Thursdays seem to bring out the populist in many D.C. politicians, and heading into a sure-to-be contested 2005-2006 mayoral race, one can only think that it serves to shore up a candidate’s credentials and their base of support. It worked for Juan and Eva Peron, at left, who ruled over Argentina from 1946-1955 with high levels of support from the country’s poorest, so why not here?

Mayor Williams and the Property Tax: The Post is reporting today that D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams has asked the City Council to reconsider a property tax cut that would best serve Wards 2 and 3 — home to the city’s most affluent residents. The cut, which would reduce the tax on every $100 of assessed value by two cents, was written into the 2006 budget as a means to provide relief to homeowners suffering from increasing land values, and would cost the city roughly $8 million. Williams pointed to a report from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer indicating that 52 percent of the benefits of the cuts would go to residents in Wards 2 and 3, which have per the highest per capita incomes of the city ($42,660 and $58,584, respectively) and are by-and-large white (65 percent and 84 percent, respectively). A move of this sort, coming from a mayor often seen as aloof and disconnected from the concerns of the city’s poorest, may be a good way to lay the groundwork for a friendlier, more caring Tony Williams in 2006, should he choose to run.

Catania and Universal Health Insurance: Councilman David Catania (I-At Large) proposed legislation on Tuesday requiring that the mayor propose strategies to ensure that all District residents have universal access to healthcare by 2010, reports the Examiner. Currently 56,000 residents — 10 percent of the city’s population — have no health coverage. The proposal fits well into Catania’s recent history of fighting for populist causes — he has taken on the pharmaceutical industry, thrown roadblocks in front of the ever-expensive new stadium for the Washington Nationals, and legislated limitations on the ability of big box retailers to set up shop in the District. Is Catania a true-blooded man of the people, or is he acting like one for the sake of higher office? Either way, he’s sure to gain supporters along the way.