A Tale of Two Councils

What state is prevented by federal law from taxing income earned within the state by nonresidents? What state needs permission from Congress to spend locally raised tax dollars? And when Congress calls, the D.C. Council chairman comes running.

State? How about colony?

Still, city lawmakers have never met a perk to which they didn't feel entitled. To wit:

· Parking. Being a D.C. Council member means never having to worry about illegal parking. Well, almost never. Parking in front of a hydrant is a no-no. But if the car has council plates and is otherwise parked illegally, the owner is presumed to be on city business and is thus free to disobey parking laws.

· Free tickets. Want to take your kid to a baseball game or soccer match? Get in line to buy your ticket -- unless you happen to be one of the Golden Thirteen. Did you know that each council member gets two free tickets to every Washington Nationals and D.C. United game at RFK Stadium? They can use the tickets any way they want: for themselves, campaign contributors, folks they want to impress, etc.

And when the new $611 million baseball stadium is built, guess who will have a special box all to themselves.

That's not to mention other freebies: plays, concerts, banquets, receptions. No council member ever need fix breakfast or dinner at home or pay for lunch unless there's a desire to do so.

Despite the perks, it's a hard life for these pols. That's why they are giving themselves a raise. Meanwhile, as they look out for themselves, there is . . .

The Federal City Council:

Contrary to what the conspiracy theorists say, the Federal City Council is not a clandestine outfit. The half-century-old, business-supported, nonprofit group does, however, work quietly behind the scenes on city issues, including the public school system. So, as the D.C. Council plots to raise its pay, the Federal City Council: