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Ripping Down Barriers
Glenis Gillis, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's executive assistant, checks out a homemade sign that was given to the mayor during a recent appearance.
(Photos By Sarah L. Voisin -- The Washington Post)
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"Hershey was the classic top-down power structure, and Mars was 50 people in a room in McLean," Tangherlini said. "And Mars is kicking Hershey's butt."
Constant Briefings
Some city officials say Fenty's bullpen is more style than substance. One sniped that much of the mayor's staff has additional office space elsewhere. So where's all of Fenty's paperwork? A peek into his file cabinets reveals little besides bags of peanuts and bottles of Vitamin Water.
Asked about his Spartan workspace, Fenty replied: "It would be the worst thing if I had stuff on my desk. My aides can file those things. Kennedy said you have to have advisers and the role of an executive is to make decisions. It's best if I spend my time making decisions or meeting with people, doing things only the mayor can do."
Like what?
"I spend a lot of time visiting agencies, schools, community meetings," he said. "I view those things in the category of things only a mayor can do."
Over three days, Fenty did not appear to use his desk for writing or for reading. He logged onto his computer only once -- to watch a council hearing online. Neil Richardson, deputy chief of staff, said Fenty doesn't need to write things down because his memory is remarkable.
He describes working with Fenty as a series of "living conversations," during which he briefs the mayor on a topic repeatedly over time until Fenty arrives at a decision.
"Nothing they bring me am I hearing for the first time," Fenty explained. "In reality, it's probably more deliberate and careful than if my staff came in and briefed me all at once and I made a decision then, because this way I am part of the process as it develops."
In truth, Fenty has another office -- Williams's old suite. It sits mostly as Williams left it, waiting for the rare times Fenty needs privacy, such as for confidential meetings about personnel. The only decorations are two pictures of Fenty and his wife.
The study next door is filled with dozens of framed newspaper stories documenting Fenty's election triumph, pictures of him in triathlons and a glass bowl the council presented him.
Is this where he escapes for thinking time? Not likely. The mementos are strewed about haphazardly, as if dumped by someone rushing off to more important things.
So, the mayor is asked, when do you find time to be alone with your thoughts?
"That's when I run," Fenty replied. "It clears your mind."
