Breakfast links: Our elected leaders
Vote now
Today is DC’s special election for at-large councilmember. Vote at your local polling place until 8 pm. We’ve endorsed Bryan Weaver; for more details on candidates, see Martin Austermuhle’s voter guide.
Biddle fades at the finish
8 DC councilmembers endorsed Sekou Biddle, but they’re not doing much to help him over the finish line, and it seems his campaign hasn’t really asked. Yvette Alexander even switched to Vincent Orange, claiming Biddle told her he doesn’t need Ward 7. (Loose Lips)
Seegars makes interracial marriage an issue
Vincent Orange’s Ward 8 supporter Sandra Seegars keeps trying to make race the issue in the race by saying Sekou Biddle doesn’t mention his white wife when speaking to black audiences. (Examiner)
Coalitions can be contradictory
Why does Respect DC coalition pushing for a Walmart community benefits agreement want both more transit and more parking? It’s a coalition, and coalitions are tricky. “Activism is easy—organizing is hard.” (Housing Complex)
MD legislature ignored environment
The Maryland legislature struck out on environmental policies in this year’s session, failing to pass a 5¢ bag fee, wastewater rules for development, drilling protections, and more. (The Capital)
Costco returns would take a decade
The proposed $4 million subsidy for Costco would take nearly a decade to recoup. Still, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett says he has enough support on the Council for the deal. (WBJ, Danila S.) (Tip: Danila S.)
Boat club nixed public plaza
The Old Dominion Boat Club has refused to move its surface parking lot into a below-grade garage proposed by the city, effectively blocking a proposed public plaza for the Alexandria waterfront. (Examiner)
St. E’s at risk?
Might Congress cut money for the DHS headquarters consolidation at St. Elizabeth’s? It would save $4 billion. GSA is trying to see if they can fit more people in than originally planned, through desk sharing and teleworking. (Capital Business)
And…
An elderly couple were pulled to safety by other riders after falling into the tracks at Gallery Place. (Examiner) … A new highway sign directs northbound drivers from Richmond around the east side of the Beltway to New York. (Potomac Local) … Several days after drawing scrutiny for a high-speed escort of Charlie Sheen, MPD escorted the New York Rangers around the city. (DCist)