If you live or work in the district I think this is worth listening to. I liked what he was saying about splitting up a deputy mayor position so that it focuses not only on real estate development but business development as well. When it comes to local elections it basically comes down to economic conditions, education and crime. DC has had issues in all three of these areas. There has been some good economic development in the NW quadrant but it has not been smart growth.

I’m reminded of books like Big Box Swindle who highlight what the reliance on chain stores and big boxes does to an area. I’m also reminded of the Great American Jobs Scam by Greg LeRoy. Where he talked about how corporations and developers were getting a Free Lunch and not paying their fair share in taxes. If the Gray administration does anything to address these sorts of problems then it will be a major improvement.

Sure there has been some efforts at development in Wards 7 and 8 like the Navy Yard, but you can’t tell me that that is all the current administration has to show for development. As far as eduction goes Michelle Rhee may be Fenty’s best move, but we won’t know that for a few years. All of the painful layoffs she has made do not make her look good. For her sake and for Fenty’s her decisions better pan out.

I also liked that Gray mentioned public transportation in one his website videos on urbanism. I’d love to hear what he would do about WMATA! Chairman Gray you have got to realize we’re suffering in this regard! On a closing note isn’t it great that DC has some politics to pay attention to! There’s a tight race and all eyes are on Washington. In the past DCers probably would travel into Maryland and Virginia to get involved in campaigns. I think it is great that they have a chance to do something right where they are.