News Room, continued

Thomas Introduces Resolution to Explore Initiation of Lawsuit Against the Executive for Failure to Follow the Law Regarding Day Care Program Closures—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, introduced a resolution at the Council’s September 22, 2009 legislative session calling for the Council to explore initiating or intervening in a lawsuit against the Executive to defend and protect the laws of the District due to consistent noncompliance and an attempt to usurp the authority of the Council.

Thomas’ Oversight Hearing Finds that DC Department of Parks and Recreation Has Failed to Follow the Law Regarding Day Care Program Closures—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, held an oversight hearing on September 9, 2009 regarding the status of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) child care facilities and services.

Thomas Recommends FY2010 Budget Changes to Strengthen District-Based Travel and Tourism Businesses and Facilitate Tracking Library System’s Capital Projects—In discussions with his Council colleagues regarding the FY2010 budget, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. has recommended two measures that would benefit District-based travel and tourism businesses, encourage non-District based travel and tourism businesses to register in the District, and raise revenue. To facilitate improved tracking of DC Public Library (DCPL) capital budget dollars, Councilmember Thomas, who chairs the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, also has recommended separate line items for each DCPL capital project.

Thomas Questions Executive’s Personnel Decisions in Revised FY2010 Budget: Letter to Chairman Gray Outlines Suggested Course of Action—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., in a July 20, 2009 letter to Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, raised a number of concerns regarding the revised FY2010 budget forwarded by the Executive to the Council of the District of Columbia late last week. The District’s FY2010 budget must be adjusted to eliminate a $150 million budget gap due to a decline in the city’s revenue estimates.

Thomas Seeks Subpoena Authority to Investigate DPR Early Childhood Program’s Funding Irregularities -Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, held an additional committee meeting yesterday at which committee members voted to support a resolution authorizing the committee to investigate the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Early Childhood Program. Councilmember Thomas is confident that the entire Council will approve the resolution at its next scheduled legislative session on July 31, 2009.

Council Passes Thomas Bill to Increase Protection of City Residents from District Government RIFs—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today introduced emergency legislation that increases the protection of bona fide District residents from reductions-in-force actions currently underway in District government agencies. The Council passed the bill unanimously.

Thomas Appreciates Appellate Court Decision Striking Down Checkpoints: A Broader Approach Is Needed, States Thomas—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that he is pleased that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has determined that the “Neighborhood Safety Zones,” or police checkpoints, deployed in the Trinidad neighborhood last summer violate the U.S. Constitution.

Council Passes Thomas Amendments to Crime Bill—At the Council’s June 30, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced three amendments to the “Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Amendment Act of 2009” during the bill’s first reading. The amendments, each of which was approved by the Council, eliminate from the bill the jury requirement for simple assault prosecutions; create more stringent gun registry procedures for gun offenders; and preserve the District’s disorderly conduct statute.

Thomas Introduces Legislation to Study Installation of Video Cameras on MPD Fire-Arms—At the City Council’s June 16, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced a bill to require the Mayor to study the feasibility of installing video recording devices on service fire-arms of all police officers sanctioned by the District. The purpose of the video recording device is to capture the circumstances during which law enforcement officers draw and discharge their weapons, protecting the rights of officers in any subsequent legal actions and alleviating concerns of citizens in police confrontations.

Thomas Introduces Bill to Require That Termination of Management Supervisory Service Employees Be Based on Cause—At the Council’s June 2, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced the “MSS Employment Amendment Act of 2009.” Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and At-Large Councilmember Michael Brown co-introduced the bill.

Thomas Introduces Bill to Establish Ward 5 Residential Parking Protection Pilot Program—At the Council’s June 2, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced a bill to establish a pilot program for Ward 5 Residential Parking Zones.

Thomas Participates in Opening Ceremony for Golden Olympics—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation (DPR), participated in the opening day ceremonies for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s 26th Annual DC Golden Olympics for residents age 50 or older. Councilmember Thomas was joined by Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser and the following members of the Executive: Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Acting DPR Director Dr. Ximena Hartsock, and DC Office of Aging Executive Director Dr. Clarence Brown.

Thomas Identifies Myriad Concerns Regarding Department of Parks and Recreation Budget—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, today outlined a number of concerns regarding the Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) budget as the Council prepares its mark-ups of the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request and Budget Support Acts.

Thomas Denounces Timing and Need for Reduction in Force (RIF) Within the Department of Parks and Recreation—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, was shocked to learn today that the Executive is moving to "RIF" employees in the Department of Parks and Recreation without an articulable basis.

