Photo by Amberture

Good morning, Washington. The District is buzzing this morning over this Washington Post editorial urging D.C. Council Chair Vincent Gray to put up or shut up when it comes to entering the 2010 mayoral race. They write: “We say that not because we’ve soured on the mayor or would favor one man over the other at this early stage, but because the city could benefit from a full-throated debate on Mr. Fenty, his programs and the issues facing the District. Mr. Gray has made clear that he can’t stomach many of the policies being pursued by the mayor. Why not take his disagreements to the voters and either win a mandate for his alternatives — or let Mr. Fenty show that he has the support to continue on his course for a second term?” But Gray already answered the Post’s question, explaining that he’s just not sure he wants to give up his Council seat. The idea that the Fenty-loving WaPo editorial board might actually consider endorsing Gray is also pretty tough to swallow.

More Charges Likely for Ted Loza: Also in the Post, Del Quentin Wilber reports that former Jim Graham staffer Ted Loza could yet face additional charges, so his trial will probably be postponed. ‘The prosecutor did not disclose the nature of the new charges. Pleasant Brodnax, Loza’s attorney, said he did not “know what is coming” but maintained his client’s innocence.’

Council to Vote on Option-Year Contracts: Over at the Examiner, Michael Neibauer previews a proposed emergency D.C. Council meeting to vote on nearly $1 billion worth of possibly illegal option-year contracts. ‘Gray, in a letter to Attorney General Peter Nickles, said he is willing to have the council on Jan. 19 consider the 90 option-year contracts, none of which were reviewed by the council as the law requires. Nickles agreed last week to deliver the package for a vote on the condition that he “receive written assurance that the Council will ratify the contracts en masse.”‘

Briefly Noted: Army Corps of Engineers changing disinfectant used in D.C. drinking water due to terror concerns … Analysts predict housing market will heat up in spring … Supporters await city’s next move on medical marijuana … Schindler to be interim head of D.C. youth agency.

This Day in DCist: In 2009, it was déjà vu all over again when a water main break disrupted traffic on 16th Street.