Hartsock called to testify
Last month, The Hatchet reported on the controversy surrounding GW alumna Ximena Hartsock, the interim director of D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Last week Hartsock was on the witness list for a hearing led by Council member Harry Thomas Jr., but since she did not show up, he decided to issue a subpoena for her to appear Nov. 16. to testify about controversial construction contracts. Mayor Adrian Fenty also promised this week to replace Hartsock by Dec. 1, the Washington City Paper reported. The D.C. Council had refused to confirm her nomination earlier this year, and an executive order from Fenty has been keeping her on the job.
Catholic Church vs. D.C. Council
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is not happy with the D.C. Council’s gay marriage legislation up for a vote next month, so it’s threatening to take away social services to the city if changes are not made to the bill. Church officials said earlier this week that its Catholic Charities organization will end its contracts with the city if the bill passes. Under the bill, the organization feels it would be going against its own beliefs by having to provide employee benefits to same-sex married couples or by allowing them to adopt.
Fenty will ride again – without motorcycle escort
More controversy for Fenty arose this week after a report from WTOP about Fenty’s use of a motorcycle police escort for his bike rides around the city. Video of the mayor training with his competitive cycling team can be seen here. Fenty said Thursday that he would not use motorcycle security on future bike rides, NBC 4 is reporting.
