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| Vol. 3, No. 3 Issued Quarterly |
October 1997 Editor: Sandra "SS" Seegars 202-561-6616 |
| TIG William Wright, Chairman of the Taxicab Industry Group (TIG), and Fred Matthews, Executive Secretary, are from the old school, they believe kissing up is the best way -- to get things done, so they don't rock the boat. TIG was formed in 1969. They represent the cab companies, whereas, DCPTCD represents cab drivers. Wright said he thought the recall of Mayor Barry was not the way to go, therefore he did absolutely nothing to help. As soon as Barry changed some of the previous rulings, more favorable towards the drivers, Wright immediately released a news letter with the headline in huge bold letters, "WE WON!" This city is full of Wrights, people who are afraid to fight the system, yet, as soon as someone else does and makes progress, the Wrights try to take the credit. Wright is a person who is similar to a "house nigger" (nigger -- a slave who grins up in massa's [Barry] face). Little does Wright know, Barry announced at a meeting that he does not appreciate people who acts like Wright. Barry's press release states, "Mayor Barry recommends changes to the proposed taxicab rules. The mayor has been listening to the taxicab drivers." The changes Barry is claiming to make are NO age limit on owner/operated taxicabs, 8 year limit on company owned, rented or leased taxicabs; 3 inspections per year, instead of 2; and tightening the reciprocity agreement (removing unfair disadvantages to DC cabs). If Barry sticks to his proposed rulings all cabbies will benefit from the recall effort, that only about 10 cabbies actually collected signatures for. Wright is so busy rallying around Barry that he has overlooked the fact that the drivers will not have to replace cabs at all, but the people he is representing, and collecting money from, will have to replace cabs every 8 years. That is not a victory for all. In Wright's news letter he states, "We don't have the time to pull the mayor down while he is trying to do things that will help each and every driver and company." He failed to mention that no group should have to threaten to do, or do a recall, to be treated fairly. Even though the cabbies wanted something specific, they were also affected by all the other problems in the city, it was a double slap to them. If it wasn't for DCPTCD's fighting Barry every step of the way the taxicab industry would not be as advanced as it is now. Before giving more money to TIG, check their record to see what they have actually accomplished. Director of Dept. of Employment Services (DOES), Alexis Roberson, was one of the directors whose agency was taken from Barry and given to the Control Board (CB). Shortly thereafter all directors of the agencies that was taken from Barry and given to the CB received a pay raise. However, Roberson will be resigning. DOES is one of the agencies that had run amuck with awarding contracts. As the director, Roberson had the last say so on contracts awarded. She spoke highly of Phinis Jones, who has received contracts for years, that paid him up front. Jones has many businesses, at least on paper, and receives as many contracts from as many agencies as he possibly can. Most of his properties are not in his name. Roberson defended Jones whenever he was criticized by anyone. But, she defended him one to too many. She defended him to Councilmember Patterson. Jones contract was halted, and Roberson resigned. In April when Barry formed committees to go to various councilmembers to lobby for more money, Seegars got on the one that was to go to DOES, to ask for more money for job training. Jones was on the same committee, but bowed out at the last minute because he suspected Seegars to point a finger at him. He was correct. Once at the meeting Seegars pointed out the type of contracts Jones had been receiving, and believed Jones was not the only one with such contracts. Seegars had been working on getting Jones' contracts stopped since 1995. In addition, she has also been trying to get him removed as chairperson of the Board of East of the River Community Development Corporation. There will be a hearing on Jones and former Councilmember Wilhelmina Rolark (Black United Fund) because of discrepancies in their contracts.
It is a requirement that the Ward 8 Democrats file a financial report with the Office of Campaign Finance (OCF). No report has been filed since 1995. Democrat members had become concerned that former president, now Ward 8 councilmember, Sandy Allen, was a disaster as president and should not run again. Allen said extenuating circumstances created a dilemma, but she would handle it accordingly. For 2 years they had no treasurer. The treasurer, Roderick Leggins, had run into a few unscrupulous situations, and had to resign as treasurer. When Dept. of Human Services was assigned to Allen, she hired Leggins as her researcher. Allen did not seek reelection as president of the Ward 8 Dems. Mary Wolfe, former campaign worker, won the seat. Council member Allen collaborated with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC, Inc. and Allen AME Church, to open a new Planned Parenthood Center at 2513 Alabama Ave. SE, on May 9, 1997, called the Wishing Well Center. It includes gynecological exams, HIV and pregnancy testing, birth control options, and screening for sexually transmitted diseases. For further information or appointment, 202-347-8500. Allen had the first ever Stakeholders Conference, in October, for 2 days. The purpose was to get input from the community as to the direction in which Ward 8 is to go. The 2 day event was well attended. The following month the compiled information was distributed. Karen Jones Herbert has been investigated by the Office of the Corporation Counsel for misrepresenting herself to the Board of Elections and Ethics (BOEE), she re-registered several times, after being removed from the voters roll. The results of the investigation was sent to the US Attorney's office for prosecution. She can be charged with a felony and a misdemeanor, It was discovered that she had driver licenses in two jurisdictions, DC and Maryland, and was reported to the authority by Seegars. It was also revealed that Herbert was alternating between two addresses, as situations aroused. After these points were disclosed, Barry removed her from the appointment of Taxicab Commission Chairperson, at $82,000 annually. The case has been just laying around at the US Attorney's office since June. Citizens Protecting Medical Patients and Providers from Marijuana Prosecution led by former Ward 6 City Council candidate, Steve Michael, have to collect approximately 16,000 signatures to put Initiative 57 on the ballot. Initiative 57 will let the voters decide if medical patients and providers should be protected from prosecution if marijuana is used for medicinal purposes They must gather signatures from 5% of the registered voters, that includes 5% from 5 or more wards. The claim is that marijuana alleviates symptoms of AIDS, such as nausea, vomiting, and deadly AIDS wasting syndrome; side effects of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment; and glaucoma. They say expensive triple-combination therapies don't work when patients can't hold their pills down. If you have had a loved one suffer from AIDS or cancer, and wished it was something you could do to help them live longer, with less suffering, now is the time to be introduced to marijuana as a legal pain killer. Marijuana in its natural state has been proven beneficial for reducing agonizing suffering. Only a couple more thousand signatures are needed. To help with this giant step in medicine call ACT UP 202-547-9404, 202-547-9404 Ward 8 activist, Seegars, has been complaining for 2 years, about what she perceived as contract abuse by Phinis Jones Councilmember Kathleen Patterson, chairperson of Dept. of Employment Services (DOES) and the Control Board, finally decided to do something about it. Patterson will hold a hearing on November 12 concerning his contract with (DOES). Office of Inspector General said Jones case is far beyond a hearing. Last year Comm. Florence Smith complained about Jones to the Director of DOES, Alexis Roberson. Cardell Shelton has been reporting Jones to all agencies that play a part in funding any operation he has undertaken. Others have dropped words here and there to stop Jones, but won't go public. Roberson has been approving Jones contracts, and defending him, by claiming his services are "excellent," even after she toured his training class and told him he had to upgrade his computers. The Control Board gave a pay raise to several directors, including Roberson, shortly thereafter she resigned. One of his instructors, and a student, contacted "One Page" to get help because of the conditions of the classes, and the misconduct of Jones. They said part of the on-the-job training consisted of students working in Jones' office. Jones becomes overly chummy with the monitors sent out to his programs; he gives financial contributions to the top candidates in elections, to assure he will get a contract once the elections are over; he tries to date woman of influence; he bedazzled Roberson; he sweet talks females for selfish reasons; and had employed Roberson in the past. As the chairperson of East of the River Community Development Corporation, Jones was sued by a former director. The suit was settled out of court in favor of the director. One charge was that Jones asked the director to give money to undeserving businesses. The next director quit within 2 years. Rep. Thomas Davis (R-Va.) initiated debt collection provisions to let creditors attach wages of DC workers, starting