Adrian M. Fenty in the Democratic primary for D.C. mayor

The Washington Post with a full-throated (and VERY well deserved) endorsement of Mayor Fenty:

On the city's most pressing issue -- reform of the troubled schools -- Mr. Gray is alarmingly vague. He promises a cradle-to-college approach to schooling but offers little hint where the money would come from; he refuses to say whether he would try to retain Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee, though he spent much of his tenure as chairman criticizing her.

There is no such ambiguity in Mr. Fenty and his take-charge, do-it-now approach. Four years ago, when we first endorsed Mr. Fenty, we noted that the scale of the problems facing the city required a leader who wouldn't play it safe. Mr. Fenty has not disappointed, displaying the political fortitude to make unpopular but sound decisions, from mandating meters in taxicabs to closing underutilized schools. The courage he showed in fighting for mayoral control of the public schools -- and then standing behind Ms. Rhee unflinchingly -- cannot be overstated. Imagine any other incumbent allowing his schools chief to fire hundreds of underperforming employees just weeks away from an election that will decide his political future.

Most important, that dedication has delivered results: Schools are improving. Test scores are up, student enrollment has stabilized, an innovative teachers contract is being implemented and school buildings have never been in better shape. For thousands of children whose futures depend on the District's schools, it would be tragic to slow down now.

…Washington is fortunate this year to have a choice between two able politicians of integrity. But it is also, in our view, an easy choice. Four years ago, Mr. Fenty laid out a clear and well-thought-out agenda; he then proceeded, to a degree unusual at any level of government, to do precisely what he had said he would do. Those who believe the District is headed in the right direction should maintain that momentum with a vote for Adrian Fenty.

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Adrian M. Fenty in the Democratic primary for D.C. mayor

Sunday, August 1, 2010;

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/30/AR2010073003145_pf.html

MAYOR ADRIAN M. FENTY swept into office four years ago vowing to take on the District's most daunting problems.