Breakfast links: Won’t you be my neighbor?
Military base tries to create its own version of DC
The Anacostia-Bolling military base in SW DC really wants to be a good neighbor, but the physical layout, perimeter wall, and bordering highway make the task difficult. (City Paper)
Social services are a delicate task
If done carefully, building social service facilities can improve a neighborhood for existing residents by showing a city’s commitment to improvement and investment. (MetroTrends, Rob P) … These successful cases are rare, but not impossible. (RPUS) (Tip: Rob P)
WMATA stops fighting union raises
The WMATA Board will stop appealing an arbitrator’s award of 3% raises for the last 3 years after a judge ruled against them. Board members say riders can’t keep absorbing these increases and challenged union members to improve customer service. (Examiner)
NPS enhacing citizen experience
On a commendable note, the NPS has created a free iPhone app guide to the Mall. The app provides details on 70 sites. (Fox 5)
Are drug laws racist?
Nationally, blacks are disproportionately arrested for drug charges. In DC, is the disparity due to racism, cavalier attitudes, or inter-generational households? (City Paper)
Government finances run on cycles
DC only has 20 days’ cash on hand. This might sound alarming, but it’s typical of governments to experience cash flow cycles. (DCist)
DC has another revolving door of lobbyists
Is it ethical for a politician to hire a lobbyist as a personal attorney? Though legal in DC, the common practice raises eyebrows for the appearance of malfeasance. (Post)
And…
Maryland is charging up an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council. (Times) … See a mass grave in Prince William County during the Civil War or see child labor in Alexandria in 1911. (Shorpy) … Congress has temporarily resolved the FAA shutdown. (NPR)