Fenty, Ramsey Discuss Hurdles

Police Chief's Fate Won't Be Decided Until After Election

Democratic mayoral nominee Adrian M. Fenty met with D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey yesterday but said he would not make a decision about Ramsey's future until after the general election in November, even as two key council members expressed support for the chief.

Fenty was critical of Ramsey during the primary campaign, demanding that the force improve neighborhood patrols. In particular, he wants Ramsey to put more officers on the streets, instead of in administrative positions, and pay more attention to smaller crimes.

"We talked about every aspect of running a police department and the role of the mayor," Fenty said at a news conference with Ramsey outside the John A. Wilson Building. "I believe a mayor has to be extremely engaged in policing. . . . This is part of learning information about what the chief thinks is going right and what needs to be improved."

Asked if he wants to remain chief in a Fenty administration, Ramsey said: "That's a decision the mayor has to make. . . . I could work for everybody."

Ramsey's future is among the top questions as Fenty heads for a likely victory in the Nov. 7 general election in the largely Democratic city. Fenty has said he will make immediate changes among the leadership of several agencies. He has also said he is weighing a bid to take direct control of the city's failing school system and that he is considering the departments of homeland security, personnel, permitting, corrections and contracting for significant reforms.

During a busy day of meetings, Fenty talked with congressional members, the Washington Nationals ownership group and School Superintendent Clifford B. Janey and the Board of Education.

Fenty said he told school officials that they need to step up the pace of reform, although he did not broach his idea for a takeover.

"Residents feel there is not enough accountability and not enough urgency," Fenty said.

School board president Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who is not seeking reelection, said school officials and Fenty agreed to meet every two weeks.

"There are a lot of things we can do together to make the school system move more quickly," Cafritz said.

For instance, she said, school renovations might be speeded up if procurement rules were streamlined. "Everything the mayor-elect wishes for can be accomplished quickly if we work together," Cafritz said.

Last week, Fenty said he would not ask Ramsey to "clean out his desk" immediately, calling that an irresponsible approach that could hamper a smooth transition. But Fenty also predicted that under no circumstances would Ramsey remain for a full four-year Fenty term.

Before the news conference yesterday, council members Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), head of the Judiciary Committee, and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), head of the Finance and Revenue Committee, said they hoped Fenty would retain Ramsey, who has been in charge since 1998.

"We need to be mindful of stability," said Mendelson, who won his primary bid for a third term. "Any change at the top can be destabilizing."

Fenty said Ramsey has done a good job in cleaning up a once-"corrupt" department and reducing crime. But Fenty added that while knocking on doors during the campaign, he heard from residents across the city who felt that police are not visible enough in neighborhoods.

Ramsey said it is difficult for officers to walk their beats while also responding quickly to a call for help.

"We'll have to find a way to get officers out of their cars without losing response times," Ramsey said. "It's a challenge. I don't have the answer yet."

Staff writer V. Dion Haynes contributed to this report.