(Washington DC) Clark Ray, Democratic candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, is turning up the heat on longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson for his record of hindering smart growth.

On the stump for months, but now in a robo call and video, Ray is blasting Mendelson’s repeated attempts to slow down streetcars, and his longtime opposition to revitalizing commercial corridors like the one near the Wisconsin Avenue Giant.

“Phil Mendelson suddenly claims he’s for streetcars…after many attempts to slow them down,” Ray says in his video, standing near fresh streetcar tracks on H Street, NE. Ray has previously laid out Mendelson’s anti-streetcar chronology.

GreaterGreaterWashington.org recently called streetcars “one of the larger points of disagreement between Mendelson and Ray.”

Ray also takes Mendelson to task for his longtime–and rather personal–opposition to revitalization of the aging Giant on a dormant strip of Wisconsin Ave., NW.

“Phil helped write a plan for this area over 20 years ago,” Ray says in his smart growth video. “And just last year, he testified: ‘Nothing has changed in the Plan or reality over the subsequent 20 years to alter this vision.”

“Seriously, Phil? Nothing has changed in 20 years?” Ray asks on camera. Mendelson’s colleague, Councilmember Mary Cheh, has strenuously differed with Mendelson’s position on the project in her Ward, and strongly supports the Giant revitalization.

Ray also released a robo call last evening on smart growth issues, saying Mendelson “has led the fight against smart growth development, as evidenced by his attempts to derail streetcars, and his opposition to a new Giant on Wisconsin Avenue.”

Mendelson’s Record on Streetcars

Greater Greater Washington: Mendelson Endorses Overlay Purity Over Neighborhood Vibrancy

Mendelson’s Testimony Against Giant Revitalization

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Giant Food, Giant Revitalization, Phil Mendelson, Smart Growth, Street Cars, Wisconsin Avenue

Clark Ray, Democratic Candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, today thanked longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson for his campaign season flip flop on streetcars.

“I’ve supported streetcars for DC for years, and if Phil’s remarkably fast and highly convenient evolution on this issue helps, let’s take it,” said Ray.

Mendelson voted for a key council bill this week that could clear the path for streetcars, despite a very recent record of hostility to the measure’s goal. “Phil went from hostile, to docile, to supportive in just a few weeks,” said Ray. “That’s an express train, running through campaign land. But we need a Councilman in that seat who won’t jump on the Obstructionist Express once this campaign season is over.”

Just this May, streetcar supporters were actively sharing their alarm at longtime incumbent Mendelson’s obstruction to a variety of efforts that would keep streetcar plans on track:

Of greater concern, at both the committee hearing on May 13 and again before the full Council on May 19, Councilmember Phil Mendelson raised concerns about this vital streetcar funding. At the Public Works and Transportation Committee hearing, Mendelson voiced his concern that the H Street-Benning Road streetcar line has “no beginning” and “no end” after driving the route and seeing the tracks end at 3rd and H Street on the west and at 23rd and Benning Road on the east. He seemed unaware that DDOT recently presented its plans for connecting the streetcar line to Union Station and constructing a temporary turnaround at Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue until funding becomes available to extend the line to the Benning Road Metrorail station. Mendelson also seemed unaware that the funds DDOT is requesting in the budget would enable the agency to do the very work that he observed needs to be completed in order to make the streetcar line functional. He also expressed concern about providing the requested streetcar funding before the legal issues associated with using overhead wires to power streetcars have been resolved (although Councilmember Tommy Wells is expected to introduce legislation soon to address this issue.) Mendelson repeated these concerns during the full Council’s discussions of the budget on May 19, and he called for further reducing the streetcar funding in the coming fiscal year. Link

Councilmember Tommy Wells even shared his exasperation with Mendelson in a direct message on Twitter:

Mendelson argues against streetcars on H St in mark up this eve. Decries correct process not followed. Anti overhead wire folks got to him. 7:48 PM May 13th via web

Wells’ irritation with his colleague seemed to remain as he prepared to introduce his legislation allowing streetcars to operate with wiring in some locations:

All CMs but one to co-introduce streetcar wire bill today. Tue Jun 01 2010 10:10:35 (EDT)

Mendelson was the solitary holdout on June 1, as the remainder of his colleagues co-authored the bill to allow overhead wires for the city’s planned use of a hybrid power system, which would rely upon wires during sections of streetcar routes.

Mendelson opposed steetcars again in mid June:

Phil Mendelson tries slowing streetcars again, fails again. CM Phil Mendelson put forth an amendment during the DC Council’s second reading of the Budget Support Act for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 on behalf of the so-called Committee of 100 to attempt to affect plans for the streetcar line along H Street. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 12 to 1. Link

However, by this week, longtime incumbent Mendelson joined in voting to support overhead wires, clearing the way for streetcars on DC’s streets. In making the switch, Mendelson and some key streetcar opponents claimed the bill was suddenly acceptable, as it would carefully avoid placing wires in unappealing vistas, a goal streetcar planners and supporters alike had always advocated.

