DC NEEDS A CONTROL BOARD: MANAGING CHAOS AND CRISIS
Thomas Robertson writes in his WTOP News story, "Who foots the $20M bill of the Potomac River sewage cleanup, repairs?", "The cost of cleaning up and making repairs after a sewer line failure sent hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River will total about $20 million, the CEO of D.C. Water said Friday.
David Gadis provided the estimate during a briefing on the Jan. 19 failure of the Potomac Interceptor, a roughly 60-year-old, 54-mile long sewer line. The pipe failed in Cabin John, Maryland.
It’s not entirely clear how the cost will be covered.
Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser submitted a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration request, seeking full reimbursement for costs incurred by both D.C. and D.C. Water.
“We expect 100% reimbursement,” Bowser said.
But D.C. Water’s facilities, including the Potomac Interceptor, are funded through an intermunicipal agreement, or IMA. Maryland and Virginia would be on the hook for more than 50% of the cost, per the agreement."
Lori Furstenberg, Chair, DC Chapter, The Conservative Caucus, in a Press Release, states, "The massive Potomac Interceptor sewer collapse, which released hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated wastewater into the Potomac River, has exposed decades of failures in local governance, oversight, and infrastructure maintenance. The spill impacted communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, threatening waterways, public health, and the environment. In response, President Trump has authorized FEMA to support cleanup, mitigation, and environmental monitoring across the affected region.
The spill demonstrates that beyond immediate cleanup, a long-term strategy is needed to restore transparency, fiscal responsibility, and trust in District operations, goals at the heart of DC DOGE.
The DC DOGE Initiative is a comprehensive accountability and efficiency reform framework designed to rebuild public trust and restore fiscal discipline. Through independent audits, performance reviews, and transparent reporting, DC DOGE identifies misused funds, duplicative programs, and bureaucratic failures that have drained taxpayer dollars and undermined government effectiveness."
Aamer Madhani, Associated Press, in "Trump lashes out at Maryland governor's over Potomac River sewage spill response" writes, "The president told reporters that his dissatisfaction with [Governor Wes] Moore's handling of reconstruction of the bridge and the sewage spill are why he's not including him in next weekend's White House dinner for governors.
"He can't fix anything," Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington from his home in Florida on Monday evening."
As of February 2026, Washington, D.C. is facing a significant environmental and infrastructure incident following a major sewer line collapse, with over 240 million gallons of wastewater spilled into the Potomac River. While officials confirm the drinking water remains safe, the public has been advised to avoid contact with the Potomac River The massive sewage spill into the Potomac River began on January 19, 2026, following the collapse of a 72-inch diameter sewer line, known as the Potomac Interceptor, near the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland. The failure resulted in over 200 million gallons of untreated wastewater entering the river over the following week. Mayor Bowser publicly addressed the massive Potomac River sewage spill on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by declaring a local public emergency, nearly a month after the pipe collapsed. During this announcement, she requested federal assistance and support from the Trump administration to address the 250-million-gallon spill. Ashleigh Fields in the Hill's "Bowser says she appreciates city’s patience as DC struggles to dig out of snow" writes of Mayor Bowser's mishandling of a major snowstorm in DC. She writes, "Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) thanked residents Tuesday for dealing with the District’s response to the major winter storm, which brought about 7 inches of snow to parts of the nation’s capital.
“This winter storm was complex, and our response tactics have had to evolve. Ice, sleet, and snow—combined with persistent, below-freezing temperatures—have made clearing efforts particularly difficult,” Bowser wrote in a post on social platform X."
In January 1987, Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry faced intense criticism for his handling of a major snowstorm while he was attending Super Bowl XXI in California.
Key details of the incident:
- The Storm: A massive winter storm struck the District on January 22, 1987, dumping 14 to 20 inches of snow, paralyzing transportation, and leaving streets unplowed.
- The Trip: Mayor Barry had left for Southern California a day before the storm to attend the Super Bowl and engage in leisure activities.
