Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions cited as reason for Fenty endorsement

Washington, DC – Members of the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s Executive Committee and DC Political Action Committee conducted interviews with the candidates for Washington, DC Mayor and Council Chair to assess who would best address the critical issues facing the region and the important role of business.  “After extensive discussion and debate, the Board of Trade leadership determined that Mayor Adrian Fenty should be endorsed for a second term and that Councilmember Kwame Brown should be endorsed for Council Chairman,” said Maureen Dwyer, the Board of Trade’s general counsel and director of Goulston & Storrs.

 “Among the top reasons cited during the discussions on endorsing Mayor Fenty was his demonstrated ability to make the difficult – and sometimes unpopular – decisions to advance public education, public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility and more.  Central to the decision to endorse Fenty was his executive team’s good work addressing the most pressing issues facing business leaders in and around the District of Columbia,” said Jim Dinegar, president and CEO of the Board of Trade.  “Extended discussion focused on the need to enhance the working relationships between the executive office and the council leadership, recognizing that the Mayor’s operating approach has, at times, been counterproductive.”

“Our endorsement of Mayor Fenty for a second term recognizes that the Mayor has developed a strong team of top talent, who he appropriately holds accountable for making progress,” said Dinegar, acknowledging the fact that the Board of Trade did not endorse Fenty four years ago.  “The Mayor has backed key initiatives important to the Board of Trade and to the region at large, especially by collaborating on rail to Dulles, prioritizing regional emergency preparedness and emphasizing the need to better manage government expenses rather than seek to raise taxes.” 

“Chairman Gray has been a strong partner to the Board of Trade and an excellent steward for the District of Columbia throughout his time on the Council,” said Dinegar.  “In the end, it was a desire to continue progress orchestrated by the Mayor that resulted in the endorsement.”

Dinegar noted Councilmember Kwame Brown’s “acute awareness of the need for improved economic development strategies, leadership role in regional collaboration, recognition of the growing fiscal challenges and willingness to stand firm in advancing WMATA governance reform through a partnership of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Greater Washington Board of Trade.”

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Greater Washington Board of Trade
The Greater Washington Board of Trade is Greater Washington’s premier regional business network and the only local business association representing all industry sectors. Founded in 1889, the Board of Trade enjoys a long history of helping its members’ businesses grow by providing content-rich programs, connecting business leaders and marketing Greater Washington’s economic opportunities. As Greater Washington’s regional business organization, the Board of Trade addresses business concerns that stretch across geographic boundaries, including transportation, emergency preparedness, green as a competitive advantage and workforce issues. To learn more about the Greater Washington Board of Trade and its commitment to improving the region’s business community, visit www.boardoftrade.org.