"We need a government that can show us it’s being honest and has credibility," said Councilman Harold Brazil, D-At-large. "They’re not showing us any hardcore, tangible evidence, for example, that crime is being dealt with." Brazil said he believes the government suffers from confusion because powers are poorly defined.

Other candidates said when the government neglects city residents, people lose hope.

Councilwoman Carol Schwartz, R-At-large, said the government has to show it can provide decent services to its people.

"We just feel in this city if anything works for us we have to write a thank you note," Schwartz said.

"When the government doesn’t take care of its people, it creates an entire generation of criminals," said Statehood Party candidate John Gloster. Gloster, along with Democrat Jeffrey Gildenhorn, said city government doesn’t concentrate on the people.

"We have a compassionate government," Gildenhorn said. "But what needs to happen first is for them to become aware that it has ignored the people and must set an agenda to attack the problem."

Social workers and other city employees should give clients better options and not look upon them as statistics, said Democrat Sylvia Robinson-Green.

"They always tell you what you can’t do, not what you can do," she said.

Green, a lifetime resident of Ward 8, said people in her neighborhood need to be shown to care about where they live.

"Some of their minds are so cloudy, they don’t know any better," she said.

Gloster said he believes apathy stems from self-hatred.

"We need a mass infusion of counseling programs and youth intervention so these people can be positive about their lives," he said. Gloster pointed out that mental health and youth programs are also being cut.

"It’s not expensive to take care of these problems — it’s expensive to let them go," he said.

Other candidates said they believe the mayor is responsible for getting people more involved.

"People should feel that they have a relationship with their leader, not feel disconnected," said Councilman Kevin Chavous, D-Ward 7.

Chavous said if elected mayor he would develop a grass-roots outreach with a pipeline from the mayor’s office to the neighborhoods.

"The mayor must bring in enthusiasm to instill a sense of hope and confidence," said Councilman Jack Evans, D-Ward 2. "Mayor Barry is an example of that kind of mayor."

Democratic candidate Anthony Williams agreed when he said the mayor must stand and deliver for D.C. residents.

"To improve the city, you need partnerships between families, the faith community and the government," he said. "Everyone must contribute something."

Copyright 1998, The Common Denominator