“I’m thankful Phil’s suddenly on board,” said Ray. “But I’d prefer a man of clear conviction, instead of someone who is just along for the ride. As a Councilmember I will be committed to seeing this project through to a successful conclusion.”

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Tags: DDOT, Phil Mendelson, Streetcars, Tommy Wells

“Mendelson sits on the agency oversight committee, but has shortchanged youth and seniors.”

Washington, DC — Clark Ray, candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, today called on incumbent Phil Mendelson to explain what Ray calls a shirking of his responsibilities regarding the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

Mendelson failed to participate in last week’s confirmation hearing of the latest nominee to lead DPR, Jesus Aguirre. Ray stated that “Jesus has a good resume and a background in education, just as I did, and would make a good Director at DPR. He understands that DPR is far more than just grass and pools. It is a vital programmatic agency serving children, youth and seniors.”

Ray went on to say, “Phil Mendelson sits on the oversight committee for DPR, but his record there has been one of inattention at best, and cynical ‘grudge voting’ at worst according to the Washington Post. Phil never attended a single oversight hearing while I served as Director of DPR, and he failed to show again at last week’s committee hearing for a new Director.” Ray added, “Clearly, attending hearings held by the committees on which he serves is too much trouble for the council member. The people of the District deserve better.”

Mendelson’s Treatment of Hartsock

With the release of a new bilingual piece of campaign literature, Ray has been reminding voters how Mendelson treated former DPR Acting Director Ximena Hartsock. Mendelson cast a controversial vote late last year against Hartsock. The Washington Post called the votes cast by Mendelson and his colleagues “grudge voting,” and reported at the time that “Mendelson (D-At Large) acknowledged the outpouring of support for her and then voted against her.”

In his campaign flyer, Ray tells voters, “I won’t sit by while prominent Latino/a persons are treated so viciously, and I won’t cast ‘grudge votes.’”

Hartsock recently referenced Mendelson’s vote in a statement to the Latino community when she declared her support for Ray. “Clark had the courage to stand with me when others wouldn’t,” said Hartsock. “That is why I am proud to stand with him in his race for Council. This election will be about choices. My friends, please give Clark the consideration that I wasn’t afforded.”

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Tags: DPR, Jesus Aguirre, Phil Mendelson, Ximena Hartsock

Arrington Dixon, past Chairman of the DC City Council announced his support today for Clark Ray’s campaign in the At-Large Council race.

“Clark brings a refreshing new leadership to the District with his on-going committed support to Ward 8, and our East of the River issues and communities,” said Dixon. “This makes him my choice for At-Large to the City Council in the 2010 Election.”

“Mr. Dixon as well as anyone today knows what this city has been through and needs,” said Ray in reaction to Dixon’s endorsement. “Currently a resident in Ward 8, Mr. Dixon knows we need to end the divides that exist in this city, between black and white, rich and poor. Having his support mirrors what my campaign is all about.”

Dixon’s endorsement follows similar support late this week from former acting Director of Parks and Recreation Ximena Hartsock.

“Clark had the courage to stand with me when others wouldn’t,” said Hartsock. “That is why I am proud to stand with him in his race for Council. This election will be about choices. My friends, please give Clark the consideration that I wasn’t afforded.”

Ray said he views Hartsock’s support as another example of emphasizing residents’ needs over politics. “Ximena replaced me at the Department of Parks and Recreation,” Ray said. “She knows the strong foundation I laid at the Department – for meeting the needs of children, families, adults and seniors in all parts of the city. Her vote of confidence in me is yet another indicator that folks are tired of talk but want tangible results that make a real difference.”

Ray’s opponent, longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson, joined in what the Washington Post called “grudge voting” last October against confirming Hartsock as a permanent Director of Parks and Recreation. “Mendelson (D-At Large) acknowledged the outpouring of support for her and then voted against her,” the Post reported.

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Tags: Arrington Dixon, Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Phil Mendelson, Ward 8, Ximena Hartsock

June 19, 2010

Challenger Clark Ray, showing growing momentum, handily won the Ward 8 Democratic Straw Poll over longtime incumbent Phil Mendelson with a vote of 46 to 28.

“I want to thank all of my supporters,” Ray said, “We were told time and again it can’t be done, but we are proving this is a campaign on the move–to change how the Wilson Building responds to the families, small businesses, and neighborhoods which are calling out for change. This campaign is all about change and bringing it to the streets in every part of town.”

Ray is a former Director of Parks and Recreation, was a Constituent Services official under both mayors Williams and Fenty, served as a Reserve Police Officer, and was a high-ranking aide in the Clinton/Gore campaign and administration.

“I’ve built strong ties with neighborhoods across the city, building bridges across DC,” Ray said. “I’m honored to have Ward 8’s show of support, because Ward 8 knows I can and will bring people together to focus on the city’s needs.”

