Mayor Fenty Campaigns for Reelection

Wednesday, August 25 students gathered in the Digital Auditorium of the Armour J. Blackburn Center to learn about getting involved with incumbent mayor, Adrian Fenty's, reelection campaign.

Students were told Mayor Fenty would be in attendance. Instead "Oh! You Fenty, huh?" a campaign song to the tune of the summer hit "Fancy" by rapper Drake, was played repeatedly. Students were made to believe someone would be informed how they could help out at the polls, instead they were promised free food, money, and Trey Songz for a job they didn't quite understand.  

"[I think] he's desperate," said Danielle Aaron, a junior psychology major, referring to his efforts to change the voting rules, as well as his efforts to get Howard students to support him.

Fenty is the current mayor of the District of Columbia. He was elected in November of 2006 and has been serving since Jan. 2, 2007. He is the youngest person to ever serve as mayor of D.C. He won the election at 35 and entered office at 36.

 In 2006, the mayor ran on a platform focused on bringing a more energetic and hands-on approach to city government. Fenty made high-quality public education, government efficiency and accountability the top priorities of his first term.

His progress with education has hit a sour note with many D.C. residents.

"With Fenty in office, after 10 years of increasing school test scores, scores declined last year and fixing schools requires more than just firing 'ineffective' teachers. Firing teachers right now, really isn't benefiting anyon. It is not helping the schools. It is actually hurting them," said Valencia Eldridge, a D.C. resident.

 In April 2007, the D.C. Council approved Fenty's "school takeover plan." Under the new structure, the existing superintendent was replaced by  current Chancellor, Michelle Rhee. This power shift allowed Fenty to make swift changes in the system's central office, improve teacher qualification requirements and implement a dramatic school consolidation process to focus resources on stronger academic programs.

"I like Mayor Fenty. He cares about the students. He knows that we are the next teachers, politicians and decision makers, so we need a great school environment," said Woodley Sharniske, a high school senior.

Despite the good that Fenty's accomplishments, there has been some controversy. Fenty came under national criticism during the historic snowfall of February 2010 for what many claim was the District's inadequate response, during which the U.S. Federal Government was shut down for a week. Fenty was also accused of reserving city contracts for members of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

"There are just too many secrets surrounding [Fenty]. Plus he is arrogant, selfish, and he could care less what anybody thinks," says Victoria Gordanis, a government employee and D.C. resident.

Last week, a Washington Post poll found that despite raising millions for his campaign, Fenty is many points behind in the polls to his direct competitor, Vincent Gray.  

 Wednesday, Sept. 1, Mayor Fenty, along with other D.C. dignitaries, went to an event to kick-off the development of a community park where the Gage Eckington School once stood.

Alicia Burke, a Bloomingdale community activist who was in attendance at the event, believes if Fenty stays involved within D.C. communities, his campaign will benefit.

"As long as Fenty stays involved in the community by coming out to events like this and sitting in on meetings, it will all work out for him in a good way," Burke said.

Elections for the mayoral race will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14.