Council Approves Thomas Bill Enabling Public Employee Relations Board to Conduct Business With One Member: Measure Resolves Impasse Over Nominees for Board’s Vacant Seats—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas introduced emergency legislation at the Council’s April 21, 2009 session permitting the Public Employee Relations Board to conduct business with one member. The emergency legislation resolves the impasse between the Executive and the Council regarding the Executive’s nominees to fill the Board’s four vacant seats.

Thomas Introduces Bill to Provide Tax Relief to Seniors—At the City Council’s April 7, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced legislation to provide tax relief to the District’s senior citizens. The bill increases the amount of pension or annuity income excluded from the computation of income subject to taxation by the District of Columbia.

Thomas Introduces Legislation to Aid to Commercial Property Owners and 12^th Street Businesses Impacted by Streetscape Construction—At the City Council’s April 7, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced two measures to assist local commercial property owners, many of whom are suffering financially as a result of the economic downturn.

Thomas Announces Median Strip on 12^thStreet Will Be Limited to Painted Street Markings—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has reversed its decision to install a landscaped, 10-foot wide median strip on 12^th Street between Randolph and Perry Streets, NE. Councilmember Thomas, who received complaints from Brookland residents and businesses about the proposed median, met with DDOT planning staff in January 2009.

Brookland Small Area Plan Moves Forward: Thomas Requests Inclusion of Specific Recommendations in Approval—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced that PR 18-46, the “Brookland/CUA Metro Station Small Area Plan Approval Resolution of 2009, was approved by the City Council at its March 3, 2009 legislative session. Councilmember Thomas thanked Chairman Vincent Gray for his extraordinary leadership in shepherding the resolution forward. Thomas also praised the DC Office of Planning for its efforts to create a plan that promoted transit-oriented development as well as preservation of green space.

Thomas Calls for Use of Stimulus Funds for Neighborhood-Based Economic and Workforce—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today called for the use of federal stimulus funds to jumpstart neighborhood-based economic and stimulate workforce development initiatives, such as projects in the Ward 5 communities of Carver Terrace, Ivy City, Trinidad, Bloomingdale, Lamond-Riggs, Brookland, Fort Lincoln, and Brentwood.

Thomas Calls for Reestablishment of D.C. Statehood and Compact Commissions—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced at the February 5, 2009 D.C. Green Party’s panel discussion on statehood that he intends to introduce legislation to reestablish the D.C. Statehood and Compact Commissions. The law establishing the original Commissions was repealed in 1994.

Thomas Bill to Require Removal of Accumulated Snow or Ice from Motor Vehicles Receives Unanimous Council Support—Emergency Bill Calls for Warning Citations Until Passage of Permanent—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. broke new ground today when he introduced emergency legislation to include as a civil infraction the operation of a motor vehicle without removing accumulated snow or ice. To date, no other state in the nation has enacted such legislation on a proactive basis.

Thomas Applauds Norton’s Leadership on DC Voting Rights, But Supports Expansion of H.R. 157 to Include Full Representation—Councilmember Thomas today applauded Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for her introduction of H.R. 157, noting her continuous leadership on securing Congressional voting rights and the valiant job she is doing in keeping the focus of her colleagues on this extremely important issue.

Thomas Announces Halt to Installation of 12^th Street Median Strip Until Further Engineering Studies Are Completed—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has agreed to halt installation of a median strip on 12^th Street between Monroe and Perry Streets, NE until further engineering studies are completed. Councilmember Thomas, who received complaints from Brookland residents and businesses about the proposed median strip, met with DDOT planning staff on January 13, 2009.

Thomas to Reintroduce Bill to Tighten Process Used to Sell District-Owned Property—When the DC City Council reconvenes on January 2, 2009, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will reintroduce legislation to tighten the process by which the city government disposes of District-owned property. The reintroduction of the bill is critical given the recent announcement that the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s has issued a Solicitation for Offers regarding the redevelopment of 11 DC Public School sites, six of which are located in Ward 5.

Thomas to Request Audit of DCPS Hiring Practices—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that he will request that the DC Auditor conduct a review of DC Public Schools (DCPS) with regard to its hiring practices to determine whether the school system is exceeding its personnel budget by backfilling positions and assess the impact of any backfilling on the current budget deficit.

Thomas Commends MPD on Launch of Safe City Initiative in Trinidad Neighborhood—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced his enthusiastic support today of the DC Metropolitan Police Department’s new Safe City initiative. Safe City is initially being launched in Trinidad, a Ward 5 neighborhood that has been plagued by high crime and numerous homicides.

Thomas Performs in the Musical “God’s Gift to DC—No Mo’ Crime”—Production Also Features Performances by DC’s Most Gifted and Talented Youth—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will sing and dance in “God’s Gift to DC—No Mo’ Crime” on December 19 through 21, 2008, a musical production by the Friends of Carter Barron Foundation of the Performing Arts.

