Our choices for D.C. Council

In Ward 2, Jack Evans is unchallenged in the Democratic primary. His experience, more than two decades on the council, and sound judgment, particularly on fiscal matters, are needed on an increasingly dysfunctional council.

Washington Post Editorials

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Shining a light in the shadows

Editorial Board

Disclosure of donors must be a pillar of campaign finance reform.

Immigration reform mostly unscathed

Editorial Board

The biggest reform of the nation’s immigration system in a generation advances.

Apple shifts its tax burden

Editorial Board

But it’s the tax code, not Apple, that’s rotten to the core.

Another bright spot on the council is Muriel Bowser, who is facing five Democratic challengers as she seeks her second full term as Ward 4 representative. Smart, hardworking and independent-minded, Ms. Bowser has shown herself to be an effective advocate for the interests of her demanding ward and a leading voice for education reform and good government. It was under her deft leadership that the council passed ethics legislation, and she promises additional, badly needed reforms in procurement and campaign finance. Her opponents fail to make an effective case against her reelection.

Ward 7 is the scene of spirited contests in both the Democratic and Republican primary. That’s due, in part, to discontent with the lackluster tenure of incumbent Yvette M.Alexander (D). Elected to the council in a 2007 special election, Ms. Alexander has few accomplishments in legislation or improvement to her ward. Moreover, she has shown a troubling blind side to ethical niceties, failing, for example, to see the problem of using a high-profile lobbyist promoting a business interest in her ward to represent her on allegations she misused her constituent-service account. Her most promising challenger is Tom Brown, who has a solid background in workforce development. Mr. Brown drew on his own struggles growing up poor to shape a career focused on teaching entrepreneurship to youth and training them for jobs. He has a keen understanding of the needs of the ward and a track record of hard work that gets results.

In the Republican contest, Peaceoholics leader Ron Moten is the choice over Don Folden, former street vendor and perennial candidate. Mr. Moten, who recently switched to the GOP out of frustration with what he sees as the abuses of one-party Democratic rule, shows a smart grasp of the issues facing the city. The energy of his campaign speaks well of the kind of constituent service he would provide to long-suffering Ward 7 residents.

The issue for Ward 8 residents in need of jobs, economic development and better schools and other city services is whether they can afford four more years of Marion Barry as their representative. Voter affection for the four-time former mayor should not mask the need for a council member who can bring results. Several promising candidates, including former Barry aide Natalie Williams, are challenging the incumbent; our endorsement goes to Jacque D. Patterson. His history of service to Ward 8 and his experience in the administration of former mayor Anthony A. Williams and at the Federal City Council give Mr. Patterson the insights and skills to improve schools and help bring jobs to Ward 8.

For more from Post Opinions:

Editorial: Show us the money orders

Editorial: Where’s the outrage on Harry Thomas Jr.?

Editorial: D.C. Council’s passage of an ethics bill is an important step