In Ward 8, Barry Strives to Reshape Legacy

Health Concerns

The waiter at Cafe MoZU was apologetic when he approached the political icon. The restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental hotel, which Barry chose for lunch and an interview, did not serve oysters and had no blender to make him a virgin strawberry daiquiri.

Barry settled for a silver pitcher filled with iced tea. He sipped it with his lemongrass soup and a plate of tempura shrimp and vegetables, which he pointed out was a healthier option than the $24 steak on the menu.

Health is both a high priority and a sore subject for Barry.

A prostate cancer survivor, he said he suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. He also has been hobbled by a diabetes-related foot problem that required a plastic cast for a time this year. He said he feels good despite at least three hospital visits since January. He acknowledged that his health has become a concern and that people talk about how old he looks, how thin he looks.

"I won't let it become an issue," he said.

During lunch, Barry was energetic and mentally acute, even recalling polling data from his first mayoral race in 1978. The gray beard he sported during his first several months on the council has been shaved. His gray hair has been dyed black.

Barry said that despite the toll of the years and his health problems, he still has what it takes to improve the lives of his constituents.

"It will take more than that to stop me," he said. "My brain is as sharp as ever."

A History With Ward 8

Kimberley Flowers's phone rang, and Marion Barry was on the line.

He suggested that Flowers, acting director of the D.C. Parks and Recreation Department, tour some dilapidated recreation centers in Ward 8.

Sure, Flowers said.

How about right this minute? Barry asked.