Mayor Fenty Delivers 2008 State of the District Address

REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY

Watch the video.

Introduction
Let me start by thanking Erma Simon for that wonderful introduction. I understand Ms. Simon’s been coming to Washington Seniors for 23 years – and she’s a native Washingtonian and federal government retiree. Can we give her a round of applause?

Mr. Chairman, members of the Council, Washington Seniors, and my fellow District residents, good afternoon.

There has never been a better time to live or work in the District of Columbia. The population is growing, and the economy is robust. We are in the midst of our city’s twelfth consecutive balanced budget, and our bond ratings have never been higher – A-pluses at all three agencies. So the District of Columbia is strong, but we have much work ahead of us.

Since I took office nearly 15 months ago, I’ve traveled across the District of Columbia every day, listening to you tell me about your vision for the present and future of this great city. What I hear again and again is that what matters most is that your government is getting things done. You’re holding me accountable on important issues of education, public safety, jobs, healthcare, affordable housing and economic development.

Well, we listened to you, we rolled up our sleeves and, we got to work.

Education
As I think everyone knows by now, I made education the centerpiece of my administration.  It is my belief that the key to our future as a healthier city, as a competitive city, and as a  dynamic and thriving city—is the education of our children. There is nothing more important than that.

So, on June 12 of last year, after 6 months of planning, consultation with District residents, and working with our partners on the Council and the leadership in Congress, the District of Columbia Public Schools came und