The Politics Hour
Speed bumps are on the agenda this week. In Virginia, new barriers to adoption for gay couples look likely to pass, while a bag tax stalls in Prince George's County. District school bus drivers are linked to a fraud scheme, while DC firefighters are battling more than fires.
Guests
D.C. Councilmember (I-At Large); Chairman of the Committee on Health
"Loose Lips" Columnist, Washington City Paper
President, Washington D.C. Firefighters Association, Local 36
Chief, D.C. Fire and EMS Department (FEMS)
Politics Hour Extra
Catania said that when the council originally approved the lottery contract back in 2010, the contract did not include any information about Internet gambling, or "iGaming." Catania said that the city's Chief Financial Officer, Nat Gandhi, made material changes to the approved contract after the council had voted on it:
Ellerbe responds to Kojo's questions about how a long-held undercurrent of racism has affected the department and, in particular, current tensions over proposed changes to shift hours:
Comments
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Chief, What is being done to insure the Cadets that come to the FIRE DEPARTMENT are prepared as adults( life skills) to handle the task of being kids in an adult world? 2nd, the National Registry is very challenging for a seasoned Firefighter/EMT. Are the Cadets properly educated in not only the subject matter but test taking tips to pass the test the first time? Lastly, are high ranking officers (BFC,DFC,Asst. FC) required to be National Registered and DOH EMT's?
Re: David Catania. Could I have actually been listening to a dedicated public servant? I hope so. He makes a lot of sense to me. May he not get discouraged in his efforts, especially in getting at the roots of school truancy. This is a huge but, it seems to me, not seriously addressed problem for both the individual children and for society. Thank you for allowing Mr. Catania to give his efforts a public forum.
Mary Jean Davidge
Re: David Catania.
Could I have actually been listening to a dedicated public servant? I hope so. He makes sense to me. May he not get discouraged in his efforts, especially in getting at the roots of school truancy. This is a huge but, it seems to me, not seriously addressed, problem for both the individual children and for society. Thank you for allowing Mr. Catania to give his efforts a public forum.
Lon Walls, why does he have a job?
@ Kenneth Ellerbe; a couple concerns you are stating that in no uncertain terms that there was no directive stating members would be disciplined. I might also remind you that the mayor has asked every member to sign a ethics bill. I would ask that you answer truthfully, because your previous answer is a bold faced LIE
What is going with Engine 28 station?
@ Kenneth Ellerbe, Why have you given a paid VACATION "paid Administrative leave" to your spokesman after he has blatantly called the members of this great dept RACIST. Why does he even have a job still the district has a non-discriminatory policy. How are you allowing this sort of behavior to be tolerated in this day and age. How can you allow this person to continue on the job when this person is obviously discriminatory.