Don Peebles’ Early D.C. Days: Marion Barry, Political Favors, and Tax Appeals…
Don Peebles is still making his mind up about this whole running for mayor business. But in the meanwhile, he's doing interviews with local reporters (see this exchange with Jonetta Rose Barras), and rubbing elbows at very high profile, invite-only events around town (okay Washington City Paper's Adams Morgan holiday party.) Anyway, as promised, here's some information on Peebles' early days in D.C.—straight from the source, his own 2007 autobiography.
Today I have projects in lots of other places around the country, including Miami, San Francisco, Detroit and Las Vegas, but it was in Washington–where I still own buildings—that I honed my skills. It was in Washington, too, where I learned the art of politics.
In the early 1980s, Peebles wanted to start his own home appraisal business, but assumes he'll need political connections "and clout" to be officially approved by HUD.
The year was now 1982. Mayor Barry was running for reelection, and I saw this as my opportunity. I would get involved by helping him get reelected...I started getting involved in Barry's campaign by organizing events for him. My big day came when I held a "Meet the Mayor" event in the party room of my apartment building. The gathering was for residents of the area around Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness Street in Ward 3...Barry and his wife came, and I gave a speech introducing him. It cost all of about $1,000, and I got a couple of other people to cosponsor it with me."
So yeah, Barry got elected again, and Peebles joins the Tax Appeal Board. Some time goes by and Peebles decides he wants to be chair of the board. He meets Barry in person to discuss the promotion.
I'll never forget that day. I went into Barry's office, the first time I'd ever been there, and it blew me away. It was huge, far bigger than any congressman's office, overlooking the Washington Monument and the White House...I told him again I would work hard for him and do a good job...After the meeting, I learned that Barry had been elected president of the National Conference of Black Mayors and that they were going to be hold their midwinter conference in Washington. I talked to one of his aides and said "You know, Barry should hold a reception welcoming all these mayors to Washington." Fine idea, the aide said, but who was going to pay for it? That's when a light went on in my head. I said I'd raise the private dollars to do it.
Peebles eventually becomes chair of the property tax appeal board. Some 25-plus years go by, and now he's worth $350 million, and Barry, suffice it to say, does not have those office views anymore.
Photo by Darrow Montgomery
8:41 pm
Seems like sort of an abridged history to me. I'm sure there's many other parts that are *at least* as interesting.
6:49 am
Peebles, Gray and Barry. Yeah, that's the ticket. The end of the world is drawing near.
5:24 pm
blech! the tale of budding cronyism. peebles real estate empire might not be doin too good in the most bubblicious markets in the country so he wants to be mayor, or pay for the next mayor.
5:25 pm
Strong words from a guy/gal named Poobutt!
10:54 am
At least Peebles is honest about his approach. What is obvious cronyism to all reading happens all the time. At least this guy is upfront about it. Fenty's buddies, who collectively are probably worth $20 million since he's been elected, will never ever admit to this.
And I'm a strong believer in having intelligent leaders. This guy is self-made (with a lot of political manuevering) but it was based on his own schemes. I always thought Fenty was a capable guy until I heard him field a few unscripted questions. It was Bush all over. We need change, Peebles or Gray anyday.
4:31 pm
The end of the world, no.
The end of municipal service delivery, balanced budgets, and thus any major catalytic investment in DC? That seems likely.
9:26 pm
Peebles went from paying Barry to paying Gray. From buying receptions to buying elections.
And Fenty's friends worth 20m? Where? And who? Gray has shoot down both contracts involving Fenty's friends.
This "friends" are, of course, Sinclaire Skinner. I do believe that the Parks projects and the Lottery where stopped because of his specific involvement.
I wonder how Peebles would have done in life if the Chairman of the City Council targeted every deal he worked on. Not well I think.
It amazes me that, in a town where everyone knows everyone, people fall for that ploy.
If Skinner paid gray off before the contract comes thru then Gray will let it pass. If he doesn't, he becomes a friend of Fenty's.
That was all the Parks contract scandal was about. Gray and Thomas wanted the parks money to go to there supporters (there are only so many kickbacks you can get without producing).
At first, Fenty wants to send them to Lew. Gray calls that stupid. Then Fenty wants to go thru DHS to speed the process. Gray calls that illegal. So, then Gray says it would be best to send it to Lew. But, only after crasy pressure from citizens over the stalling.
That is the game folks. And your choice for mayor is this.
Adrian "get things done at all costs" Fenty. Or, Vincent "pay me or nothing happens" Gray.
Or, Don,"I never held a public position in my life but this development market sucks so let me buy an election while I still have money" Peebles.
Stick with Fenty, at least he is focused on getting things done.
You mess with Gray or Peebles and the review board is coming to stay. Everyone knows Gray's game. He is too old to change and he will get caught up.