. Williams: You can go to wmata.com and check. Thanks for your compliment!
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washingtonpost.com: Mayor Williams, thank you for joining us today to talk about the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and some other issues that have been in the news. Are there added concerns about terrorism on Friday considering how many people will be in the nation's capital and if so, what measures are being taken to ensure safety?
Anthony A. Williams: The Metropolitan Police Department is committed to helping ensure a safe and ssecure July 4th celebration throughout the District. Additional officers will be on duty, supported by civilian personnel, all in support of the National Park Police, who will be lead for the event. There are a number of events you can find at nps.gov. There will be a parade at 1145 on Constituion; a Capitol Fourth Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol from 8 - 9:30 p.m.; and of course, the famous fireworks on the Washington Monument grounds, beginning at 9 p.m.
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Washington, D.C.: Who is your choice for the Democratic nomination?
Anthony A. Williams: Haven't picked one yet. It's very early. I want to see a candidate with a new vision for our cities that goes beyond citing the need for more money. Do I think we need more money? Yes. Are wae likely to get it. No. So I want someone who can tell us what we do now.
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Washington, D.C.: Good evening, Mayor Williams. We've got first time visitors to our lovely city coming into town for Independence Day, and want to do it up right.
First, will Pennsylvania Ave. be closed in front of the White House that day?
Second, will Lafayette Park be open to the public?
Thanks!
Anthony A. Williams: Welcome! I don't have any indication they will be closed.
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20009: As a homeowner downtown, I am a large fan of returning baseball to the District; however, I must applaud the new tough stance (commitment from MLB). From all reports, it seems to have intensified the relocation process from MLB's standpoint. Realistically, what do you see happening for the 2004 season?
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Anthony A. Williams: I think we have to be careful that we don't overplay our hand. I think we need to present baseball with a sound, complete package, with a minimum of uncertainty. Baseball has the upper hand. That's the way it is. We should be careful trying to change this dynamic and in the process losing the chance of a team.
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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Mayor,
Do you think you'll be able to come up with a baseball stadium plan that doesn't leave the city's general fund at risk the way your first proposal does? I'd like to see baseball here but if revenues from the business tax and sales at the stadium don't live up to expectations, the difference comes out of the taxes we pay to fund basic city operations. Too risky even for a baseball fan.
Anthony A. Williams: No it doesn't. First, our projections are very conservative and second, our debt has been covered so as to avoid and prevent risk to the general fund.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Mr. Mayor-
Regarding downtown security measures, many have criticized the continued closure of the Capital steps, America's Front Porch. Do you support a gradual and thoughtful reopening of such places if risks can be otherwise mitigated?
Anthony A. Williams: Yes. Always have.
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Lincoln Park, Capitol Hill: What does the A. stand for in: Anthony A. Williams?
Anthony A. Williams: Allen. My great uncle's name.
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Washington, D.C.:
Mr. Mayor,
I live in the Shaw neighborhood, which has seen a dramatic improvement during your time in office. However, with many vacant properties, Shaw remains vulnerable to fly by night operators who fail to properly apply for permits, or do shoddy work despite stop work orders issued by the city. My home has been damaged by illegal work done next door, and it has been a nightmare for my wife and me to get DCRA's help. Could you help us?
Anthony A. Williams: Yes I will. Please email me at mayor@dc.gov and we'll investigate. Thanks.
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Re: Baseball in D.C.: How did today's meeting with you, baseball and Mr. Evans go?
Anthony A. Williams: It's been rescheduled.
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College Park, Md.:
Hi Mr. Mayor,
As you well know, D.C. is the spot for many tourists and local people in the area looking to get out and have fun. What steps are being taken to combat an increasing rate of crime and the terrible traffic that seems to clog D.C. to no end.
Anthony A. Williams: Actually -- and unfortunately -- the crime that afflicts our city really effects parts of our city the most. The poorest and most vulnerable are actually the folks most at risk, suffering most of the impact. The downtown area and most neighborhoods are quite safe.
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Columbia Heights, D.C.:
Hello Mayor Williams:
Just wanted to say: Please keep the redevelopment projects in Columbia Heights on track!
Have a great 4th of July.
Anthony A. Williams: Thanks.
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You rock!: Just thought I'd tell you so, Mr. Mayor.
Anthony A. Williams: Thanks. I appreciate it.
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Washington, D.C.: Where will the security entrances be for accessing the Mall. Thanks.
Anthony A. Williams: You can visit nps.gov for information on locations.
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Washington, D.C.:
Mayor Williams-
After living in Virginia for years, I just bought a home in the District and moved in last week. Already I am feeling the frustration that we all hear so much about related to living in the District. Despite taking the time to obtain a temporary residential parking sticker until I can complete the vehicle registration process (I won't even get started on that topic) I received a ticket for a residential parking violation. Actually the ticket wasn't even left on my car, I only found out when I tried to register my vehicle. All this and today I receive my paycheck -- a lot less than it was when I lived in Virginia. While I think you are making good progress, what do you say to a new city resident who is feeling very discouraged about their recent move?