- The Response: Despite the city being in chaos, Barry chose to remain in California to watch the Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants game and continued his vacation, which included playing tennis and getting a manicure.
- Aftermath: The event, described as the "Blizzard of Discontent," was a major controversy early in his third term, where he was criticized for his indifference to the city's crises, which also included a 4-day trip to Jamaica just three weeks prior.
While some local media noted this as the beginning of a decline in his political standing, others in the community did not feel it was the singular cause of his later, well-documented downfall, but rather a symbol of his inattention to city management during that period.
Mayor Barry mismanaged 20 inches of snow from California; Mayor Bowser mismanaged 7 inches in DC. Eventually, Barry was a crackpipe away before Congress established a Control Board for the City. Barry, the former Mayor of Washington D.C., was notoriously videotaped smoking crack cocaine in a 1990 FBI sting operation at the Vista Hotel, which led to his arrest and conviction. This scandal occurred years before the establishment of the DC Financial Control Board in 1995, which was created to manage the city's financial crisis. Influenced by James Brown and Rick James, Barry uttered the all-time classic, "The bitch set me up!" Many a tee-shirt wore that phrase in the 90's!
In 1995, Democratic, including key leadership and the District’s own representative, supported the creation of a District of Columbia financial control board as a necessary, though painful, remedy to imminent bankruptcy and a $722 million deficit. While many local D.C. officials were wary, the Clinton administration and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) worked with the Republican-led Congress to establish the Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, recognizing that the city could not resolve its fiscal crisis alone.
- Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC): Supported the control board, viewing it as a better alternative to a total federal receivership. She noted, "This power is absolute, and it is absolutely necessary," while also describing the legislation as a "desperate remedy for a desperate problem".
- The Clinton Administration: President Clinton supported the intervention to bring financial stability to the nation's capital. Alice Rivlin, President Clinton's budget director, worked closely with Congress to create the Authority to ensure fiscal solvency.
- Congressional Democrats: Key Democrats in the House supported the Republican-drafted bill, allowing it to pass via a voice vote rather than a contentious recorded vote.
- Focus on Fiscal Responsibility: Democrats argued that the board was needed to restore credibility to the city's finances, particularly after the city's bond rating dropped to junk level.
- Balancing "Home Rule" Concerns: While supporting the board, some Democrats, including Norton, worked to shape the legislation to ensure it was a temporary measure aimed at restoring, rather than permanently replacing, local control.
The legislation, passed in April 1995, was seen as a bipartisan effort to address the financial freefall of the District. Alice Rivlin, former Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, was a sweet lady and did an adnirable job straightening out the District of Columbia. She was a liberal, Keynesian and former reseacher at the Brookings Institute. She was described as pragmatic. I personally believe the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority—commonly known as the D.C. Control Board didn't go far enough in straightenong out the City. The D.C. Financial Control Board, which operated from 1995 to 2001, is generally considered to have done "enough" to achieve its primary mandate—restoring the District’s fiscal solvency and, in turn, prompting its own dissolution. However, whether they did "enough" in a broader sense is a subject of debate, as their approach focused heavily on fiscal austerity and managerial control, often at the expense of local autonomy and social services.
Ihe D.C. Fiscal Policy Center doesn't think we have a problem. The DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI) is a left-of-center research and advocacy organization that promotes increased public funding for social services, education, and housing, often advocating for progressive tax policies to reduce inequality. It is not a socialist organization but a progressive non-profit. It is a project of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). That's a nice way of saying that they would love to add and subtract for Sealin or Mao. DCFPI in "Claims that DC Spending is “Out of Control” are Wrong" says, "At a minimum, DC lawmakers should set a course to raise enough revenue to maintain the average level of revenue as a share of the economy seen over the last two decades, or 15 percent. That would increase revenue by $1.6 billion in the last year of the financial plan, FY 2028, in real terms. Some revenue may materialize if economic factors improve or if the District’s revenue projections prove overly pessimistic. Otherwise, DC lawmakers will need to raise revenue or risk jeopardizing their ability to adequately fund public services.
