Barry Launches Bid for D.C. Council

Darrin Davis, 40, arrived in the District from Dallas in 1991 and, after making some shrewd real estate investments in Capitol Hill, identified neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River as the next big thing.

Housing prices were skyrocketing west of the river, but Ward 8 had cheap land and big plans for redevelopment. Public housing complexes were being demolished and replaced with neat townhouses. In the past two years alone, construction has begun or been completed on more than 5,400 residential units, according to the D.C. Marketing Center; another 1,200 units are in the planning stages, along with the first major retail developments in the area in years.

Davis bought and renovated a century-old house with a river view. Today, he ranks among the top-selling real estate agents in Ward 8. Though solidly middle class, he plans to vote for Barry.

"I don't think he's afraid to speak his mind. That's the kind of person I admire," Davis said. "We all have personal issues. He gets people to listen whether you want to or not."

Barry's appeal is bolstered by two factors. First, much of Ward 8 remains mired in poverty and receptive to his message of comfort. Second, and perhaps more important, there is widespread dissatisfaction with Allen.

Ward 8 residents tell stories about the failure of her office to respond to complaints about prostitutes, drug dealers, unlicensed group homes, polluting gas stations and wrong-way drivers who endanger children.

John Manning, 67, is a microbiologist who moved back to Ward 8 five years ago, bought a house and opened a pizza parlor after living for years in Silver Spring. Manning said he had been optimistic about Allen, but "we haven't gotten much from her." Now Manning is leaning toward Barry.

"I think his mind is still good. And I think he has a genuine interest for the people," Manning said. His biggest worry? Barry's sobriety, he said, and "the permanency of his rehabilitation."

In recent weeks, as rumors swirled about his candidacy, Barry has refused to discuss the addictions that forced him from the mayor's office in 1991. Two years ago, after he said he would campaign for an at-large council seat, U.S. Park Police said they found him at Buzzard Point in a black Jaguar with traces of marijuana and crack cocaine.

Citing the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, Barry said in an interview: "Your recovery is your recovery. You don't talk about it."

Yesterday, in response to questions, he said only: "I live a clean life now."

There are those who fully expect Barry to implode again. Many of them have been calling Allen's campaign, offering time and cash, said campaign manager Yvonne Cooper.

"The people in my community have a lot more sense than people are giving them credit for," Allen said recently. "I've seen a slogan about how Ward 8 needs a fighter. Well, I'm a boxer. Boxers have technique. Fighters just brawl."

Many Ward 8 residents say they owe Marion Barry, regardless of his personal demons. Clarence Green, 28, a construction worker, recalled the January day two years ago when Barry spotted him crying at a bus stop, mourning his sister who had been shot in the head.

Barry pulled $60 from his pocket and told Green to "go home, get a drink."

"I'll definitely vote for him," Green said, smiling. "He's a good dude."

Staff writer Hamil R. Harris contributed to this report.