Anthony A. Williams: First of all, thanks for moving into the District. Changes are a work in progress. We're not where we want to be but we a long way from where we were. In fact, the parking ticket you received is a result of increased enforcement driven by neighborhood complaints about lack of parking enforcement. On the paycheck issue, we're working to control the cost of government and a fair share of costs from the federal gov. Please hang in here!
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Baseball: ... Don't let our rightful team slip away!
Keep on fighting for a team.
Anthony A. Williams: Thanks.
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Washington, D.C.: How could you support the Federal Voucher program? It seems like you're turning your back on the D.C. public school system and those who voted for you.
Anthony A. Williams: No. I would disagree. I've increased the school budget 42% since I've been in office. I''ve increased teacher salaries 25%. I support vouchers with the understanding that: one, it's new money; two, it's part of a program of increased funding for all schools, including publics.
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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Mayor, I am a proud and patriotic American, however, July 4th is always a sad time for me because as a D.C. resident I am still denied the rights that the American Revolution soldiers died for. It seems strange to celebrate all these freedoms that we don't really enjoy. How does July 4th make you feel and do you share the same feelings?
Anthony A. Williams: I feel lathered in irony.
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Shaw: Mr. Mayor,
Please do something about the crime. My friends would move into the city but for the crime.
Anthony A. Williams: It's a top priority and definitely an impediment -- at present -- to my goal of 100,000 new residents.
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Washington, D.C.: I'm thrilled you are trying to bring baseball back to the District. But I'm a little dismayed at the leading sites for where a stadium would go. The site north of Union Station is too far from downtown and won't lead to much new development. The N.J. Ave. site is the best -- close to the MCI Center, the new Convention Center, and multiple Metro lines. Not putting the stadium there simply because people don't want to close ONE street is short-sighted. Any chance this issue can be revisited?
Anthony A. Williams: That's not the real problem. The real problem with this site, and the problem withi N.Va. sites, is that it's now cost prohibitive.
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Washington, D.C.: What are the latest plans for the development of the SE waterfront area?
Anthony A. Williams: A lot is planned and underway. Go to the planning dept. website, planning.dc.gov/waterfront for all the information on this important initiative. Thanks.
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Washington, D.C.: With the lack of affordble housing already an issue where are these 100,000 new residents going to live. I love the city but the real-estate market is pushing moderate income folks out. Thoughts?
Anthony A. Williams: We've gone from no affordable production to some 12,000 units planned or under development. We've gone from an unfunded to a fully funding housing production trust fund -- for affordable housing. We're using every opportunity to produce additional housing.
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Bethesda, Md.: I am thinking of moving. If I move into the district, what kind of financial incentives will I receive?
Anthony A. Williams: We've designed a link on our new website exactly for this person. On the main page, on the left you'll see a button "live in DC". Click it and enter a world of info. If you are not in the mood, no that there is a first time homebuyer tax credit of $5,000, among other things.
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Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Hello Mr. Mayor,
Do you favor building a new library at the old convention center site?
Thanks for taking time to talk to the people!
Anthony A. Williams: Yes I do. Most great cities have a great central library, in ancient and modern times. And we can do this without undermining our local libraries.
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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Williams,
Whom should I contact if I suspect corruption in the parking enforcement system?
Anthony A. Williams: You should blow the wistle to the Inspector General and the DC Auditor. Call the US Attorney as well. Thanks for your vigilance.
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NW, D.C.: Mr. Mayor,
I cannot believe that you say that " In fact, the parking ticket you received is a result of increased enforcement driven by neighborhood complaints about lack of parking enforcement. " I'd bet you receive 10 times more complaints about overzealous tickets than complaints about lack of enforcement. Please don't insult us with that line. You know it is a revenue raising measure bottom line.
Anthony A. Williams: Look, I don't like getting tickets and I'm sure you don't and I feel bad that you've just moved in and have to deal with this. But it really isn't. You may not agree with me or believe me, but it isn't. If you want to get people together and tell me to stop enforcing, I'll consider it -- irrespective of revenue. There's a lot of history here that goes beyond revenue.
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Washington, D.C.: I got my car inspected within 35 minutes of arrival at the DMV this morning. Nearly had a heart attack I was so surprised.
Anthony A. Williams: A lot of changes are being made. Thanks for writing. And thank all of you. And remember, please don't drink and drive!
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washingtonpost.com: Further questions for Mayor Williams may be directed to him at this e-mail address: mayor@dc.gov. If they pertain to this discussion, please reference washingtonpost.com/liveonline. Thank you for joining us.
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