Mr. Fenty's First Year
Kudos for getting control of the schools. Now the real work begins.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

"PLAYING IT safe is not the way to lead the District of Columbia or address its most pressing problems." That was our judgment in the fall of 2006 in endorsing the mayoral candidacy of Adrian M. Fenty (D). He has not disappointed, showing bold leadership on the District's most critical issue. Assuming responsibility for the public schools is the great accomplishment of Mr. Fenty's first year in office, but it remains his most formidable challenge and biggest political risk.

Mr. Fenty's brash style of governing was seen in other areas. He didn't flinch in ordering taxis to install meters or in switching gears on developing Poplar Point or in firing city workers who thought it okay to view pornography instead of doing their jobs. He raised his strong voice in support of D.C. voting rights and in defense of the District's right to restrict guns. He has been a visible presence in the community, attending neighborhood meetings, visiting families hit by tragedies and holding untold numbers of news conferences. His administration has been both accessible and accountable. The mayor's energy and his take-charge approach, even in the face of entrenched resistance, generally have won him good reviews. A recent Post poll showed a heightened sense of optimism about the city's future, with more than seven in 10 residents approving of the job Mr. Fenty has done.

Key to residents' approval was the mayor's decision to take over the city's failing schools. It was a fight he didn't have to take on but one he sought out because he couldn't stomach the deplorable education provided to District children. Mr. Fenty wisely sees better schooling as the foundation for his dream of a world-class city. Unlike his predecessor, Anthony A. Williams, Mr. Fenty didn't back down in the face of opposition from those who are frightened of change or who have a stake in the status quo. Instead, he chose to tie the success of his administration and his own political future -- not to mention the future of some 50,000 children -- to his ability to improve the schools.

Getting control of the schools is not the same as improving them; the real transformative work remains to be done. Mr. Fenty did well in choosing Michelle A. Rhee as chancellor and has given her both important political backing and needed resources. The D.C. Council, under the able leadership of Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D), has been a key ally for the mayor, and he will need its continued support. Reports of increasing friction between Mr. Fenty and some members of the council are worrisome. The coming months will bring school closings, a new teachers contract and other challenges. School reform is too important to become a victim of political or personal strife, and Mr. Fenty would do well to take stock of his dealings with the legislature so as not to jeopardize his agenda.

Then, too, Mr. Fenty must inventory the continued failings of District government. The recent tragic case of Banita Jacks and her four daughters was one awful reminder of the problems in city agencies. Care of mentally ill and developmentally disabled residents remains substandard. Crime is a concern, and it could get worse if the economy sours.

Mr. Fenty's first year was notable, but celebration is premature.