Posted Oct 7th 2009

On Tuesday evening, I responded to supporters’ questions regarding City Council’s 7-5 rejection of Dr. Ximena Hartsock for Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).  Prior to announcing my candidacy for City Council, At-Large, I held the position of Director of DPR.

I believe that the vote by the Council was a mistake. Rejecting the nomination of  Dr. Ximena Hartsock, a dedicated and wise Latina woman, after a day of questioning which bordered on the intolerant, was a sad day for the people of the District.

Ximena has served the people well, particularly the families and children of the District, and deserves confirmation.

I agree with the Washington Post’s observation that it was ‘perplexing’ that, and I quote:  ‘council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) acknowledged the outpouring of support for her and then voted against her,’ end quote.

That isn’t democracy, that isn’t representation, and it simply makes Dr. Hartsock another victim of the tensions that exist between the Executive and Legislative branch.

Had I been on the Council I would have worked with the Mayor to make sure that the full compliment of skills necessary to run Parks and Recreation were available to Dr. Hartsock and her leadership team. There needs to be continuity in the leadership of the Department of Parks and Recreation if we are to serve the people well. Sacrificing good people as a way of attacking the Mayor isn’t the best way to do the public’s business.

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