Breakfast links: Some good changes

Will Four26 prompt reforms?

Keith Ivey suggests ending the at-large interim appointments, instituting IRV, and having more flexibility in election dates. Martin Austermuhle adds reforming the petition signature challenge process and fixing campaign finance loopholes. (Four26)

IRV explained, British style

A British video explains how Alternative Vote, called Instant Runoff Voting in the US, is not that complicated and is really like the way a group of “mates” might decide what “pub” to go to. An upcoming referendum could implement IRV for the UK parliament. (Gavin)

Higher ridership shrinks gap

Higher-than-expected ridership has buoyed WMATA’s finances some, shrinking the $72.5 million budget gap by approximately $6 million. Service cuts will still be on the table to close the remaining gap. (Examiner)

Swain’s ouster political payback

Mayor Gray had made a promise to the taxicab industry who heavily supported his campaign to fire Commissioner Leon Swain. Gray may reappoint a Commissioner from Marion Barry’s fourth mayoral term. (Post)

Barry wants Near SE, Near SE doesn’t want Barry

Marion Barry has made clear he wants the ballpark district added to Ward 8 in the upcoming redistricting. That’s very unpopular with residents of the area, who are organizing to oppose the idea. (JDland)

Residents oppose development in Bluemont

The civic association in Bluemont, west of Ballston, commissioned a proposal to create a walkable village center in place of some strip malls and warehouses. It’s not a real proposal yet, but some residents at a meeting already are objecting to potential development. (ARLnow)

Workers fired after accident

Two Metro workers were fired after leaving an escalator hatch open overnight at the Pentagon station.  The hatch remained open after the station opened and a woman fell in. (Examiner)

Important wedding today

We don’t mean the British monarchy. Coalition for Smarter Growth policy director Cheryl Cort and her partner are getting married. Mazel tov! And thanks, DC Council (except Yvette Alexander, Marion Barry and possibly Vincent Orange)!

And…

PBS Newshour profiled DC’s second-class status in Congress, hopefully raising awareness of DC’s struggle for representation. … Since the incentive for buildings to create street-fronting arcades was removed, at least one was enclosed. (City Paper) … 30 bridges, or 12% of those in DC, are structurally deficient. (TBD)