In some versions this article incorrectly said that Dupont Circle is in Ward 1, represented by D.C. Council member Jim Graham. The neighborhood is in Ward 2, represented by council member Jack Evans. This version has been corrected. In some editions, the article also incorrectly indicated that council member Mary M. Cheh sponsored legislation involving Verizon's bid to wire the city with its new fiber-optic system. Cheh is overseeing the process, but the legislation was introduced by the council chairman, Vincent C. Gray, on behalf of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.
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D.C. Council Supports Gun Control Revisions
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After last night's meeting and in response to gun-rights advocates, Mendelson said in an interview, "We have been mindful of the limitations set forth in the Supreme Court case, and the bill falls within that." He said the bill also will be "refined" before the final vote.
Meanwhile, Verizon is seeking permission to wire the entire city with its new fiber-optic system, or FiOS, which can support phone, television and Internet service.
In legislation introduced by Chairman Vincent C. Gray on behalf of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty -- and overseen by Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) -- the system would be installed in waves, starting next year. According to map provided by Verizon officials, the initial areas would include far Northwest Washington, extending from the Maryland line up to, but not including, Dupont Circle; far Northeast Washington, from the Maryland line to about Sherman Avenue; and a section of Southeast Washington, east of the Anacostia River.
Dupont Circle and Southwest would be wired three years later. Downtown, from Capitol Hill to Georgetown, would get the fiber-optic service last.
Council members Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) welcomed the system but expressed their frustration with the plan.
"Why are some neighborhoods sheep and the other neighborhoods goats?" asked Graham.
Evans, whose ward includes downtown and Georgetown, wanted to know why it was the only ward that would not have any installations in the first phase. "Ward 2 is the only ward that gets nothing in the first phase," he said. "Georgetown will get it nine years from now."
"We are one step closer," said William Roberts, Verizon regional president, after the vote.
Roberts also said, "If everyone is first, then no one is first. But you have to start somewhere. . . . It is a balanced approach."
In another matter yesterday, the council voted 12 to 1 to pass the Intrafamily Offense Act of 2008, which "increases the legal protections available to minors of dating and domestic violence."
Representatives of the Washington Catholic Archdiocese and victims of clergy sex abuse were in the council chambers hoping to influence a vote on the statue of limitations for damage claims of child sex abuse victims.
Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) had fought to have the statute of limitations dropped in cases of child sex abuse.
Instead, the council maintained limitations but extended them for several years.
"There is a balancing act in the interest of justice between the rights of the victim and the rights of the defendant," Mendelson said.
Jane Belford, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Washington, said she was pleased with the vote.
Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priest, called it "disappointing."
