Correction: This blog post originally stated that the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute is warning city officials against going crazy over bong rating agencies’ concern about the District’s dwindling amount of reserve funds. In fact, the DCFPI’s warning applies to bond rating agencies’ concerns.
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Good morning sweet readers! Good game last night. Anyone know what a “war eagle” is? News time:
Let’s Talk About Kaya: The Washington Post reports today that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told Mayor Vince Gray to install Kaya Henderson as the interim schools chancellor after Michelle Rhee announced she was leaving. “The day Michelle left, I called [Gray] and said, ‘Let’s put Kaya in there,'” Duncan told the Post, in an article focused on the fact that Duncan wants Henderson to stick around for the next ten years. Duncan then laughably added that he doesn’t “want to micromanage this thing.” Umm, Arne, it’s nice that you give lipservice to not wanting to micromanage the District’s business, but get real. You speak for the president. So when you say “let’s put Kaya in there,” did Gray really have a choice? The Post reports that Duncan also brought up the fact that the feds awarded $75 million to the District last year through the Race to the Top contest. “We’re a partner,” Duncan said, when he really meant You shall obey! Gray’s spokeswoman gives the usual spiel about Hizonner being a big fan of Henderson but following a formal hiring process before deciding to name her as his permanent chancellor. Whatever. Does anyone think Gray’s not going to offer her the gig? The WaPo editorial board praises Duncan’s micromanaging, saying “Mr. Duncan cares passionately about the state of the District’s school reforms, and his observations are worth noting.” Observations are one thing, practically giving Gray his marching orders is another. In other education news, Education Week‘s completely useless yearly rankings of state’s “educational performance and policymaking” are out. Maryland is again No. 1 (tell that to some of the kids in Baltimore) while the District is second to last (take that Nebraska!).
AFTER THE JUMP: Anita Bonds’ Vote is Private; Carol Schwartz Is Not Running; Washington Post Just Gives Up in Video Making…
Leave Us Alone, Tim Craig!: The Post‘s intrepid city hall reporter continues to dog the D.C. Democratic State Committee over the secrecy surrounding their election of Sekou Biddle to an at-large council seat. Yesterday, Craig tried to get DCDSC Chairwoman Anita Bonds to say who she voted for. Bonds said her vote was private, but Craig points out that, “According to Democratic National Committee bylaws, ‘all meetings … and all other party committees, commissions and bodies shall be open to the public and votes shall not be taken by secret ballot.'” Whether those laws apply to the DCDSC is up for debate. Craig also noted that the DCDSC passed the collection bag around at the meeting, which DCist finds funny.
Carol Schwartz, Not Running: In case you were wondering whether the legendary Carol Schwartz was going to abandon the sun and warmth of Florida to compete in the special election, the answer is no. Bruce DePuyt catches up with Schwartz, who says, “I know it’s very viable for a possible return … This would certainly be my opportunity. I have good name recognition. And people tell me, ‘We miss you, please run,’ et cetera, et cetera.” But alas, it’s not meant to be.
Has the Washington Post just given up? This video tour of Gray’s office suggests so. (Reporter: “So, yes, this is your desk?” Gray: “Yes.”)
The Georgetown Dish promises a series on Ward 3 CM Mary Cheh, who they call “intense, brainy, and extremely tenacious.” Also has pictures of CM’ Sekou Biddle’s first day.
The Examiner‘s Freeman Klopott finds it noteworthy that reporters were not allowed to sit in on Gray’s first cabinet meeting.
Harry Jaffe likes the District’s gun laws.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier will be on Newstalk. Rend Smith reports that the police union is saying a whistleblowing commander is being moved out of the Second District for his role in Groomesgate.
Georgetown students falls from fifth floor dorm room.
DC Fiscal Policy Institute says let’s not go crazy over a bong rating agencies concern over the use of the fund balance.
Council schedule: Committees on Government, Economic Development and Judiciary meeting today, starting at 1 p.m.
Gray’s schedule: private meet and greet in Ward 3, 6:30 p.m. Staff meetings at noon.