DC Workforce Development Pilot Program Places District at the Vanguard of Job Readiness and Workforce Training, Says Thomas—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today expressed his enthusiastic support for the newly formed public-private partnership to promote workforce skills and training among District residents. “The initiative places the District at the vanguard of creating innovative ways to deliver job readiness and workforce training,” said Thomas.

Thomas Opposes B19-77 “Pension Protection and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2011”—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today stated his opposition to B19-77, the “Pension Protection and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2011.” The bill was introduced on February 3, 2011 and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment. Councilmember Thomas also expressed opposition to inserting language from B19-77 into the Budget Support Act, a procedural option available to the Council.

Council Passes Thomas Bill Permitting Craft Brewery Tastings—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today introduced emergency legislation to amend the DC Code to allow beer tastings on the premises of craft breweries.

Thomas Introduces Bill to Provide Property Tax Relief to Businesses Impacted by Streetscape Construction—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today introduced the Streetscape Corridor Taxation Relief Act of 2011. This bill would amend the DC Code to allow commercial property owners substantially impacted by streetscape construction to have penalties and interest for delayed real property tax payments waived.

“Jock Tax” Moves Forward With Council—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today stated that his support of collecting income taxes from nonresident, professional athletes dates back to the Council’s spring 2010 budget discussions.

Thomas Calls for a Bully-Free DC: Press Conference Highlights the Personal Stories of Young People Victimized by Bullying--Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., an active advocate for advancing anti-bullying programs and policies in the District of Columbia, held a press conference on Thursday, April 21, 2011 to promote Bill 19-11, “The Bullying and Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011,” and “Bully Free DC,” an initiative to end bullying in the District.

Thomas Co-Introduces Resolution Calling for Taxation of District’s Nonresident, Professional Athletes—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today co-introduced a resolution at the Council’s legislative session calling upon Congress to amend the Home Rule Act to allow the District to collect income taxes from nonresident, professional athletes for work performed in the District.

Thomas Links Residents to Construction Jobs at Rhode Island Station: Share of New Hires Who Reside in DC Far Exceeds First Source Requirement—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. has been actively working with developer RI Station, LLC (a joint venture between Urban Atlantic and A&R Development Corp.) and its general contractor, Bozzuto Construction, to ensure that hiring at Rhode Island Station complies with the District’s First Source program, and that whenever possible, Ward 5 residents are hired.

Thomas Introduces Legislation to Establish Commission on African-American Affairs—At the Council’s April 5, 2011 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. introduced a bill to establish a Commission of African-American Affairs. The Commission’s mission will be to review and analyze the District’s decline in African-American population, as indicated by the 2010 Census, and advise the Mayor, Council, and general public on the views and needs of African-American communities concerning low education, economic, or health indicators.

Trout Report Calls for Referrals to US Attorney General--The Special Committee on Investigation of Capital Projects of the Department of Parks and Recreation voted this morning at its 11:00 meeting to release to the public the “Report of the Special Counsel to the Special Committee on Investigation of Capital Projects of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The 257 page report is in direct response to the inquiry of the Committee on Library, Parks and Recreation, then chaired by Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. (D-W-5).

Thomas Introduces Bill to Create Business Development Enterprise Fund to Promote Local Business Development—At the Council’s legislative session today, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., chair of the Council’s Committee on Economic Development, introduced a bill to enhance, expand, and assist local business development.

Thomas Calls for Comments on Proposed Design of New York Avenue Walmart Project--Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today requested comments from Ward 5 residents and other interested parties on the proposed design for the Walmart project planned for New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road, NE.

Thomas Urges Parties to Resolve Nursing Dispute at Washington Hospital Center—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today called upon the management of the Washington Hospital Center to resolve its dispute with National Nurses United. Thomas and nine of his colleagues sent a letter on February 23, 2011 to John Sullivan, President of the Washington Hospital Center, outlining their concerns.

Large Tract Review Filed for Ward 5 Walmart—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. stated today that WV NW LLC, a subsidiary of Walker Developments, Inc., the developer of the site of the Ward 5 Walmart, has submitted its large tract review application to the Office of Planning.

Council Passes Thomas Bill Calling for Review of the Status of Separated City Workers Alleging Reinstatement Orders Have Been Ignored—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today introduced emergency legislation calling for a review of the status of separated District employees who have successfully challenged their terminations and were granted the ability to return to service. The Council voted in support of the measure.

Thomas Applauds Ruling that October 2009 Dismissal of New Teachers Was Flawed—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. today applauded an independent arbitrator’s February 9, 2011 ruling that the termination was flawed for 75 of the 266 teachers fired during the DC Public School system’s October 2009 reduction-in-force (RIF).

