For Mayor and D.C. Council

Vote Adrian Fenty, Vincent Gray, Phil Mendelson and David Catania on Nov. 7.

THE NOV. 7 ballot contains the names of four elected officials who form the core of the District of Columbia's future political leadership: Ward 4 D.C. Council member and mayoral nominee Adrian M. Fenty (D) ; Ward 7 council member and council chairman nominee Vincent C. Gray (D) ; and at-large council members Phil Mendelson (D) and David A. Catania (I) , who are seeking reelection. We enthusiastically endorse Mr. Fenty, Mr. Gray and Mr. Catania. Mr. Mendelson also warrants reelection.

In last month's primary elections, Democrats registered strong votes of confidence in Mr. Fenty, Mr. Gray and Mr. Mendelson by nominating them for mayor, council chairman and at-large council member, respectively, and by wide margins. Mr. Fenty in particular embellished his reputation as a superb campaigner by capturing every precinct in the city. He is now managing the feat of campaigning for the general election while at the same time preparing for the office he is expected to enter in January. The Republican and Statehood Green party candidates are no match for Mr. Fenty in either experience or ability to galvanize the electorate. He deserves a resounding victory.

Mr. Gray, who is running unopposed, should also receive a strong endorsement at the polls. As chairman, and with only two years on the council, Mr. Gray will have the daunting task of working with a first-time mayor and a legislative panel reconstituted with three new members. We believe he is up to the challenge and, with support from his colleagues, will become a guiding force on the council.

Mr. Fenty and Mr. Gray are fortunate to be joined next year by two highly experienced and level-headed council members in Mr. Mendelson and Mr. Catania -- provided that voters, as expected, return the two lawmakers to office. Mr. Mendelson, as Judiciary Committee chairman, fell short of our expectations in his oversight of public safety agencies, especially the Fire and Emergency Services Department. One hopes he has learned some valuable lessons in his last term, which should hold him in good stead in the years ahead.

Mr. Catania, a former Republican running as an independent, has served as an anchor on a council given to drifting at times. He can be expected to expand on the enviable record he has established in improving health-care delivery in the nation's capital, should he retain his Health Committee chairmanship. We hope he does.