Thomas Joins Comedian Steve Harvey and WHUR Talk Show Host Tony Richards in Ward 5 Holiday Turkey Giveaway—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. joined with nationally acclaimed comedian Steve Harvey to give away turkeys to needy residents of Ward 5’s Carver Terrace Public Housing on December 18, 2008. The turkey giveaway was covered live by WHUR radio talk show host Tony Richards.

Thomas Announces Fenty Administration Moving Forward With Ivy City Revitalization Initiative—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., who was instrumental in securing funding for Ward 5’s Ivy City Home Again Initiative, announced today that Mayor Adrian Fenty is moving forward with this much-need revitalization effort. Councilmember Thomas ensured that the Ivy City Home Again Initiative was fully funded in the District’s FY09 budget.

Thomas Sponsors Holiday Events for Ward 5 Residents in Need—To ensure that Ward 5 residents have a joyous holiday season, particularly those in need, Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. hosted a Ward 5 Holiday Open House from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2008, and a Breakfast With Santa from 8 am to 10 am on Saturday, December 20, 2008.

Thomas Conducts Oversight Hearing on Closure of DPR Childcare Sites—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, held a hearing on December 4, 2008 regarding the closure of seven DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) childcare sites. Councilmember Thomas, whom DPR did not inform in advance, learned from concerned parents about the agency’s decision to reduce its childcare sites.

Thomas Convenes Oversight Hearing on DPR Personnel Practices—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, convened a hearing today on DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) personnel practices in response to complaints from agency workers regarding pay inequities, inconsistent disciplinary actions, and questionable drug testing policies.

Councilmember Thomas Supports Expedited Construction of Recreation Projects But Questions Administration’s Transfer of DPR Capital Budget to OPEFM—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, announced today that he is encouraged by Mayor Adrian Fenty’s plan to expedite repair and renovate recreation centers funded through Council oversight hearings.

Councilmember Thomas Participates in Asthma Call to Action for DC Children and Youth—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr.—joined by Councilmember David Catania, DC Department of Health Director Pierre Vigilance, MD, and DCPS Director of Health and Wellness Diana Bruce—participated in a press conference on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 to highlight the District’s efforts to address childhood asthma.

Sponsors Father/Son Breakfast to Foster Parental Role in Student Achievement—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., in partnership with The 100 Fathers, Inc., sponsored a father/son breakfast on “Turning the Tide on Student Achievement” on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the John Burroughs Elementary School. The father/son breakfast is a response to the high truancy and high school drop out rates among males in the District of Columbia.

Thomas Introduces Emergency Legislation to Bury 12^th Street NE Utility Lines—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced emergency legislation today to bury all utility lines on 12^th Street, NE. The bill received strong support from Councilmember Thomas’ colleagues, particularly Chairman Vincent Gray, At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown, and Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans. Councilmember Evans is facing similar challenges in his Ward.

Councilmember Thomas to Give Away Gunlocks to Promote Firearms Safety and Protection—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, “Jr. held a press conference on Thursday, September 25, 2008 on the steps of the Wilson Building to announce the giveaway of 50 “RAC” gunlocks in conjunction with the American RAC and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Councilmember Thomas was joined by his Council colleagues, representatives from RAC and Omega Psi Phi, the Ward 5 pastoral community, and other civic leaders in the city.

Thomas Introduces Resolution to Temporarily Halt 12^th Street Streetscape Improvements to Address Residents’ Call for Undergrounding Utility Lines—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced a resolution today to temporarily halt 12^th Street streetscape improvements until Brookland residents’ request that the project include undergrounding the corridor’s utility lines is addressed.

Councilmember Thomas Hosts 19^th Annual Harry Thomas, Sr. Family Day—Event Features Housing Counseling Services in Response to Ward 5’s High Foreclosure Rate—On September 5, from 4 pm until 10 pm, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will host the 19^th Annual Harry Thomas, Sr. Day. The event honors the legacy of Councilmember Thomas’ father, the late Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr., and celebrates his commitment to strengthening families and communities.

Thomas Praises Mayor Fenty, Chairman Gray, and Councilmember Brown for Their Leadership in Bringing Phelps Vocational School On Line–Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today acknowledged the leadership of Mayor Adrian Fenty, Council Chairman Vincent Gray, and At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown in bringing on line the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School. Councilmember Thomas also praised Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization Director Allen Lew for completing the renovation of the school on time and on budget, as well as Phelps alumni, who encouraged the District to reopen the school.