Thomas Speaks Out Against Bullying on National Stop Bullying Day—On February 9, 2011, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. spoke out against bullying as part of WPGC’s support of “National Stop Bullying Day.” The self-esteem-building nonprofit Hey UGLY (Unique Gifted Lovable You) has designated the second Wednesday of February—this year, February 9—as a day for schools across America to conduct stop bullying classroom activities and school assembly presentations on how to eradicate bullying from schools and neighborhoods.

Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011 Moves Forward With Thomas Support—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., a co-introducer of B19-7, the “Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011,” is pleased that the legislation is moving forward. The Council’s Committee on Health, under the leadership of At-Large Councilmember David Catania, held a hearing on the bill today.

Living Wages and Creating Small Business Opportunities Key to Thomas’ Community Development Strategy--Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Development, today reiterated that living wages for District residents and creating small business opportunities are central tenets of his community development strategy. Councilmember Thomas views fair wages and thriving local businesses as able to coexist with the advent of large retailers in the District.

Thomas Reaffirms Commitment to Create Jobs, Increase Tax Revenue, and Stimulate Investment in the District—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Development, today reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to create jobs, increase tax revenue, and stimulate investment in the District of Columbia. Councilmember Thomas views the entry of Walmart into the DC marketplace as helping achieve these goals.

Thomas Introduces Resolution Encouraging Delegate Norton to Introduce Legislation Calling on Congress to Admit District as 51^st State of the Union—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced a resolution at today’s legislative session encouraging Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, to introduce legislation calling on Congress to use its constitutional powers to admit the District of Columbia as the 51^st State of the Union. All 11 Council colleagues signed on as co-introducers of the resolution, and it passed unanimously.

Thomas Tapped to Head Committee on Economic Development-Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. has been selected to Chair the Council's Committee on Economic Development. Council Chairman-elect Kwame Brown announced the assignment on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, which the full council must approve when it reconvenes in January.

Thomas Hosts Meeting Between Walmart and Organized Labor—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today hosted representatives from Walmart and organized labor to discuss the retailer’s plans to open four stores in the District of Columbia, the largest of which will be located in Ward 5 at New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road, NE. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the employment opportunities, economic development, and improved access to healthy food that Walmart will bring to Ward 5 and the District.

Councilmember Thomas to Bring Workforce Development and Small Business Retention Initiative to Ward 5—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today announced that he will be working closely with Walmart to implement a comprehensive workforce development initiative and small business retention program in Ward 5 in conjunction with the firm’s plan to open several stores in Washington, D.C. “Investing in our community, with jobs and workforce development programs, as well as initiatives to improve the competitiveness of our local businesses, will stabilize our communities, grow our economy, and provide our residents with the ability to support themselves and their families,” said Thomas.

Thomas Holds Hearing on Bill to Prevent Bullying—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, held a hearing today on Bill 18-1057, “The Harassment and Intimidation Prevention Act of 2010.” Because the bill addresses bullying in public education facilities in addition to libraries and recreation centers, the hearing was held jointly with the Committee of the Whole, which has purview over public education and is chaired by Council Chairman Vincent Gray.

Thomas Releases "Team Thomas" Information Requested by the Office of the Attorney General--Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today held a press conference at which he released his response to the Office of the Attorney General regarding Team Thomas.

Superior Court Judge Winfield Grants Council’s Motion to Compel Testimony of Key Figure in DPR Contracting Investigation—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that DC Superior Court Judge Susan Winfield has granted the Council’s motion to compel the testimony of Omar Karim, principal owner of Banneker Ventures and the Liberty Law Group, two firms that figure prominently in the DPR contracting investigation. Judge Winfield ordered that the deposition of Mr. Karim take place on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 in a closed proceeding.

Council Holds Emergency Session to Pass Measures Authorizing Enforcement of Karim Subpoena and Prohibiting Settlement Payment—In an emergency legislative session today, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously adopted the "Enforcement of Subpoena of Omar Karim Resolution of 2010" and the “District Settlement Payment Integrity Emergency Act of 2010.” Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced both measures as part of the continuing inquiry into the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) capital project contracts routed circuitously via memorandums of understanding from the agency through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to the DC Housing Authority, and then sole-sourced to Mr. Karim’s firm, Banneker Ventures, LLC.

Thomas Calls for Administration to Request Federal Emergency Assistance for DC Residents Impacted by August 12^th Flooding—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today called upon the Mayor to seek federal emergency assistance in response to the flooding that occurred on Thursday, August, 12, 2010. The storm that swept through the District that morning caused severe flooding in parts of the District, including in many Ward 5 communities that have a combined rain water and sewer overflow (CSO) system. Consequently, sewage water flooded many basements, resulting in considerable damage. And for some Ward 5 neighborhoods – like Bloomingdale – this is the third time in less than 10 years that serious flooding has occurred.