Oct. 1, 1997. The provisions was amidst the federal revitalization act. It pertains to retired DC government employees too. With this new law, Barry's paycheck can be garnished to satisfy a judgment imposed by a Mass. court last year, on behalf of Compass Bank who lent $1.3 million to Barry and six other investors. The default judgment against Barry was $550,658. The community believes the best solution for DC and the Metropolitan Police Department is to fire Chief Larry Soulsby. He has been chief, appointed by Barry, since 1995. There has been complaints about every division of the police department. The most concerning was with the Homicide Division's unsolved murders. Soulsby said the problem is poor management by the units supervisors, and that he is not directly responsible for the failings. Many citizens think it's poor management by Soulsby. Soulsby has learned from Barry, how to shift the blame from himself. He said he didn't have time, and didn't get involved in day to day operations. Some police officers said Soulsby really does not live in the District, he is only using the Eerie St. address while he is on the force. Soulsby registered to vote in January 1990. The South East address on Eerie St. is an apartment, and Rodney Soulsby is listed there as well Neighbors on that street said they rarely see Soulsby, and wonder why a white police chief would live in an apartment in South East. Former Councilmember Eydie Whittington court case started a day late because the original judge's calendar was full; the second judge had to rescue himself because he had made a contribution to her campaign. Seegars found that at least 10 senior citizens' names had been forged on one of Whittington's petitions, in 1996. When presented to the BOEE, they acted nonchalant about it. Seegars had her suspicion that the board, appointed by Barry, would possibly sweep it under the rug, therefore she immediately took it to other law enforcement agencies. Whittington is going for perjury instead forgery. They both carry the same penalties. The story they are going with is that her driver collected the signatures at the meeting, while she made a speech, and she signed it as the circulated. What she is claiming happened is what constitutes perjury. Now her driver can be charged with violating the Hatch Act Whittington's attorney, Vandy L. Jamison, must be as bright as she is, he keeps saying she did nothing wrong, when the affidavit clearly states, the signatures must be done in the presence of the circulator, and the circulator affirms that they witnessed the actual signing. To watch the driver forge names, then sign as the circulator isn't too bright. The driver said he put "SC," for senior citizen next to the names so he would know they didn't actually sign. He is lying about that, because on that sheet "SC" is placed beside each name, although some did sign themselves. She was found guilty. Passing the "Mayor Barry Initiation," having a criminal record, he nominated her to the Alcohol and Beverage Control Board. The chairperson of that committee, Councilmember Harold Brazil, is unwilling to vote her out. She has been sitting there, unconfirmed since April 13, 1997. This is a prime example that some of the Councilmembers are no different than Barry. The Home Rule Act was written by the 1015 Congress in 1973. Since that time there have been amendments. The Act includes provisions for a recall of elected officials. However, the language is so ambiguous that an amendment should be made. With a clearer law there would be no need for a court battle over ones interpretation. Many of the election laws are ambiguous, and are open to interpretation. The Committee to Recall Mayor Barry requested a meeting with flip-flopping, hypocritical Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, in August, to discuss the Home Rule Act, that she pretends to love so much. Initially, her staff member said yes, for her, as long as the press was not made a part of the meeting. It was agreed. A couple of days later she reneged, because she was afraid that it would look like she was against Barry, plus she was getting ready to go on vacation, and several other excuses. Norton has a job to do, was elected by the voters, and is no more than a public servant, regardless of whose sacred cow she may be. Not to meet about issues concerning the Home Rule Act gives the appearance that she is rhetorical and insincere when she speaks about Home Rule. Her staff member, Donna Brazile, said the entire Act needs reviewing, and that Norton will probably do that, in the near future. With all the criticisms about how the Act is not beneficial to the District, and considering all the time Norton has been in office, why hasn't she reviewed it, revised it, and referred it? With no vote, flip-flopping and ignoring her constituents, has she become a mere spook who sat by the door? DEMOCRACY -- government in which the supreme power is held by the people. REPUBLIC -- the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. It was goodbye to democracy in the District, long before the Congressional and Presidential coup. Why did the City Council permit the mayor to violate democracy? Where were all the protesters when the mayor and the Council ignored democracy and was taking advantage of the people? The mayor played the role of a demagogic dictator, who held mock hearings on serious issues concerning the city, that provided a place to vent, nothing more, nothing less, because the decisions were already made. It seems that Congress and the President are the only ones not afraid to take a stand against the mayor. The majority of the citizens and the Control Board don't have what it takes to hold elected officials accountable. Even with the recall, apathetic, sympathetic, ignorant people do not use it as an avenue to hold elected officials accountable, therefore, the residents continue to be exploited. There had been so much controversy surrounding ANC8C that a special election had to be held. The special election was held on June 4, to fill the seat vacated by Mary Cuthbert, after she moved out of her single member district, and moved back. There were only two candidates, Cuthbert and Barbara Dickerson The voter turnout was exceptionally large for this type of election. Dickerson won by a narrow margin. A quorum was questionable because ANC Commissioner Stephanie Lee was not physically inside the room during the proceedings. The League of Woman Voters officiated the election. After the count the ballots were suppose to be held overnight at the ANC office, but due to extenuating circumstances the League took the ballots with them for safe keeping. As of April 4, 1997 the water rate increased by 42%; from a rate of $2.868 to $4.073 per cubic feet. This increase took effect after Barry borrowed millions of dollars from the Water and Sewer Dept., without paying it back. The DC Water and Sewer Authority held mock hearings for the public, before they raised the rates. Non profit groups and churches had been exempt from paying for water use, or they received a discount, until April. Now they pay too. They have been hit twice as hard. m e water has an odor and an unpleasant taste. Most water users buy filters, boil the water or buy bottled water, including the employees at the water dept. Phillip Pannell, Ward 8's environmentalist, held a press conference, for the umpteenth time, with hopes that Barry would take pride in the area in which he lives, Ward 8, and give orders to DPW to rid light poles, trees and buildings of trashy posters. However, Barry has not been moved by Pannell's pleas, and continues to allow trash and filth to build up in the area. HATS OFF TO HANNAH HAWKINS, who has run "Children of Mine," successfully, without help from city grants. It is an after school program for about 100 children, until 6:00 or 7:00 P.M. It is operated by volunteers. They offer meals, classes, tutoring, and a foster care placement service. Children of Mine is located at 2263 Mt. View Pi., SE. To assist in any way, call Hannah Hawkins, 202-610-1055. Ward 8 coordinator, Katie Shepherd, held a luncheon at Johenning Baptist Church, for the seniors, in May, to honor them on Senior Citizen's Day. Shepherd has always taken a special interest in her community. Altruism and humanist are second nature for Shepherd. A commuter tax for the District is no where in sight for the near future, nor is a residency requirement for DC government employees. All roads leading into and out of the District are filled with mostly Maryland commuters. Even at 1 Judiciary Square (441 4 St. NW) most of the cars parked in the underground garage have Maryland tags. Comments from some of the employees were that they could not find the type of housing they wanted, at a price they could afford, in the District; and it's less crime in Maryland. When some of the former apartment dwellers, who graduated to houses, were asked why Maryland, they said they seriously looked for a place in the District first, with no success. The Covenant House Washington (CHW), presented awards at their second annual Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP) celebration, to honor the volunteers who helped them the preceding year. They awarded approximately 100 volunteers, for various contributions to their programs and to the community. CHW is located in the National Children Center at 3400 Elk, Jr., Ave., SE. For more information or support, call Executive Director Vincent Gray, 202-610-9630. The Independent Progressive Coalition (IPC) represents differing political philosophies, but are united in their concerns, and committed to the principles of democracy. IPC began as a group of small, independent third parties, and other interested organizations and individuals. IPC believes the City Council, and the Mayor's administration, are more concerned with outside businesses, suburban, and political interests, especially the Board of Trade and Financial Control Board. To become involved with IPC, to change the business as usual attitudes, contact IPC, 202-518-5624 or 202-483-0174. Allen celebrated her birthday on October 17 and 19, the day before and, the day after her birthday, 18, at Bolling Air Force Base, and Georgetown Seafood Grill, 1200 19 St., NW. Allen has had lots of experience dealing with welfare recipients as a resident of Ward 8, and in her previous j obs as ANC and constituent service representative for Barry, when he was councilmember. In her first year she has secured the seat of chairperson of the Cam. of Human Services. She was once employed at DHS. Also in her first year she has introduced several pieces of legislation. To sit in a courtroom and listen to babble from a judge is a most exasperating experience. The judge presiding over Eydie Whittington's case, Frederick Dorsey, rambled for 45 minutes, before he rendered