If DC were to commit to raising enough resources to maintain the peak level of revenue in FY 2022 as a share of the economy (about 16.6 percent), it would have $2.9 billion more than it is projected to have by FY 2028 (or $1.3 billion more than the 20-year average level of revenue as a share of the economy) to fund public services broadly and address inequity. Letting revenue fall relative to economic growth will only cause DC to backtrack on its promises and lose ground on its achievements thus far to creating a thriving, racially and economically equitable District."
Can you say "TAX AND SPEND"!
DC has a "TAX AND SPEND" problem. DC has a budget and managememt problem. Based on reports and forecasts covering the lead-up to and projections for fiscal year (FY) 2026, Washington, D.C. is experiencing significant financial strain, with officials and analysts projecting a moderate recession.
- Economic Downturn: The D.C. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has warned that the district is entering a moderate recession, with a projected decline in local revenue. While early 2025 forecasts suggested a potential $1 billion shortfall, by late 2025, the gap was revised to a roughly $670 million potential loss in local revenue.
- Federal Job Losses: The financial strain is largely driven by significant reductions in the federal workforce and contracting, with forecasts anticipating a loss of 40,000 federal-related jobs and a potential 20% reduction in federal payrolls by 2029.
- Budget Cuts & Services: To address these pressures, Mayor Bowser’s FY 2026 budget included proposals for "right-sizing" government spending, which has been described by local advocacy groups as threatening social safety nets, including funding for health care, housing, and childcare.
- "Death by a Thousand Cuts": The D.C. Policy Center has described the situation as "death by a thousand cuts," noting that 2025 has fundamentally altered the long-term trajectory of the District's economy.
- Budget Structure: Despite the strain, the district is working to keep its budget balanced, often by implementing hiring freezes and shifting costs to future years.
Yes, the District of Columbia government is facing a severe, multi-year financial crisis entering 2026, driven by a forecasted local recession, significant drops in tax revenue, and federal government downsizing. The city is facing "significant budget cliffs" and for the first time in several years, does not have an excess surplus from the previous fiscal year to help close the gap.
DCFPI says no worry, we got this! DCFPI tn "DC Revenue Higher than Expected, But a Recession Still Looms" says, "Local revenues are rising modestly, and DC is now expected to recover a third of the previously anticipated $1 billion revenue loss from federal layoffs, according to the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) new revenue forecast. Corporate profits and non-wage income like capital gains are driving the revenue gains, suggesting that corporations and wealthy residents continue to benefit the most from DC’s economic growth. Although DC is not facing a budget shortfall as some expected, the CFO warns that the District is entering a moderate recession this year—a downgrade from the previously projected mild downturn—before beginning a gradual recovery in fiscal year (FY) 2027. The CFO emphasized that DC’s economy is under significant strain due to new federal policies and continued layoffs." DCFPI warns that DC must decouple from the federal tax code and that life would be so much easier with a wealth tax. DCFPI in "DC Can Raise $121 Million or More with a Simple Tax on Proceeds from Wealth" writes. "DC can raise needed revenue and address tax inequity by taxing more of the gains, or proceeds, generated by wealth—such as capital gains, dividends, and other forms of passive income. DC’s tax system protects and grows wealth concentration through myriad preferences and loopholes, exacerbating racial and economic inequality. This special treatment also prevents the District from generating the revenue needed to adequately fund programs and services. Applying a surcharge on proceeds generated from wealth is a simple way for DC to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to help struggling residents withstand the local recession and drastic federal and local safety net cuts" Lori, we need another "Control Period".
Congress established the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority—commonly known as the D.C. Control Board—in April 1995 to prevent the city from falling into total financial insolvency. The Board was created to oversee a severe fiscal crisis, manage mounting debt, balance the budget, and overhaul the city's struggling administrative operations. Congress holds ultimate authority over the District of Columbia under the Constitution, with major, direct takeovers occurring in 1871 (revoking self-governance) and 1995–2001 (imposing a financial control board). Since the 1973 Home Rule Act, Congress has routinely exerted authority by blocking specific local laws (e.g., in 1992, 1998, 2014, 2023) and controlling the budget. The District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Control Board), created in 1995, was an independent federal entity rather than a body representing specific local D.C. agencies. Its five members, appointed by the President, held supreme authority over all DC government agencies, including the ability to appoint agency heads, oversee budgets, and veto laws passed by the City. The 1995 District of Columbia Financial Control Board (officially the DC Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority) was a five-member body appointed by President Clinton, established to manage the city's severe financial crisis. Created by Congress on April 17, 1995, it held power to override the Mayor and City Council.
This is a call onto Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and President Donald J. Trump that the City must be setged.
Impact on National Politics and Elections:
- Symbolic Politics: The creation of the board was a key legislative achievement for the Republican majority following the 1994 "Contract with America" elections. It allowed Republican leaders like Speaker Newt Gingrich to showcase their ability to manage a Democratic-leaning city, contrasting their approach with the perceived mismanagement by local leaders.
- Defusing a Local Crisis: It effectively neutralized the "D.C. crisis" as a negative campaign issue for Democrats in the 1996 and 1998 national elections by placing fiscal control in the hands of a bipartisan, presidential-appointed board.
- Political Coverage for Leaders: The board provided political cover for Mayor Marion Barry and the City Council to implement painful budget cuts, reducing the immediate political liability of these actions for local Democrats during election cycles.
- Diminishing Statehood Efforts: The legislation was seen as a setback for the D.C. statehood movement, a key Democratic goal.
- Shift in Power: The board held power to override the Mayor and Council and appointed a Chief Financial Officer, shifting control from elected local officials to federally appointed individuals.
While it did not directly alter the outcomes of federal elections (like changing the makeup of Congress or the presidency), it significantly altered the political landscape of the nation's capital and demonstrated a shift toward stricter federal supervision of municipal affairs during that period. The board operated from 1995 until 2001.
But we will be stopped by Home Rule?
The President can exert significant control over the District of Columbia, primarily authorized by Congress under the Constitution and the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. Key powers include declaring a "crime emergency" to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department, directing the National Guard, and appointing local judges. The President does not have direct, unilateral audit authority over the District of Columbia’s local government, as the Constitution grants Congress "exclusive legislation" over the District. While the GAO (a federal entity) can conduct audits, the President would need congressional action to override the 1973 Home Rule Act and gain direct management or auditing control.
Is it worth it to influence this amount of change?
Anna Wright of The Daily Mail in "DC Water hit by largest sewage spill in US history after boss prioritized 'equity' and boasted of getting rid of white male executives" writes, "The largest sewage spill in US history has swamped the Potomac River, creating major problems for the equity-focused DC Water company.
The six-foot-wide Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland collapsed back in January.
This resulted in nearly 300 million gallons of wastewater plaguing the river in just 10 days, contaminating the waterway that runs directly through Washington, DC.,,Trump said it's Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore's fault that the Potomac River has turned 'the heart of Washington into a disaster zone.'
'I cannot allow incompetent Local 'Leadership' to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone,' he wrote on Truth Social.
'The Federal Government has no choice, but to step in. FEMA, which is currently being defunded by the Democrats, will play a key role in coordinating the response.'"
Wright makes it plain, "Trump called it a 'massive ecological disaster,' as many have pointed fingers at DC Water and its CEO David Gadis, the spearhead behind the DEI initiatives at the company.
Gadis previously served for 20 years as Executive Vice President of Veolia North America, which recently paid a $53 million civil settlement for its role in contributing to the Flint water crisis.
After taking over DC Water in 2022, he said the company had been 'predominantly white male' in its executive ranks, while roughly 70 percent of its overall utility workforce consisted of people of color.
