Ousted Parks and Recreation Head Is Pushed to Run for Council

Although the Democratic primary for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council is more than a year away, former D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation director Clark E. Ray is sounding like a candidate after being encouraged by a broad coalition of District residents to challenge three-term incumbent Phil Mendelson (D-At Large).

"I am honored as a Democrat to have so much encouragement from people across the city," said Ray, 45. "I am going to sit down, talk with my partner, talk with my family, and then I will meet with residents from across the city, and then I will share my vision for the city that I call home and love, and take it from there."

Mendelson said the potential challenge from Ray "is all part of the electoral process."

"Every four years, one has to apply and reapply for the job," he aid. "It is all part of the democratic process, making the case to the voters."

Ray's potential bid has been endorsed by a diverse group of residents named on a draft committee letter citing "Vision, Action and Results."

"The time has come to elect a Councilmember with a new VISION for the District of Columbia, one who understands that ACTION is needed to move forward new ideas, and the fortitude and experience to get RESULTS for the people of the District," reads the e-mail being distributed by a committee that includes political activist Peter Rosenstein and the District's former first lady Cora Masters Barry.

"I believe that we need to thank Phil Mendelson for all he has done, but there are no lifetime appointments to the council," Rosenstein said. "It is time for new blood to energize the D.C. Council."

Although Ray is openly gay, and the legalization of same-sex nuptials has become a hot-button issue, Rosenstein said, "this is not a one-issue campaign."

"Clark is a candidate who will be concerned about all issues of the city -- education, crime-fighting. He is a reserve police officer. This is about as broad a spectrum as you can have," he said.

Although the D.C. Council has drawn national attention since it passed legislation recognizing same-sex marriages from other states, "being gay is only part of who I am," Ray said. "My partner and I face the same obstacles that other people face. We all want safe streets and our children educated."

The draft letter states, "Clark Ray is as comfortable east of the river as he is west of the river and knows his way around this city's streets and our government better than anyone else who has ever run for the Council."

Gay Marriage Finds Support

Speaking of same-sex marriage, the Ward 6 Democratic Committee voted 73 to 3 last week in support of a resolution calling on the D.C. Council to approve a same-sex marriage bill.