his decision, on the clear cut case of perjury, committed and admitted by Whittington. He mumbled; he faked a cough after every other word; he scratched his un-itching temple; he fidgeted; and he whispered; he did everything he could to stall, to keep from saying "GUILTY." He explained the petition a couple of times; he went line by line, explaining what Whittington had not done; he hashed and rehashed the trial; he paused and he faltered. If it wasn't for Whittington's own admission of not witnessing the signers, Dorsey would have let Whittinqton off. As he was about to say guilty, her lawyer, Vandy Jamieson, asked to approach the bench. They talked for about 5 minutes. Dorsey became angry with Jamieson, and raised his voice above the static. He said, "She said it!" He was so angry after the lawyers went back to there tables, that all of his annoying mannerisms vanished, instantly. He said he was rambling because he felt he owed an explanation to the defendant. Then he clearly stated, "When the defendant did not personally witness the signatories, she committed a CRIME." For a minute or so he made Jamieson look like an idiot. Dorsey said, "The witness' signature was not a true crime. The only issue is that the defendant did not personally witness it, not if they [the signatures] were real. "The defendant either saw them signing or she didn't. She said she didn't see them." He said the government had met its burden of proof against Whittington, and for them to set the date for sentencing, after the pre-sentencing investigation. Then he uttered, with all the crime in this city, he didn't know why this case was brought to court. After realizing his absurdness, he admitted, "That's not my judgment to make." Dorsey had been saddled with this case because the original judge was too busy, the second judge was recused, because he had given a contribution to Whittington's campaign. The first date set for sentencing was January 12, 9 A.M. or 4 P.M. Whittington told the judge she could not come then because she was in school and she did not want to miss any more classes. She said she had already cut one class to come to court this time. She said she could not come in the afternoon, only in the morning. The second date was January 5. She said okay to that, if it was in the morning. They all agreed. A courtroom observer said, "That's a nasty little wench." Whittington has to pay a $200.00 court cost, by Dec. 20. The judge looked so hurt, he almost went in his pocket to to pay the cost for her.
The Ward 8 Democrats, president Mary Parham Wolfe, celebrated its fifteen year anniversary, with a Red and White Ball, at Assumption Catholic Church. Ward Four Democrats came to help celebrate. From Ward 8 they recognized the past councilmembers, the past presidents of Ward 8 Democrats, the Ward 8 Young Democrats, Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC), Arrington Dixon and Associates, Inc. (ADAI); and an outstanding democrat award to ROBERT YELDELL. Many elected officials attended and were part of the program, school board members Linda Moody and Tonya Kinlow; councilmembers Sandy Allen, Harold Brazil, Linda Cropp, (interim) Arrington Dixon, and (former) Wilhelmenia Rolark. They had two giant sheet cakes, a fountain of punch and a beautiful presentation of food. They were entertained by a DJ, and a live band. Joyce Scott sang a few songs with the band. Everything was going well until Hizzoner, Mayor Marion S. Barry, Jr. was introduced to make his remarks. About 7 of the 150 people stood, when he was introduced. Then he played the same old CD, "Ward 8!" The response was almost nothing. He had to say it 3 times, before about 20 people responded, by saying Ward 8. He put a cloud over the entire affair when he stuck in his same old groove. He said how it wasn't about him, that the republicans are out to take over. How they are taking everyone's powers. He didn't get too many from the crowd to amen his remarks about the republicans. Not once did he mention how the democrats, him and the City Council, let the city go to hell in a hand basket. He is his usual self, shifting the blame, and is in total denial. He is a sad display of humanity. FOR everyone who wanted to knew if Allen offered Seegars a job. After
she got the Human Services Committee, and she expanded her staff, she wrote to Seegars,
asking her to join her staff. TO update "Rogers Over and Out." Michael Rogers accepted another director's position with DC government. CITY auditor Tony Cooper left the auditor's office and went back to the DC Lottery. H. R. Crawford has dropped Florence Smith from his payroll. She plans
to fight him over the ownership of the property. IN 1998 almost the entire ineffective elected body will be running for
office, except Allen and Charlene Drew Jarvis. IN case you are thinking you missed an edition, you did not. "One Page" was not printed in July. BECAUSE One Page At A Time circulation is growing, "One Page" will be
accepting donations to help with the cost of producing the newsletter. You may send
donations to One Page At A Time, 1107 Savannah St., SE, Washington, DC, 200324517.
Make check or money order payable to "Sandra Seegars." IF you are interested in submitting an article to "One Page,"
call Sandra on 202-561-6616. Ronald Stokes (Another One Bites The Dust) will not be going to court until 1998. Possibly January 5. |
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