Three weeks ago, we contacted the Fenty, Cropp and Johns campaigns for responses to ten questions. This week, we’re going to publish the responses that we were given. So far, only Councilman Adrian Fenty (Ward 3) has given us his answers. We’ll publish the rest as we receive them. Without further ado…

MBDC: Why do you want to be the Mayor of DC?

Adrian Fenty: I believe we can be much better. Government, like business, is about follow-through, responsiveness, attention to detail. That’s what I do.

MBDC: What sets you apart from other the other candidates running for Mayor?

AF: I have the energy and vision to transform the District of Columbia into a world-class City.

MBDC: If you could enact one law tomorrow, with full approval of the council, what would you legislate?

AF: I’m still thinking about that.

MBDC: If you win the election, how do you intend to fix DC’s schools?

AF: As Mayor, I will demand and deliver results. I will invest in the full continuum of education – from early childhood programs and the K-12 system, to after-school programs, post-secondary and continuing education, career, technical, family and adult literacy programs and workforce training. I will partner with the business community, universities, civic organizations, and nonprofit and cultural organizations to focus our civic commitment on strengthening public education. I will provide the leadership to leverage the funds and resources needed to rebuild our schools and to truly turn around our education system. I will overhaul and cut through the wasteful bureaucracy and focus on what matters most – the education of our children. To carry out this vision of excellent education opportunities for all our people and ensure that it is our City’s highest priority, I will:

• appoint a Deputy Mayor for Education;
• modernize and maintain our schools; and
• make strategic use of community and City resources to build excellent public education.

MBDC: Why did you vote against the Crime legislation?

AF: It is expensive feel-good legislation that doesn’t address the core issues.

MBDC: The smoking ban that’s upcoming in DC around the first of the year is fairly controversial, where do you come down on the issue? Why?

AF: I was one of two original introducers of legislation to ban smoking in nearly all indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants. In January 2006, the Council adopted a similar bill that will take full effect at the start of next year. The legislation will protect workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, an environmental health hazard known to cause cancer.

MBDC: What will your first act as Mayor be?

AF: I will appoint a Deputy Mayor for Education and move forward with building excellent public education.

MBDC: The commuter tax is another issue fraught with controversy, do you support such a tax? If not, why? If so, why?

AF: Last fall, I introduced a Nonresident Income Tax Prohibition Referendum, which would enable D.C. residents to plead to Congress our case that D.C. should be able to, as do the vast majority of cities across the country, tax income at the source. In other words, we should be allowed to tax workers whose jobs are located in D.C. They use our services, our roads, and require security and protection and should pay the appropriate amount for these services.

MBDC: If you were to lose this election, what would your next step be?

AF: Right now, I’m focused on winning.

MBDC: There are so many amazing and unique spots in DC, restaurants, parks, monuments, shops, streets and other places. What’s your favorite spot in DC?

AF: My current favorite spot is on anybody’s porch talking about important issues and second favorite is in campaign headquarters.