Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
San Francisco Examiner - March 20, 2008
Jonetta Rose Barras
When he talked about HIV/AIDS, he headed south. All three news conferences on the topic in 2007 were held in Ward 8. His "State of the District" address in 2007 was held in Ward 8; this year it was held in Ward 7. This week, he used Ward 7 as the backdrop for the release of his proposed 2009 budget for D.C. Public Schools.
The news conferences sometimes have the feel of a political drive-by. The mayor and his folks roll into a neighborhood, set up microphones, and point to a building, or some neighborhood, or highlight some public policy as the kind of thing they want to change or celebrate. Reporters ask a few questions, and in 90 minutes it's all done. Everyone is on to the next new thing.
"He has what you call a rollout. It's very slick packaging," says one Ward 8 activist who requested anonymity. "But you focus more on that than what he's saying. People are starting to get confused by it all."
Carrie Brooks, the mayor's director of communications, bristles at the criticism. She points out that more than 70 percent of the events have been held outside of Wards 7 and 8. She says Fenty likes having a visible presence in the community, and that the locations for news events are determined by their relevancy and "whether they make sense."
"People tell me they like seeing him in the community," Brooks says.
"I just think we have a difference of opinion about this," she continues. "I think you are being unfair."
No one begrudges the mayor's neighborhood appearances. He built his reputation as the Ward 4 D.C. Council member by being on the scene - day or night. As mayor he has continued the practice, holding multiple news conferences daily and attending each week several civic association meetings. Rarely does he notify residents at those meetings of upcoming news events. He parachutes in with BlackBerry speed.
Asked whether residents near Moten Elementary School were consulted about the news conference staged there Monday, Brooks snaps, "It's the mayor's press conference. It's not a community event."
That's the point. These media events feign community involvement. But too often residents are setting the stage for the Fenty show. If the mayor truly wants to create a government of the people, he may want to figure out a way to ensure more involvement by the people, especially when he visits their neighborhoods with television cameras and reporters in tow.
Jonetta Rose Barras is the political analyst for WAMU radio's D.C. "Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta."
080320
SE080306
Copyright © 2008 - San Francisco Examiner. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Examiner, Permissions Desk, 110 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 7260, San Franciso, CA 94120.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .