Michael A. Brown and David A. Catania, at-large independents, are handpicking state legislatures that will support D.C. statehood through resolutions in their chambers — beginning with their District-friendly contacts in New England — as part of a multi-platform campaign the city began in November. The idea is that sitting members of Congress will be forced to look at what is happening in their home districts and that some state-level politicians will sympathize with D.C. self-determination efforts before they springboard to Capitol Hill.

This actually seems like a smart move. If Congress is going to meddle in District affairs, officials may as well bring District affairs directly to the home states of members. And for Gray, a bit of D.C. populism may help still the recall effort bubbling up according to the Examiner.

Photo by Darrow Montgomery

Gerrymandering for the People: Census figures out yesterday meant two things—one, the decennial shock that the city's demographics changed, and two, we now know what wards need to grow or shrink as the city redistricts its political boundaries. (Alas, we also know that despite gaining nearly 30,000 residents, we will continue to have a grand total of 0 voting members of the House of Representatives.) But there are some advantages to living in modern times. This is the first Census since Google Maps debuted, which means you don't have to wait for the Wilson Building wonks to draw ward boundaries anymore, because Greater Greater Washington has hatched a tool to crowdsource redistricting. Now you know what you'll be doing all weekend! +2

Read My Lips—New Taxes!: The District's budget deficit for this year is projected to be $322 million, a sum city officials seem to think would be best made up by cutting services to residents (and of course, fighting the never-as-plentiful-as-predicted "waste, fraud, and abuse"). Of course, for a city where the top 1 percent of wage-earners have an average income of $2.7 million and the top 4 percent earn an average of $443,700, there's probably room for higher brackets at the top of the tax structure. Which a group of protesters tried to tell Mayor Vince Gray today at the Wilson Building. Gray sent an aide, who promised to take the protest into account while the budget is written. We're not holding our breath, but we're glad someone's trying. +1

If You Don't Get It, You Don't Get It: Life in the news business is tough; there's layoffs, and pay cuts, and declining ad sales, all because no one really reads, well, anything except Twitter anymore. Life in the for-profit educational business, however, is not so tough, which we assume explains why the Washington Post Company reportedly paid Post publisher Katharine Weymouth $2 million last year. (And, apparently, paid her mother Lally Weymouth more than $300,000 to write a column.) We're envisioning a pile of eight million quarters, fresh from the newspaper boxes, being delivered by dump truck. -1

The Ron Brown-ing of America: Nearly 15 years ago, then-Commerce Secretary Ron Brown died in a plane crash in Croatia. This morning, a stretch of road near the Commerce Department was permanently given his name, thanks to legislation introduced by Brown's son, D.C. Councilmember Michael A. Brown. "Ron Brown Way" on 14th Street NW joins other memorials to the late, elder Brown, a D.C. native—including Ronald H. Brown Middle School here in the District; a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research ship, Ronald H. Brown; the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights at St. John's University law school; and, later this spring, a new annex to the United Nations building in New York. Which puts our street in pretty good company. +1

Yesterday's Needle rating: 60 Today's score: +3 Friday bonus: +2 Today's Needle rating: 65

A Street By Any Other Name: Renaming Pennsylvania Avenue as part of the fight for D.C. voting rights seemed like a good idea. So the D.C. Council has apparently decided to rename a few more, too. A plan under consideration at the Wilson Building would make Pennsylvania Avenue into D.C. Statehood Way, and also turn Constitution Avenue to Free D.C. Avenue and Independence Avenue into Let D.C. Vote Way. Councilmember Michael A. Brown is behind the idea; he's experienced with the trouble names can cause, so we trust him to see it through. We also trust the GOP-controlled House to try to block any legislation renaming any streets. +2

Insert Obligatory "Can You Hear Me Now?" Headline: Sure, your cellphone works in the Metro. But once you get above ground, a new study says, you're screwed. D.C. had the most problems per 100 calls in a survey by J.D. Power and Associates, which we assume didn't survey cellphone users because, well, you know. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh did the best. -2

You're Happy And You Know It: Those dropped calls aren't causing too many hurt feelings, apparently—the latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index ranks D.C. the happiest metropolitan area in the country. Criteria used to determine the rankings: how many people smoke and how often residents go to the dentist. Which makes the whole thing seem a little odd. But hey, who are we to complain? We're happy! Austin, San Jose, Seattle, and San Francisco came in as slightly less happy. +1

Giant Elephants On Parade: Yesterday's parade of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus elephants through downtown didn't make some people happy—notably People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (to say nothing of the pachyderms, whose treatment by circus handlers is the subject of some debate). PETA will set up an inflatable elephant and graphic displays of abuse outside the Verizon Center to protest the circus' stay. We say: Let the elephants start ferrying D.C. government officials around town. For less than $2,000 a month, we could probably treat them pretty well. +1

Yesterday's Needle rating: 59 Today's score: +2 Today's Needle rating: 61

Figuring out what to rename the street, though, may turn out to be a little harder.

At a meeting in the Wilson Building Thursday night, Councilmember Michael A. Brown quickly moved past the ringing rhetoric about the symbolism of the stunt and got down to business.

"As you can imagine, our e-mail has been flooded with both inappropriate and appropriate suggestions,” he said.

Some of those “appropriate suggestions” presented at the Wilson Building last night include:

• Give D.C. Statehood Avenue
• Statehood for D.C. Avenue
• D.C. for Statehood Avenue
• D.C. Demands Statehood Avenue
• D.C. Statehood Now Avenue
• D.C. Demands Full Democracy Avenue
• Give D.C. Full Democracy Avenue

“These are just examples,” Brown added. “No one is wedded to any of these.”

Unfortunately, Brown didn't disclose any of the inappropriate suggestions.

The council is also considering a new message to accompany the “Welcome to Washington” signs along the D.C.-Maryland line. Suggestions included:

• Welcome to Washington: Unrepresented in Congress for over 200 years
• Welcome to Washington: Denied full democracy for over 200 years and counting
• Welcome to Washington: Where over 600,000 residents are denied full democracy each day
• Welcome to Washington: Where over 600,000 residents are tasked with all the responsibilities of a state but afforded few of the rights
• Welcome to Washington: Enjoy your stay and join our fight for Statehood
• Welcome to Washington: Ask your Representative to give DC a vote
• Welcome to Washington: Tell Congress DC residents deserve Statehood

For their part, members of DC Statehood—Yes We Can! said at the session they oppose any signage that doesn’t include the word “statehood.”

“We don’t need to say anything about voting rights,” said Elinor Hart. “Statehood includes voting rights.”

Ann Loikow, another group member, said she agreed calls for just “voting rights” have no place on these signs.

“We need to remove the references for voting rights... and talk about statehood,” she said. “We need a clear united voice saying we are for statehood.”

The group suggested renaming Pennsylvania Avenue “D.C. 51st Way.” They also called for South Capitol Street to be renamed “D.C. Statehood Now Boulevard,” and for the Washington gateway sign to carry the phrase “Welcome to the Land of the 51st State!”

Paul Strauss, the District's shadow senator, said any change must be easily understandable for visitors who don't already know the city's plight. He recalled often meeting tourists who believe D.C. license plates reading “Taxation Without Representation” are merely a patriotic reference to America’s independence.

“Street sign names can seem trivial,” he said. “But this is an important opportunity to get our message across.”

“Never underestimate the power of a good gateway sign,” Strauss added, noting Brooklyn’s welcome sign got prominent placement on the opening credits of the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.

Strauss also called for the District to rename other streets, as part of a continual campaign.

“Let’s think about renaming street names more strategically,” he said. For example, if a "certain Utah congressman” continues speaking out against D.C. voting rights, part of Utah Avenue should be renamed.

That type of move—cartography as vengeance—isn’t unprecedented. The Soviet Union’s embassy used to be located on a stretch of 16th Street called Andre Sakharov Place.

However, for Shadow Representative Mike Panetta, just renaming a street section isn’t enough.

“What’s missing here is the hook,” he said. “We need to find a way here to maintain sustained interest.”

Panetta suggested renaming most of Pennsylvania Avenue the “Avenue of Statehood” or “51st State Way.” It would be lined with plaques commemorating each state added to the union, along with its year of entrance.

The plaques would start with Delaware, the first state, and end with one reading “New Columbia—Yet to Be Admitted.” A flagpole next to the plaque would fly an American flag with 51 stars.

“I have long been a proponent of using the city’s names and street signs as a tool,” Panetta said. “This is not the time to be timid, but to say... clearly what we want.”

Brown said the council will keep the public record open on this issue for the next two weeks. All residents can submit their own ideas for both renaming Pennsylvania Avenue and adding a slogan to the “Welcome to Washington” sign.

Just don't count on getting immediate results, no matter what slogans win.

This Guy Isn't the Michael Brown You Think He Is: Politics is often a game of playing to the lowest common denominator. Voters in a series of D.C. straw polls are attempting to demonstrate exactly how low. Incumbent At-Large Councilmember Phil Mendelson lost a straw poll last night in Ward 5 to Michael D. Brown, best known for a) not being the Michael D. "Brownie" Brown who presided over the Department of Homeland Security's attempts to pretend Hurricane Katrina hadn't happened and b) being Michael A. Brown, another at-large member of the D.C. Council who isn't even up for re-election this year. Brown, who currently serves as one of D.C.'s two shadow senators, is listed on the ballot without a middle name or initial. Mendelson now faces the challenging task of defeating a popular opponent who isn't actually running against him. Isn't Home Rule great? -4

Call it a Convenience Charge: In these troubled financial times, when local governments are struggling to pay the electricity bill to keep streetlights on and laying off teachers and cops, one particularly vulnerable group needs all the help it can get—corporations with near-monopolies over their industry. Fortunately, Montgomery County is on the case. A lawsuit filed by 9:30 Club owner Seth Hurwitz reveals county taxpayers' tab for building a new concert venue in Silver Spring for Live Nation, which recently merged with TicketMaster to form a veritable evil empire of service charges, has risen from $8 million to $11.2 million. (Meanwhile, Hurwitz says he would have paid for a venue himself.) In fairness to the county, the extra $3.2 million was listed on the contract, but cleverly disguised as "processing charge." -4

F for Fire Safety: A D.C. school bus catches fire on Langston Place SE, requiring the driver, an adult aide, and several children to escape and destroying the vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured, though presumably the kids were a little late to class. A "mechanical issue" was likely to blame. Time for DCPS to make auto shop classes mandatory? -3

Race is On: DCPS wins a federal "Race to the Top" contest, worth up to $75 million in grants targeted to school districts that are linking teacher evaluations to student performance and improving schools that haven't done well in the past. Maryland wins the prize, as well, getting up to $100 million; Virginia, alas, does not, indicating Department of Education bureaucrats weren't as impressed by the state's new policies requiring all students to carry concealed handguns to class. +4

Yesterday's Needle rating: 48 Today's score: -7 Today's Needle rating: 41

He's doing well, thanks for asking. In fact, he "SETS FRESH TONE BY WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN AND LEAD."

He's certainly been listening: Brown has made a point to show up at myriad council hearings over the past few months, where he's sat behind the dais and asked a broad question or two.

Read the full release after the jump.

“FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE: COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL A. BROWN’S SETS FRESH TONE BY WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN AND LEAD”

“On DC Emancipation Day, Freshman Councilmember Reflects on Achievements and Sets Sights on Agenda of DC Voting Rights/Statehood and Compassionate Public Service”

Washington, DC – After a demanding campaign, Michael A. Brown, DC Councilmember At-Large, triumphed through his first 100 days in city hall. Brown has proven himself to be a quick study with the ability to lead by employing a simple strategy that starts with inclusion and listening.

Elected into office by District voters on the same night as the historic election of President Obama, Councilmember Michael A. Brown has worked to gain the respect of his colleagues and is considered an effective agent of change.

“I am very impressed with the work of Councilmember Brown,” said Vincent C. Gray, Council Chairman. “He has demonstrated strong leadership and exhibited great promise as a new and positive addition to the Council.”

In less than four months, Councilmember Michael Brown has introduced and co-introduced legislation that will meaningfully impact the lives of District residents. He introduced “The Food Stamp Expansion Act of 2009,” as a member of the Committee on Human Services. The bill will increase support systems for residents struggling to feed their families by expanding eligibility and increasing monthly benefits for DC’s food stamp program while bringing new Federal funds into the District to help stimulate the economy. The bill was co-introduced by all members of the Council, an unusual feat for a freshman legislator.

Councilmember Brown also worked with his colleagues to co-introduce approximately two dozen other bills, from helping to relieve tax burdens of District seniors and low income others with Councilmembers Phil Mendelson and Jack Evans; to supporting greater action to curb the District’s spiraling HIV infection rate with Councilmember Marion Barry; to strengthening services and opportunities for our youth by creating a Office of Youth Mentoring with Councilmember Tommy Wells; to providing funding to environmentally-friendly programs to reduce the District’s carbon-foot print. Additionally, in the community, Brown joined the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS of Washington, DC and Vicinity and serves as Chair of its Policy Committee.

During his short term on the Council, Brown has not only demonstrated that he is a team player, but also that he is someone willing to lead when called upon. As a member of the Committee on Housing and Workforce Development, Brown stepped in for Councilmember Marion Barry, who is healing from surgery. Brown chaired several of the Performance Oversight and Budget Hearings for the Committee.

Furthermore, from the dais, Brown also insisted that the staff from Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining meet with local labor leaders to begin to address the longstanding distrust that has hampered successful partnerships and working relationship between labor and management. As a result of his insistence, the two groups have met and plan to continue meeting in order to break down existing barriers.

Although standing committee chairmanships are assigned to senior members of the District’s legislative body, Councilmember Michael Brown, the freshman legislator, was appointed to the critical and timely leadership role as Chairman of the Special Committee on Statehood and Self-Determination in early March. He has been tasked with leading the effort to develop a comprehensive strategy to achieve statehood. As such, within one month of his appointment as Chair of the Special Committee, Brown convened a historic first meeting of voting rights and statehood stakeholders to build consensus around how best to achieve democracy for the District. The meeting included elected officials, Statehood/DC Voting Rights supporters, residents, and activists who openly shared ideas and strategies for winning self-determination for the District of Columbia.

Brown also held the first DC Council Public Oversight Roundtable on the DC House Voting Rights Act of 2009 and the gun amendment, where constitutional law scholars, advocates for victims of gun violence, elected officials, DC statehood/voting rights advocates, and DC residents testified before the DC Council Special Committee on Statehood and Self-Determination. Both the stakeholder meeting and the public oversight hearing were successful and have garnered significant interest and enthusiasm from District residents, Congressional leaders, legal scholars, and the general public. Brown’s leadership approach of inclusion and listening has drawn excitement from residents.

While Brown’s leadership on issues related to human services and DC Voting Rights and Statehood has been his signature achievements during his first 100 days, he has also become a reliable and active participants on his other Committee assignments, which are the Committees on Finance and Revenue, Public Service and Consumer Affairs, Aging and Community Affairs and the Committee of the Whole. He also serves on the WMATA Board of Directors and on the Council of Government.

“I’m constantly reminded that it’s my duty to remain open and accountable to the citizens of the District of Columbia. My commitment to public service runs deep in my family’s tradition, and inspires me to work harder and remain hopeful each day,” said Brown.

As he moves forward to building upon his first 100 days, Councilmember Brown is looking to introduce additional legislation that addresses public safety and the District’s fiscal responsibility in these challenging economic times. Firmly believing in a comprehensive approach to resolving social ills, Brown is committed to researching policies and best practices on the prevention of gun violence. He will also take a closer look at how the District provides tax exemptions to evaluate if there is a more effective process to ensure that city revenues are appropriately and strategically utilized.

# # #

The suspect charged this weekend in connection with a string of robberies worked on two D.C. Council campaigns last year.

Ezra Mathis, 29, was arrested in Georgetown Saturday by cops who recognized him from a surveillance photo. According to campaign finance records, Mathis was paid $1,000 by Adam Clampitt's at-large campaign and more than $3,300 by Michael A. Brown's campaign during the last campaign cycle.

Brown, now a councilmember, had taken on Mathis as a paid staffer as a favor after Clampitt had dropped out of the race and endorsed Brown.

Clampitt says he met Mathis when he joined his campaign along with Jarvis Houston, the Chicago-based consultant who ran Clampitt's campaign before joining Brown's campaign.

After the election, sources say Brown had gotten Mathis a security job as a favor, but Mathis failed to show for work one day and was never seen by campaign contacts again.

Says Clampitt in an e-mail from Afghanistan, where he's currently serving as a military public-affairs officer, "I was shocked when I read the article, because I considered Ezra not only an excellent campaign staffer, but a friend. While it is now time for the legal system to run its course, I hope Ezra can get the help he needs to turn his life around."

No, not on the political front, stupid. On the technology front.

Hizzoner long ago made a name for himself as a BlackBerryholic. One for general city business, one for critical, emergency alerts from police Chief Cathy Lanier and other public safety biz; and a third! for personal stuff.

Now here comes At-Large Councilmember Michael A. Brown, leaving a council hearing carrying a similar bounty of gizmos. The boundaries for Brown's three BlackBerrys go as follows: One for council business, one for the business of his firm, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, and one for personal affairs. Too much!

By Mike DeBonis