Chairman Gray Talks to Ward 2, Emphasizes Education Reform, Praises Chancellor Rhee

Democratic Party nominee for Mayor, and current Chairman of the City Council, Vincent Gray, spoke at a Ward 2 town hall at the Foundry United Methodist Church Thursday night as part of a series of public meetings his campaign is conducting across the district.

Introduced by Ward 2 Councilman, and chairperson pro tempore of the council, Jack Evans, Mr. Gray focused his remarks on education, emphasizing the progress made by outgoing school’s chancellor Michelle Rhee, and laying out his plan for success in other areas.

“I am as fervently committed to education reform as anyone in the city,” Gray declared, adding that he thought Ms. Rhee would always “do the best things we could.”

He praised the completion of universal pre-kindergarten services four years ahead of schedule, and stated that he believes it’s important to start education at an earlier age, even as young as six months.

Mr. Gray also signaled his support for the charter school program in the city.

“We have the most robust charter school movement in the nation,” he said, explaining that the 57 schools “make the public schools better.”

There are vast problems, however, that Mr. Gray declared he would work toward solving.

The chairman spoke forcefully about the need for special education reform, enhanced career and technical education training, and adult job training, the latter of which he said would “help get people back to work.”

Mr. Gray also explained the need for a stronger police presence, emphasizing the fact that “only 19 percent of police live in D.C.”

Before taking questions, Mr. Gray implored the audience to understand that “to remain financially healthy,” he is going to be forced to make “very tough decisions” to balance the budget; popular programs and services may end, he explained.

During the question and answer portion, WRGW News associate, James Reed asked the presumptive mayor what role he envisions The George Washington University to play in his “One City” administration, repeating a theme from the campaign.

“We have some great institutions in the city,” Gray responded, adding that he himself attended GW.

Though he wasn’t very specific about GW’s role, he did emphasize the importance of the Capstone Research Program, which, as Mr. Gray described, “helps research what issues are important to us.”