Good morning, Washington. Unlike the promise made on the sign in this photo, Mayor Williams has confirmed our suspicions and formally announced that he will not seek another term. In a statement he made at the Hillcrest Rec Center, Williams said that he would be willing to advise the next mayor, but ruled out seeking any other office.
Today’s Post has an article discussing what Williams’ tenure has meant for D.C. If you’d like to hear similar reflections from the man himself, we suggest tuning in to WAMU’s “D.C. Politics Hour” at noon — the mayor is expected to be a guest.
Council May Have No Say On Stadium: WTOP reports that the future of the baseball stadium agreement is in flux — again. Sports and Entertainment Council chairman Mark Touhey has lawyers working to determine if a stadium deal will actually require the city council’s approval. Council Chair Linda Cropp has lawyers at work on the same problem (presumably from the opposite angle). We’ll keep you posted.
Independence Air Announces Layoffs: The Dulles-based airline will be firing eighteen percent of its employees and cutting nearly all of its west coast routes, WJLA reports. Rising fuel prices have pushed the relative newcomer close to bankruptcy. The planes freed up from western destinations will be used to offer new, shorter routes, including one to Puerto Rico.
Board Says Ladner Must Go: Things are looking bleak for embattled American University president Benjamin Ladner, who faces charges of misusing university funds. The Post reports that a majority of AU’s board of trustees — which previously favored leniency — now feels that he must leave office. The anti-Ladner student protest that we mentioned yesterday seems to have been the motivation for the board’s change of opinion.
Briefly Noted: Weird smell besets Northeast… Crystal City killing makes Arlington’s murder rate quadruple that of last year… Judith Miller released from Alexandria Detention Center… Va. Tech freezes tuition for low-income students…
Photo posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user easement.
