D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty just put out his statement reacting to the passing of Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Ben Ali. More statements we’ve received today from local politicos are rounded up after the jump.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the founder and namesake of Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of the greatest treasures in the District of Columbia. Ben Ali was a man who invested his life in a small business that weathered many storms and became the soul of a neighborhood and the pride of our city. Though we mourn the loss of Mr. Ali, we are grateful that his legacy will live on in our hearts. On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, I want to thank the Ali family for sharing Ben with us.” – Mayor Adrian Fenty