In Ward 4, Election Buzz Is Politics As Usual
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Thursday, July 5, 2007
Just months after the mayoral race and the special council election, the Ward 4 political saga continues.
First it was Ward 4 resident Adrian M. Fenty beating Linda W. Cropp for mayor. Then it was Muriel Bowser, a Fenty protege, defeating Michael A. Brown, a Cropp supporter, for Fenty's vacant Ward 4 council seat.
Now, some political observers are abuzz with talk that Tuesday's election staged by the Ward 4 Democratic Committee will be a three-peat -- with another matchup of new guard vs. old guard. The group will elect new officers at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the 4th District Police Station, at 6001 Georgia Ave. NW.
Bowser selected Deborah Royster, a Pepco lawyer and Fenty ally, to head a slate of candidates. Royster, a newcomer to the political organization, will challenge Gerri Adams-Simmons, a longtime Cropp supporter who has been active among Ward 4 Democrats for more than a decade.
Royster acknowledges that she has "not been formally active" in the Ward 4 political group, but she gave it thought after Bowser recruited her. Royster is best known for her successful push to get the city to demolish a $1.5 million house wedged between her back yard and a neighbor's yard.
"There's a need for fresh leadership," Royster said. "One of the lessons I've learned from our experience with the house in the back yard is: It's important to participate in the Democratic process. It's vital."
Adams-Simmons, former president of the Brightwood Community Association and the Federation of Civic Associations, said that Democrats may have been in different camps before the mayoral election, but that's behind them now.
"I don't see how someone can say I'm somebody's person," Adams-Simmons said. "I'm not really a politician. I'm doing something for my community."
Both Royster and Adams-Simmons play down associations to the elected officials who have taken office before them.
"That's ridiculous," said Adams-Simmons, although she admits she hears it as she campaigns. "A number of us wanted to run because we want to unify the ward. We look forward to supporting our new council person."
Royster echoed that sentiment.
"That's not how I see it," Royster said. "Our support will come from both camps, even if a divide still exists."
