Democratic Destiny and the District of Columbia : Federal Politics and Public Policy

This book contributes substantially to urban affairs and public policy literature by presenting an introduction to the complex politics and public policy issues of Washington, D.C. The uniqueness of the city, as elaborated in this volume, provides background for understanding the non-traditional congressional relationship with the city and the way in which this establishes and perpetuates the continuing fight for congressional representation, real home rule and equitable federal benefits for citizens of the District of Columbia. Usually becoming a mayor, member of a city council, or agency head in a major city could become a stepping stone to higher office. In Washington, D.C. however, this has not been the case. Contests for political leadership operate in a unique political climate because Washington, D.C is the capital of the U.S., subject to congressional oversight, has a majority African American population, and has a majority Democratic population. Those who become mayor are therefore, confined to play a local with rare opportunities for a national role. One Objective of this volume is to highlight the difficulties of experiencing political democracy and adequate policy distribution by citizens of the District of Columbia. These analyses conclude that one of the major obstacles to these objectives is the manner in which home rule was constructed and persists, leading to the conclusion that the desire of citizens and their leaders for change is well founded. Foreword / Eleanor Holmes Norton -- An Administered System Of Government / Ronald Walters -- Home Rule For The District Of Columbia / Michael K. Fauntroy -- Walter Washington : Mayor Of The Last Colony / Toni-michelle C. Travis -- Marion Barry, Jr. : A Politician For The Times / Wilmer J. Leon Iii -- Sharon Pratt Kelly : The Reform Mayor / Toni-michelle C. Travis -- The High Tide Of Pragmatic Black Politics : Mayor Anthony Williams And The Suppression Of Black Interests / Daryl B. Harris -- The Mayor As The Head School Master / Reshone L. Moore -- Can Washington, D.c., Youth Speak? Youth, Education, And Race In The Political Socialization Process / Darwin Fishman -- Banished : Housing Policy In The District Of Columbia And The Struggle Of Working Families / William G. Jones -- Democracy And Its Impact On Rehabilitative Resources In The District Of Columbia / Kevin L. Glasper -- The Dynamics Of Poverty In The District Of Columbia / Angelyn Flowers -- Communicating Liberation In Washington, D.c. / Jared A. Ball -- Conclusion / Ronald Walters, Toni-michelle C. Travis. Edited By Ronald Walters And Toni-michelle C. Travis. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This volume conveys a critique of the mayors of Washington, D.C since 1968 and an analysis of public policies that have confronted D.C. since congress granted limited Home Rule. This analysis of public policy problems and assessment of contemporary mayors should be of interest across disciplines-political science, urban studies and public policy