WJLA Poll Finds Fenty Unpopular

[jsteele]

I can't say that I'm surprised. I got called by Gordon Peterson to take this poll, but wasn't home. If I had been, Fenty's approval rating among whites would have been lower.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0909/662700.html

"The poll found 51 percent disapprove of the job he is doing, while 40 percent approve. Broken down by race, 69 percent of black voters disapproved of Fenty, compared with 23 percent who approved. That's almost the exact opposite for whites: 66 percent approved and 24 percent disapproved. Latino voters were split. "

...

"Among Democrats, Fenty had a 54-percent disapproval rating "

He would seem ripe for a primary challenge but there doesn't appear to be any credible opponents.

[Anonymous]

Not impressed by Fenty (white voter/whatever white is...looking forward to the day that humanity breaks free from coding themselves according to Victorian-era classification systems created by people obsessed with everything from zoology to collections of the 'exotic').

[Anonymous]

Disappointed by Fenty but I still wouldn't take Williams back. And then there was Pratt Dixon/Kelly whatever (mercifully short). And then Barry. Barry.

Yep, when I look at it historically I guess I might still vote for Fenty over some others who could run. But I wouldn't be happy about it.

[Anonymous]

Williams was awesome. I miss him. I missed him even when we had him since he was so under-appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Marie Johns (Sept) and Carol Schwartz (Nov). I don't know what they would have done if elected, but I thought they had more substance (not sure exactly what I mean by that) than Fenty. I think Vince Gray would start out with an edge for my vote, but I don't know enough at this point to make that edge mean much.

One good thing about that racial breakdown is DC demographics. And I don't mean good for Fenty.

[Anonymous]

I strongly dislike Fenty now, although I voted for him. White voter in Ward 3.

[Anonymous]

I'm withholding judgment until I see the results of the school reform. If he gets improvement there, just about any mistakes are forgiven to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I strongly dislike Fenty now, although I voted for him. White voter in Ward 3.

Since we're into self-description, I posted 18:58 and am white, from Ward 4, and held a meet-and-greet for Adrian when he was running against Charlene Drew Jarvis. Ironic that I supported him because I felt she represented developers more than she represented her constituents.

[Anonymous]

Jeff, why don't YOU run!?!

[Anonymous]

I miss Williams also. He was good for DC.
Voted for Fenty and was originally excited about him, but now I think that he's just all about him and his particular cronies (i.e., just a slicker version of Marion Barry, minus the race card politics).
Would vote for a credible alternative in a heartbeat.
Also want to see a credible alternative to Mendelsohn for at-large---who---from his protected Ivory Tower of McLean Gardens in Ward 3--- does nothing but coddle the juvenile delinquents who make Columbia Heights into a wild west shootout.

Ward 1 voter, white

[Anonymous]

Curious about something - it seems that most people don't like Fenty because of his personality. Do we think the city is worse off since he has been Mayor? Here are some things I have noticed for the better:
1. More energy and momentum around improving schools - agree with pp that the jury is still out on this
2. Jury duty was actually a decent experience.
3. Better response time on potholes, grafitti, police, and mundane stuff like fixing a trash can.
4. Improved car inspection process (not as long)

I am sure that others have a different take. I am more inclined to vote for him again because I don't see a credible contender. I would consider Vincent Gray as the only one. Agree with pp about Mendelsohn.

Native Washingtonian who remembers what DC was like in the 70s
Ward 4 voter, African American

[Anonymous]

I got all of that from Williams--remember how he turned around the heinous DMV?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious about something - it seems that most people don't like Fenty because of his personality. Do we think the city is worse off since he has been Mayor? Here are some things I have noticed for the better:
1. More energy and momentum around improving schools - agree with pp that the jury is still out on this
2. Jury duty was actually a decent experience.
3. Better response time on potholes, grafitti, police, and mundane stuff like fixing a trash can.
4. Improved car inspection process (not as long)

I am sure that others have a different take. I am more inclined to vote for him again because I don't see a credible contender. I would consider Vincent Gray as the only one. Agree with pp about Mendelsohn.

Native Washingtonian who remembers what DC was like in the 70s
Ward 4 voter, African American

I have lived in DC for 20+ years and I completely agree with you. I will be voting for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got all of that from Williams--remember how he turned around the heinous DMV?

Anti-Williams pp here. Okay, you've got a point. Some city services did improve under him. But the baseball stadium was still a terrible mistake and I can't forgive him for that. I also think he botched his handling of DC's bid for the Olympics. But you're right, there were city services that started to turn around under his watch. I have to give him that much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious about something - it seems that most people don't like Fenty because of his personality. Do we think the city is worse off since he has been Mayor? Here are some things I have noticed for the better:
1. More energy and momentum around improving schools - agree with pp that the jury is still out on this
2. Jury duty was actually a decent experience.
3. Better response time on potholes, grafitti, police, and mundane stuff like fixing a trash can.
4. Improved car inspection process (not as long)

I am sure that others have a different take. I am more inclined to vote for him again because I don't see a credible contender. I would consider Vincent Gray as the only one. Agree with pp about Mendelsohn.

Native Washingtonian who remembers what DC was like in the 70s
Ward 4 voter, African American

Also a native Washingtonian, also African American and I do not have to go back to the 70's to recognize that Fenty and his cohorts that began the revitalization of the city.

1. I do not see any interest in approving the schools in Ward 5 where I reside. As a matter of fact, most of the school closings occured in Ward 5 and the school populations increased. In addition to closing schools, the feeder high school, sheesh I would be a derelict parent to send my child to that school. So, charter all the way.

2. I get called for jury duty every two years. It's clock work. And it has been the same way for the last ten years. Nothing new there. One day trial, if you are lucky.

3. Fenty is simplty carrying over what Williams implemented. He only gets credit for not not going backwards. Oh, but I can show you some really big potholes that never get fixed. They are simply patched. Ahh, but Fenty lives in Ward 4 and so he should protect his constituents there.

4 Again, Williams.

So, let's talk about many of the unqualified individuals the mayor has appointed. The first one was his original OAG attorney. She wasn't licensed to practice law in the DC. He only replaced her once she decided that she would not be a whip boy for his godfather. Fenty promptly terminated her and appointed his godfather to represent the city. He doesn't represent the city, but Fenty. A police chief who already has more law suits filed against her than Ramsey had in his entire eight years. An OHR Director who did not know what civil rights enforcement meant until he was announced. A school chancellor whose only experience with teaching and administrating was placing teachers in positions. A DCHA with nada experience. The list just goes on and on.