Ward 5 Parks and Recreation Facilities Benefit from Thomas’ Leadership—Since he was sworn into office in January 2007 and assumed the chairmanship of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. has ensured that Ward 5 recreation facilities and parks receive their fair share of capital improvements.

Thomas Announces Opening of New Joseph Cole Community Center in Ward 5’s Trinidad Neighborhood—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, today announced the completion of renovations at the Joseph Cole Community Center and groundbreaking for the installation of a new community park and turf field at the site. The Joseph Cole Community Center is located at 1200 Morse Street, NE in the heart of Ward 5’s Trinidad community.

Thomas Calls for Investigation of Ward 5 Power Outages, Arranges Discounted Hotel Accommodations for Impacted Seniors and Individuals With Health Issues—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today called for a full investigation into the large number of power outages occurring in Ward 5 during the current heat wave, and PEPCO’s slow response in addressing the outages. He also called for the District government to open more neighborhood-based cooling stations.

Thomas Introduces Measure to Tax District Government Workers and Contractors at Revenue Source—At the Council’s budget deliberations yesterday, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. introduced a measure to impose a tax on District government workers and contractors who are non-residents and whose incomes are derived from locally appropriated dollars. The proposed tax will generate approximately $70 million.

Thomas Vows to Restore Funding for Construction of New Edgewood Recreation Center in FY2011 – FY2016 Capital Budget—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, stated today that he will work to restore $11 million in the FY2011-FY2016 capital budget to fully fund construction of a new Edgewood Recreation Center. The Mayor’s FY2011-FY2016 capital budget eliminates $11 million of the project’s $14 million budget.

Thomas Launches “Let DC Speak” Town Hall Meeting in Ward 5: Format Employs Interactive Technology to Obtain Real-Time Responses from Residents—Councilmember Thomas announced today that he is launching “Let DC Speak”— a series of town hall meetings, starting with “Ward 5 Speaks,” that will use interactive Audience Response System (ARS) software to obtain immediate feedback from residents on budget issues, education reform, and neighborhood concerns. He piloted the innovative format at a community meeting held last evening.

Thomas Praises Court Decision Allowing Union Review of Financial Data Available to Rhee at Time of Layoffs—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today praised DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff's April 23^rd decision to grant the Washington Teachers' Union limited discovery to determine what financial information was available to Chancellor Rhee at the time of the October 2009 layoffs of 266 DCPS employees.

Thomas States Postponed Vote on “DCPS Teacher Reinstatement Emergency Act of 2010” Is Causing Unnecessary Delay in Accountability—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. announced today that the Council’s decision to postpone voting on the “District of Columbia Public School Teacher Reinstatement Emergency Act of 2010” until its May 4, 2010 legislative session is causing unnecessary delays in accountability. Thomas also stated that proposed amendments will create unnecessary confusion.

Thomas Mourns Passing Civil Rights Activist Dr. Dorothy Height—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. joins with others across the city and nation in mourning the passing of renowned civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy Height.

Thomas Calls Firing of 266 Teachers Due to Erroneous Budget Calculations Unconscionable, Promises to Pursue Legislative Remedies to Reinstate Those Dismissed by Chancellor Rhee—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. learned today that erroneous budget calculations led to the firing of 266 DC Public School (DCPS) teachers earlier this year. The teachers were dismissed through a Reduction in Force (RIF) to address a reported $43 million budget pressure.

Thomas Commends Casey Trees for NOMA BID Tree Planting Initiative: Effort Complements Metropolitan Branch Trail—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. today commended the outstanding work of Casey Trees, which sponsored a tree planting on April 1, 2010 in the North of Massachusetts Avenue Business Improvement District (NOMA BID). The NOMA BID includes Ward 5’s Eckington community. Councilmember Thomas participated in the event, offering words of thanks for the efforts to beautify Ward 5.

Thomas Announces Financing Closed for Rhode Island Station—Councilmember Thomas announced today that Urban Atlantic and A&R Development Corp. have closed on the financing of Rhode Island Station, enabling construction to begin forthwith.

Thomas Announces Opening of DC Women’s Business Center in Ward 5—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that Ward 5 has been selected as the location of the US Small Business Administration’s new DC Women’s Business Center (DC WBC). The Center’s offices are located in the Peoples Building, 64 New York Avenue, NW, in the Eckington community.

Thomas Announces Council's Selection of Special Counsel to Investigate DPR Contracts—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.—Chair of the Council's Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation and Chair of the Council's Joint Public Oversight Roundtable on the Contracting Process Related to Parks and Recreation Roundtable—announced today that the Council has retained Robert P. Trout of the law firm Trout Cacheris to serve as special counsel regarding the inquiry into the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) contracts.

Thomas Thanks President Obama for Paving Way for Federal Aid to Supplement the Recovery Efforts from District Snowstorm—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today extended his heartfelt thanks to President Obama, who yesterday declared that a major disaster exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District’s recovery efforts in response to the snowstorm that occurred between December 18 and 20, 2009.

