Photo by philliefan99.Good morning, Washington. We realized that there would be trade-offs when it came to the construction of the Silver Line, which will run Metro to and from downtown to Dulles International Airport: traffic, construction, logistical concerns with the Metro map and downtown track sharing — sure. Two things we didn’t think would be issues? The tracks which would serve the airport blocking views of Eero Saarinen’s universally-lauded architecture or the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority engaging in some seriously expensive security theater by being willing to address terrorism prevention “regardless of what it costs.” My kingdom for a tidy local infrastructure project!
Fimian To Concede: In the heated race for the House seat in Virginia’s 11th Congressional district, Republican challenger Keith Fimian will reportedly concede defeat to incumbent Gerry Connolly today. At last count, Connolly led the race by a mere 981 votes — a 0.4 percent margin which entitled Fimian to request a recount. Connolly had already declared victory, and he will be only one of four House Democrats that the GOP targeted in Virginia to survive the massive Republican wave. To boot, Connolly was also released from the hospital last night with a clean bill of health.
Paring Down The At-Large Appointee Candidates: Mike DeBonis checks in regarding the very large field of candidates who are planning on vying for the temporary D.C. Democratic State Committee appointment to the D.C. Council. Officially running (that is, those who have already picked up DCDSC petition forms) so far: Ward 4 State Board of Education rep Sekou Biddle, recent Council Chairman runner-up Vincent Orange, Ward 8 Democrats chair Jacque Patterson and recent Ward 6 runner-up Kelvin Robinson. DeBonis also says that current Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. and Michael A. Brown (who would really cause some issues if he switched party affiliation to Democrat, since he’s currently one of the two non-Democratic members of the legislative body) will likely wait until the special election in the fall, while Clark Ray is still “thinking about” his options.
Metrobus Imposter Gets Probation: A 19-year-old Washington man who, in July, donned a full operator uniform and stole a Metrobus from a Metro lot, then proceeded to operate the route before crashing into a tree, was sentenced to probation, community service and counseling yesterday. William Jackson pled guilty to the crime in September. The crash caused about $15,000 in damage to the bus.
Briefly Noted: D.C. to pay $10 million settlement to child who was shaken and beaten by his foster mother…Ted Leonsis makes his annual “ask the owner” appearance on WTOP this morning at 10 a.m….Air Canada flight makes emergency landing at National Airport…Maryland Race to the Top grant in jeopardy…Man killed after being hit by semi on Beltway…Farooque Ahmed, arrested on terrorism charges last month after casing Metro stations as part of a federal sting, due in court today for arraignment.
This Day in DCist: Last year, a lion attacked and killed a deer inside the National Zoo, and Marion Barry started filming a reality show.
