Post reporter Michael Cottman, who covers the mayor, answered questions from readers. The transcript is below. For complete coverage of the beginning of Anthony A. Williams's first term, see our special report.

Capitol Heights, MD: What do you think it will take to improve the services of Washington, DC. For many years, people have had to deal with laziness, bad attitudes, and incompetency with DC workers, and the inadequate system of DC government itself. These are some of the reasons why native Washingtonians like myself, flee the city for the surburbs.

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: What it will take to improve services is perhaps what Mayor Williams has been talking about for the past few weeks: holding all of his managers accountable for their performance. What has been missing from D.C. government is someone who monitors the work of the employees and replacing people with those who do not deliver.

Also, and most important, services may improve if workers beleive that someone cares very much about delivery quality services to the people.

Alexandria, Va.: Many people seem optimistic that Anthony Williams will be able to turn the city around during his time in office. Given the enormity of the task, that seems pretty unrealistic. What might the mayor do to minimize the gap between expectations and reality?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: I can only say that through my reporting, Williams has sent high expectations for his managers and all D.C. employees. The reality is that he will do performance evaluations often and do testing in city agencies to make sure that employees are doing their jobs efficiently.

Also, Williams has said that citizens will see change within the first six months of his administration.

Beyond this, everyone will just wait and see if he can deliver on his promises.

Washington, DC: Is there a chance that Mayor Williams will cut income tax rates for District citizens? Currently, D.C. income taxes are too high.

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: The tax question should be answered by Williams more directly in the weeks to come.

Arlington, VA: 1. Given that the District is fiscally strapped, what will the mayor do to induce home ownership in the district?
2. Will private sector collaborations play a bigger role in the Williams administration?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: Mayor Williams said he will fight for home rule and plans to reach out to the private sector and the business community immediately in part, to attract businesses back to D.C. who fled to the suburbs during the Barry and Pratt-Kelly years.

Carrboro, North Carolina: Does the new Mayor believe that the District of Columbia can repeat the success story of New York City and undergo a renaissance, encouraging people to return to downtown Washington as a place to live as well as work?

washingtonpost.com: Michael used to work for New York Newsday. Michael, do you see many parallels between the situations of the two cities?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: Yes, he does. Very strongly.

rockville, md: How long before the control board would be finished with their work?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: That's a difficult question to answer and I'm not sure anyone has the answer yet. D.C. has to balance two more budgets before the board can legally consider packing up and then there are a number of provisions the board would have to explore.

Remember this was a presidentially-appointed board. But if Williams has is way, he said, the board would vanish very soon. Still, the board has returned the day-to-day power of running the District to Mayor Williams.

washingtonpost.com: We have about ten minutes remaining with our guest, Michael Cottman of the Post's Metro staff.

washingtonpost.com: You mentioned that Williams has promised change within the first six months of his term. What will his first moves be? And how will we know whether he is doing a good job?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: good question. Mayor Williams said he plans to address issues such as making sure employees answer phone efficiently nad have the proper response to the public's questions; pick up trash, sweep streets, repair drains and wipe away graffiti.

He plans to do his own report cards of his own administration and send testers into agencies to monitor the performance of employees.

And lastly, the Post will be writing stories about Mayor Williams and his performance during the first six months.

Wash., DC: Is Marion Barry now just another resident or does he retain his security detail or any other perks of his former job?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: Mayor Barry does not retain his security detail. He is just another private citizen.

Baltimore, MD: What innovative strategies do you foresee to combat the pernicious and pandemic illicit drug sales and use in the District of Columbia, specifically, streets and neighborhoods virtually taken over by drug gangs?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: Mayor Williams has not announced a detailed drug prevention plan but has suggested that he plans to in the weeks and months ahead

Charlotte, NC: What are the primary differences between Williams and Sharon Pratt Dixon Kelly, the last mayor who promised to shake up DC and make "sweeping" changes?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: Mayor Williams has worked in D.C. government as a financial problem solver and has enjoyed a certain measure of success, many people say, and that alone, his aides suggest, gives Williams the understanding of what it takes to solve problems and find the money to do the necessary work.

Arlington, Va.: During his inaugural address, the new mayor asked D.C. residents to get more involved in local government. Has he outlined any specific plans on how to accomplish this?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: good question. No he has not, but I will pose that question to the mayor this afternoon at his press conference.

washingtonpost.com: Marion Barry had an antagonistic relationship with Congress. Do you expect that Williams will also tangle with Congress?

Michael Cottman, Metro Reporter: All initial signs suggest that Williams will enjoy a good working relationship with Congress. The Post has written stories quoting congressional leader, both Democrats and Republicans, who say that they respect Williams and plan to work with him to improve life in the District.

washingtonpost.com: That wraps up our discussion with Metro reporter Michael Cottman. Michael, thanks for joining us here. And thanks also to everyone who submitted questions. For complete coverage of the new mayor, please see our special report.