Politics & Government

State of the District? Mayor Gray Wants You to Know He's been Working Hard

The State of the District address Monday focused on jobs and education among Mayor Gray's other perennial policy concerns.

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray spoke to a packed auditorium at Eastern High School Monday evening about his desire to create more jobs and to continue to improve the education system in the District. He also addressed the socio-economic divide in recent achievements and growth experienced by some parts of the District. This was Gray's first State of the District address.

Gray indirectly addressed the scandals of his first few months when deep into the speech he told those in attendance they will get the government they "deserve—one that takes seriously the notion of public trust and accountability. If that trust is violated, you can expect swift action."

After the hour-long speech, Gray spoke to reporters, who asked why he only vaguely referenced the that have , he said he wanted to "talk about the issues affecting the city." Gray did not want controversy to be the main message, "I wanted them to know we’ve been working pretty hard" he said.

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During his address, Gray laid out his vision for the District, much like his campaign speeches about top-class schools, good jobs for all, a dynamic business environment and statehood. Toward those goals, "we are making progress" he said.

Gray spouted a list of recent awards and recognitions, D.C. had received: happiest city in America, most socially networked city in America and the smartest and fittest city in the country, among others. But he quickly noted, those superlatives only exist of a portion of the District.

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"For those left behind, the picture I have just painted of the city’s success is not a self-portrait, but something closer to a foreign landscape; you can gaze at it admiringly, but it doesn’t look anything like your neck of the woods" said Gray.

His comments drew applause and agreeing murmurs from the crowd in attendance.

Gray continued saying, "my intention is not to pit one part of the city against another," rather to make it clear that he will not leave behind those who have not prospered as the rest of the city has. "I will work to make ONE CITY out of the two very different realities that co-exist today," vowed Gray.

The Mayor said his solutions to the divide lie in first education, including workforce development, and then jobs. He acknowledged the demoralizing nature of unemployment and the "deep well of humiliation" that can come with long-term joblessness.

Gray balanced his understanding, adding later, "In some quarters, we have created a culture of dependency that does not encourage residents to take control of their lives. Public assistance should be a hand up, not a permanent hand out."

The Mayor has begun and will continue to make changes to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, by moving long-term recipients (60 months) out of the program, "breaking the cycle of dependency."

Gray continued, "we will help our residents overcome education and skills barriers; gain meaningful employment; retain their jobs; and eliminate their need for public assistance."

The Mayor also mentioned budget, which he is expected to deliver to the District Council Friday. To address the estimated $325 million deficit, Gray he and his team has "looked for cost savings before considering revenue enhancements. And I will not dip into our reserve or 'rainy day' fund to fill the budget gap."

He referenced "additional sources of revenue" but did not say anything directly about tax increases. 

In closing, Gray said there are certainly obstacles in the road to an ideal city and asked citizens to "rise to the challenge with me."


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