“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

The following statement was released by Ms. Ximena Hartsock following the DC Latino Caucasus meeting on Thursday, June 24:

“I wish that I could join you on this important night. Unfortunately, time wouldn’t allow me. I want you to know that Clark is and always will be a friend of our community. Clark had the courage to stand with me when others wouldn’t. 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.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DC Latino Caucasus, Ximena Hartsock