Back to Petition to Recall Mayor Anthony A. Williams
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Government of the District of Columbia
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 |
CONTACT: Tony Bullock 202-727-6846 202-368-4831 (cell) |
(Washington, DC) DC Mayor Anthony Williams reiterated his intent to vigorously fight any effort to recall him from office. A group filed preliminary papers to initiate a recall effort earlier today at the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.
"I am disappointed to learn of this effort. We need to find ways to bring people together and direct their energies in a more positive direction," said Mayor Williams.
"My support among voters in this city is very solid. We had an election a year ago where I won over 60% of the vote and received a plurality on each ward. That indicates strong support. When you are the mayor, you have to take some tough positions; you have to make the hard decisions. You are going to anger and disappoint some folks along the way. That is to be expected," said Williams.
Mayor Williams said that the issues raised by the recall advocates were all known and well debated prior to his decisive victories in the primary and general elections. "Some people are still angry about DC General, they may oppose our decision to pursue the relocation of a Major League Baseball team, or they may disagree with my school choice initiative. But disagreements over policy do not comprise a legitimate basis for removing an elected official from office," Williams added.
"We have made a great deal of progress in the city under my leadership - in education, public safety, economic development and improvements to basic city services. Later this month, we will announce the certification of our seventh consecutive balanced budget and clean audit for the District government," said Williams
"We need to look for ways to unite our city – not divide it. I am going to fight this recall but I am not going to let it deter me from the important work that I have before me," Williams added.
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