Work on New Playground Facilities at Arboretum Recreation Center Now Underway: Thomas Credits Role of Civic Leaders and Community Residents at Groundbreaking—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, participated yesterday in the groundbreaking ceremony for new playground equipment at the Arboretum Recreation Center, located at 2412 Rand Place, NE.

Council Approves Measure Shifting Parks and Recreation Projects to the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization—Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, thanked his colleagues today for voting unanimously to support legislation he submitted at the Council’s December 15, 2009 legislative session shifting management responsibility of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) projects from Banneker Ventures to the District’s Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization (OPEFM).

Thomas Bill Establishing 51st State Commission Voted Out of Committee—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. announced today that the Committee on Aging and Community Affairs voted unanimously to forward Bill 18-177, the “51^st State Commission Establishment Act of 2009,” to the Council for a full vote.

Thomas Introduces Bill Restricting Issuance of Government Contracts to Firms Failing to Comply With Council Subpoenas and Strengthens “Public Land Surplus Standards Act of 2009” at First Reading—At the Council’s December 1, 2009 legislative session, Ward 5 Councilmember Thomas introduced legislation to restrict the District government’s ability to contract with firms that fail to comply with Council subpoenas. He also successfully amended Bill 18-76, the “Public Land Surplus Standards Act of 2009,” to require the District Department of Real Estate Services create and make available on its public website a database of all real property owned by the District of Columbia.

Thomas Introduces Bill Strengthening Penalties for Crimes Committed Within 50 Feet of Public Transit Stops—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. yesterday introduced legislation to increase the penalties for crimes committed within 50 feet of mass transit stops. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary.

Thomas to Issue Subpoenas to DMPED Staff Members David Janerone and Jackie Glover to Appear Before Council on the Transfer of DPR Funds to DCHA—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, today announced that he will issue subpoenas to Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development staff members David Jannarone, Director of Development, and Jackie Glover, Program Manager, requiring their appearance before the Committee regarding the transfer of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) funds to the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA).

Thomas Issues Subpoena to DPR Interim Director Hartsock to Appear Before Council on the Transfer of Agency Funds to the DC Housing Authority—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, today issued a subpoena to Dr. Ximena Hartsock requiring her to appear before the Committee at 10 am on November 16, 2009 to testify regarding the transfer of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) funds to the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). DPR representatives failed to appear at the joint hearings held on Friday, October 30, 2009 and Thursday, November 5, 2009 inquiring into the transfers. Dr. Hartsock had received letters preceding each hearing requesting participation.

Council Passes Thomas Bill to Restrict Payments of DPR Funds to DCHA and Require Council Notification of all DPR Transactions of $75,000 or More—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, today introduced emergency legislation to restrict payments of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) funds to the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) and require Council notification of all DPR transactions of $75,000 or more. The Council passed the bill by a vote of 10 to 3.

Thomas Requests the Testimony of CFO Dr. Natwar Gandhi at Council Roundtable on the Transfer of DPR Capital Improvements Funds to DCHA—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, announced today that he has requested that Dr. Natwar Gandhi, the District’s Chief Financial Officer, testify at the Council’s October 30, 2009 roundtable regarding the transfer of Department of Parks and Recreation capital improvement funds to the DC Housing Authority.

Council Disapproves Dr. Ximena Hartsock as Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation: Thomas Pledges to Work with Executive to Rebuild Agency—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Tommy Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, announced today that the Council, following the recommendation of the Committee, voted at its legislative session to disapprove the nomination of Dr. Ximena Hartsock as Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Council’s vote was seven to five in support of the disapproval resolution.

Thomas Praises MPD and US Attorney’s Office for Todd Place Crew Indictments: Allocating Resources to Grass Roots Initiatives Is How We Can Best Prevent Crime, States Thomas—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. today praised the diligent work of the DC Metropolitan Police Department and US Attorney’s office in investigating a spate of gang-related shootings that occurred in the Lincoln Road/North Capitol Street area last spring. Law enforcement efforts led to a Superior Court grand jury returning on September 23, 2009 a 92-count indictment charging four alleged members of the “Todd Place Crew” with conspiracy and first degree murder while armed. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Thomas Bill Requires Analysis of DPR Day Care Programs Prior to Privatization—Executive’s Request for Offers May Have Bypassed Procedures Outlined in DC—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, introduced emergency legislation at the Council’s May 5, 2009 legislative session requiring the Executive to conduct and submit to the Council a comprehensive analysis of child day care services, particularly services for children with special needs, prior to issuing a request for offers to operate Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) day care programs. The vote on the bill was unanimous.

Thomas Mourns Passing Civil Rights Activist Dr. Dorothy Height—Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. joins with others across the city and nation in mourning the passing of renowned civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy Height.

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