Ray’s campaign has placed over 1,000 signs in yards citywide, knocked on thousands of doors, and has received endorsements from key leaders, from Georgetown to Anacostia.

“I am so honored by the straw poll results of the Ward 8 Democrats,” Ray said. “They are leading this campaign’s way to victory across this city on Sept. 14th.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Phil Mendelson, Ward 8, Ward 8 DEMS, Ward 8 Straw Poll

Challenger Clark Ray has out raised incumbent City Councilmember Phil Mendelson for the third straight filing period. Ray reported raising over $34,000 for this period, while the incumbent raised approximately $28,000. The reports also show that while Mendelson’s donations came primarily from special interests and long-time insiders, Ray garnered broad support, including from people new to DC politics.

“When I walk door to door every day, I find so many voters who don’t know the incumbent — have never met him or seen him,” Ray said. “They are responding to my message of working with neighborhoods to make real, transparent progress, my experience and track record of making DC government work, and the energy and new ideas I bring to a Council that sorely needs them. Voters are tired of political talk from the Wilson Building and constant bickering. We deserve better.”

Yesterday, At-Large candidate Kelvin Robinson stated he would drop out of the race. Ray noted, “Voters in the city now have a clear choice: the same old ideas and pointless in-fighting that have given us too little education, too much crime and not enough progress, or my vision of a new, energized Council that will work on behalf of the residents of DC. The donations to my campaign, the spread of Clark Ray yard signs in all wards across the city, and the countless volunteers who walk door to door with me every week all show that this campaign is headed to victory on Sept. 14th. This city is headed in a new and better direction.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Kelvin Robinson, Phil Mendelson

Washington, DC — Clark Ray, candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, made the following statement in reaction to news that Kelvin Robinson intended to drop his bid for DC City Council, At-Large. Robinson, former Chief of Staff to former Mayor Anthony Williams, announced on WPFW’s “DC Politics Hour with Jonetta Rose Barras” that he intended to shift his candidacy to a challenge against Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells.

“Kelvin Robinson’s withdrawal from the At-Large contest sharpens the choice for this seat between myself and the longtime incumbent, Phil Mendelson.

“As we’ve knocked on thousands of doors, attended hundreds of community events, and gained momentum daily, we’ve articulated a choice that’s now clearer than ever: between new ideas and action, or a longtime incumbent who prides himself on the label ‘nitpicker.’

“DC’s challenges deserve more than the politics of squabbling, or being kicked to the curb by nitpicking. I’ll be bringing the contrast between yesterday and the future, between new ideas and stale obstructionism, to more residents of DC.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DC Politics Hour, Jonetta Rose Barras, Kelvin Robinson, Mayor Anthony Williams, Phil Mendelson, Tommy Wells, Ward 6, WPFW

Washington, DC – Clark Ray, candidate for DC Council, At-Large, today called on Council to ensure the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) releases the names of juvenile offenders who have escaped custody.

“DYRS must release the names of escapees so that communities affected by violence can work with police to ensure they are recaptured,” said, a former Reserve Police Officer. “We need an Amber Alert for offenders, to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Ray’s proposal would not require the release of arrest records or other sensitive information. It would, however, require that communities be given the identities of offenders who have escaped custody and are still on the run.

Last week, Washington Examiner columnist Harry Jaffe asked: “What will it take? Will an escapee have to shoot up Wisconsin Avenue before Judiciary Committee Chairman Phil Mendelson wakes up?”

“Let’s not wait for the answer to that question,” said Ray. “First, Mr. Mendelson threw up his hands and walked away from the hard work of crafting a workable anti-gang provision, then he wrote to residents that crime is ‘not a legislative issue,’ and now we hear silence when it comes to substantive legislative responses to the latest tragedies.

“Council must also address critical issues such as: whether to give judges more control over sentencing of violent juveniles; whether current facilities for juvenile offenders are sufficient; what new services, education and training might break the cycle of crime for some inmates; what could be done regarding parents to prevent these youths from becoming offenders in the first place, and more.

“Council cannot continue to ignore these dangerous failures that put us all at risk. Our communities cannot be denied the information they need to work with police to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

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Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DYRS, Harry Jaffe, Phil Mendelson, Washington Examiner

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Homeland Security, Phil Mendelson, Radio Power Outage

Speaking to a group of supporters this morning Ray stated, “It appears that my opponent is thinking about running for a different office. It doesn’t surprise me that after twelve years on the Council and nearly 20 in the Wilson building he is bored with his job. I am in this race to win as I would consider it a privilege to serve D.C. residents as their At-Large Councilmember. I believe that I can bring new ideas and a national vision of what our city can be to my work on the Council.”

Ray went on to say, “The people of the District deserve better than they are getting now. My opponent has voted against school reform and has stated crime is not a legislative issue. Whether he is in this race or not these are the issues I am running on and will serve to unite us, not divide us. We deserve better.”

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Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Phil Mendelson