dc diary

A Long Day at City Council Ward 2 City Council Member Jack Evans

By Jack Evans

July 2008

On Thursday, July 15, the DC Council had its final meeting before the summer recess. By the Home Rule Charter, the District’s Constitution drafted by Congress in 1974, the Council goes on recess from July 15 until September 15. The last meeting before recess every year is always a long one, and this year was no different.

On Thursday we started at 10:00 am and went long into the night. Of the 143 bills considered by the Council, two issues come to mind that had lengthy discussions – school modernization and gun control. It is amazing the amount of work and time that goes into presenting a bill on behalf of, and in support of, the public.

When we come back on September 16, we will consider the final legislation before the Council term ends. The legislative periods run for two years starting in January following the elections and proceeding for two years. All legislation stays in effect for the two-year period, but if not voted on by the entire Council, it then expires at the end of the term.

With the summer recess in effect, the next major event is the primary election on Thursday, September 9. This is considered the off year election because there is no major chairperson election. At stake is the At-Large Council seat and Councilmembers in Wards 2, 4, 7 and 8. Since the Democratic At-Large Councilmember has no opposition, the individual Ward races are the focus.

In Ward 2, I am running for re-election with one opponent. I will be working tirelessly over the next 50 days to get re-elected to the Ward 2 Council seat and look forward to representing you at the Council.

Jack Evans is Ward Two’s City Councilmember. His column appears in each edition.