It’s been a turbulent three months for Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray (D). The city’s executive was arrested April 11 along with the other “DC 41”—local officials and activists who protested riders in an agreed upon 2011 federal budget that impinged on the District’s autonomy.
Before that, Gray had to shoulder criticism for his initial administration’s questionable hiring practices and exorbitant salaries. Heads did roll, mainly that of former chief of staff Gerri Mason Hall, who, in recent hearings led by D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh, admitted to wrongdoings, from setting salary caps, to not letting the mayor know about the hiring of five employees’ children to different posts in the administration. While the mayor did not seem to be directly implicated during the two days of testimony, the extent of the political fallout remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Gray continues to juggle the demands of his job, including gaining passage of his proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget, which includes tax hikes and cuts to close a $322.1 million gap, and focuses on the four priorities of fiscal stability, quality education, jobs and economic development and safe communities.
In a one-on-one interview with the AFRO, Mayor Gray addressed all of these subjects and reiterated his administration’s commitment to Washington, D.C., despite recent shakeups.
AFRO: Why did you participate in the April 11 protest led by D.C. Vote?
GRAY: “This was a protest of inappropriate congressional interference. We were treated like another agency when in fact we are not. Congress determined it was going to make decisions for the city.”
AFRO: Your actions are usually aligned with Del. Eleanor Norton (D-DC). Is there anywhere you all don’t see eye-to-eye?
GRAY: “On this budget issue, we are certainly aligned. We are both focused on determination for the city. She should have a vote in the House of Representatives… should be a state.”
AFRO: Cheh hearings are now over. Some officials, specifically Gerri Mason Hall, in your initial administration have admitted to missteps. How do you feel about this?
GRAY: “I think we have indicated we would cooperate with Cheh hearings. There are things that should have been done different…Of course we wish those things wouldn’t have to happen, but we have taken steps to make sure they don’t happen again.”
AFRO: Why should D.C. trust your administration after admitted missteps?
GRAY: “I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector. I’ve worked on the City Council…We’ve been open, honest, transparent servants…On these issues (missteps in hiring practices), we have been very forthcoming.”
AFRO: What’s the next step for your administration?
GRAY: “Clearly the budget will be ongoing for a month and a half. Secondly, we are going to focus on education…creating an effective system, reform of special education, rebuilding education, trying to build the best public safety.”
AFRO: Did your experience on the Council help shape your proposed budget?
GRAY: “There’s no question to that being on the Council was very helpful. Our budget director on the Council when I was chair is the budget director for us now.”
AFRO: Tell me more about your thoughts on the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act that will reauthorize the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP).
GRAY: “I support all the kids in the program until they finish, but I’m a huge proponent of public education.”