Thomas Calls on Fenty Administration, Pepco to Underground Utility Lines on 12^th Street, NE—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that he has requested that the Fenty Administration and Pepco partner together to place underground the overhead utility lines along 12^th Street, NE in Brookland, particularly along the business section of the corridor. In letters to Mayor Fenty and Pepco’s Regional President Thomas Graham, Councilmember Thomas noted that the city and Pepco have worked together on undergrounding utility lines in several other District neighborhoods as part of streetscape improvement initiatives, and that Brookland would similarly benefit.

Thomas Commends Mayor Fenty, MPD for Solving Recent Ward 5 Homicides—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. praised Mayor Adrian Fenty and the Metropolitan Police Department for the arrest of suspects in two of Ward 5’s open homicide cases: the triple homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of Holbrook Street, NE on May 31, 2008, and claimed the lives of Duane Hough, Anthony Mincey, and Johnny Jeter; and the death of 12-year-old Marisol Caceres on July 29, 2008, which occurred at 60 Hawaii Avenue, NE.

Thomas Joins Ministers in Call to Payer to End Violence in Trinidad—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will join with pastors from seven Trinidad area churches in a call to prayer on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The prayer service will be held at the Trinidad Recreation Center, 1310 Childress Ave., NE. As part of his remarks, Councilmember Thomas will read the names of each individual slain in Ward 5 this year, and call on the community to provide information on those homicides that remain unsolved.

Thomas Meets With Ward 5 Leadership to Highlight Community-Based Programs Seeking to Bring Peace and Stability to Trinidad—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. met with the civic leaders of Ward 5 on Saturday, July 26, 2008 to highlight community-based initiatives that are providing the programming outlined in his Thomas’ 10-point plan to reduce teen/young adult violence.

Thomas Promotes Summer Youth Program That Introduces Teens to Television Journalism—“Teen Time” Participants to Produce Four-Segment Political Talk Show on 2008 Presidential Election—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. held a press conference on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 to highlight the success of Teen Time, a summer youth program that introduces 14 to 18 year olds to all aspects of producing a political talk show, including interviewing on-set guests, conducting field interviews, fielding questions from an audience, and editing footage into four segments.

Thomas Promotes Little League Baseball at "Stars and Strikes" D.C. Youth Baseball Showcase—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will throw the first pitch at the “Stars and Strikes” D.C. Youth Baseball Showcase, to be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008, from 9 am to 10 pm. He will also provide remarks about the importance of reviving youth baseball at 2 pm.

Thomas Calls for Strict and Stringent Handgun Regulations in Response to Supreme Court Decision—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. expressed his extreme disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the District gun ban, and indicated that the Council must now establish strict standards to regulate the sale of handguns in the District of Columbia. According to Justice Anton Scalia’s decision, the District can regulate handguns and ban handguns in “sensitive places.”

Thomas Releases Findings of Survey of Trinidad Neighbors’ Reaction to Checkpoints—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. released the results of a survey of Trinidad residents regarding the Neighborhood Safety Zone checkpoints. The survey was conducted at a June 13, 2008 community meeting that Thomas held with Trinidad residents.

Councilmember Thomas Holds Healing Session for Trinidad Community —Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. will meet with residents of the Trinidad community on Friday, June 13, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to start the healing process after the spate of homicides that have shaken the neighborhood. Professional counselors, members of the clergy, and civic leaders will be present to work with residents during the interactive session.

Thomas Holds Public Roundtable on Inspector General’s Audit of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Oversight of Capital Projects—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, held a public roundtable on June 5, 2008 regarding the Inspector General’s Audit of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Oversight of Capital Projects.

Thomas Calls for Long-Term Strategy to Address Underlying Causes of Violence in Ward 5 Neighborhoods—Vehicular Checkpoints Are Not Enough, Says Thomas—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. held a press conference on Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. At the press conference, Councilmember Thomas called on the Fenty Administration to develop a long-term strategy to bring stability and economic prosperity to Trinidad, Carver Terrace, Brentwood, and Edgewood—Ward 5 neighborhoods that have endured nearly two dozen homicides since January.

Councilmember Thomas Holds 2nd Fore Our Youth Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Swing Sports Programs—Councilmember Thomas hosted the 2nd Team Thomas—Fore Our Youth Golf Tournament at the Langston Golf Course on Thursday, May 29, 2008. The tournament benefits Team Thomas SwingAway/DC First Swing, a not-for-profit urban youth program that introduces boys and girls to swing sports: golf, tennis, and softball/baseball. Team Thomas SwingAway/DC First Swing also provides interactive learning experiences by connecting kids to our city’s recreation centers and libraries.

Councilmember Thomas Releases 10-Point Action Plan to Address Needs of Teens and Young Adults in Response to Spike in Homicides—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy “Thomas, Jr. released his 10-point action plan to address the needs of teens and young adults in response to the recent spike in homicides occurring across the Ward.

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