Since then, Gadis has said the executive team should 'look like' the workforce and the community it serves.
The company’s executive ranks have grown more diverse, and hefty equity-focused programs have been rolled out.
Some speculate that the company should have prioritized infrastructure repairs over equity initiatives, as local residents are now bearing the brunt of the massive sewage spill.
DC Water tested the river and found E coli levels hundreds of times above EPA limits, turning the Potomac into a festering hazard, NBC reported."
Out of chaos and crisis, we are called to good management. Effective management of people and finance is essential for organizational success, driving productivity, stability, and growth. Proper people management boosts employee engagement and retention, reducing costly turnover, while strategic financial management ensures resource optimization, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability.
Key Aspects of Effective Management:
People Management:
- Maximizing Potential: Asociación Española de Escuelas de Negocios (AEEN) notes that good management helps turn even limited resources into solid, productive work.
- Engagement & Culture: Lumen Learning explains that investing in people (like training, recognition) improves morale, and reduces costly employee turnover.
- Development: Continuous learning, such as career development plans, helps managers understand staff strengths and weaknesses to boost productivity.
Financial Management:
- Strategic Planning: London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) emphasizes that financial management involves organizing, directing, and controlling financial resources for maximum efficiency.
- Stability & Growth: Proper management creates a safety net for emergencies and ensures sufficient funding for operational needs.
- Accountability: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) National highlights that managing finances with integrity and transparency is vital for organizational reputation and success.
But Ken, won't the Democrats and the City be mad?
Based on 2025-2026 reports, Democrats have expressed intense anger and opposition toward actions taken by the Trump administration to exert federal control over Washington, D.C., particularly regarding law enforcement and local autonomy. In 1995, the creation of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (commonly known as the DC Control Board) caused significant anger among local Democrats and civil rights leaders, who viewed it as a "hostile takeover" and a direct assault on home rule. This is akin to knowing you broke the china but are angry that someone more responsible cleans up the mess. So what they get angry. DC is a federal city leading the World and Nation. The municipal government is expected to be run as prosperously and effeciently as we expect of the federal government. Managing a city for all not merely for some requires a commitment to competency and transparent accountabiliy. Bowser has failed at managing and weaponized law enforcement. Bowser failed with our budget and fiscal policy. Bowser has failed to manage and protect the environment. Bowser has failed at giving leadership in times of choas and crisis.
Many believe that a control board should be composed of local residents. Best representatives for a city control board combine legal residency, ethical integrity, and diverse, relevant expertise in finance, law, or urban planning. Ideal members possess strong communication skills, a strategic mindset for long-term planning, and the ability to work cooperatively within a team to address community needs. I believe the locals broke the china, the mess should be cleaned up by the best of the states. This is the capital city and deserves no less. If you subscribe to the locals leading the charge, know that the local Democrats broke it and are not committed to fix it. Washington, D.C. is overwhelmingly Democratic, with 92% of registered voters identifying as Democrats in 2024, and only 6% as Republicans. The District has consistently voted for Democratic presidential candidates since 1964, often with over 90% of the vote. The local government is dominated by Democrats, and the city advocates for statehood to increase national political representation. Never put your most precious jewel in the hands of a thief for security and then, not expect the jewel to be stolen or destroyed.
Ken, who shall we trust to get this done?
We need someone who has a high commitment to the great responsibilities of personnel and finance. A person with proven success in employing the seeds of good management. That person is President Trump. Donald Trump is recognized for skills in branding, audience engagement, and persuasive, simplified communication. As a business-focused leader, he is characterized as competitive, dominant, and intense, using a direct, spontaneous speaking style to connect with his base. His approach often challenges traditional, established norms. I trust him to compose a team of five from around the Nation to manage the personnel and finances of the City. DC needs a Control Board. The Nation needs to buy-in to Furstenberg's Trifecta plan for the betterment of the Nation.
A Better Washington, DC is a Better Nation. We need a Calm in the midst of Chaos and Crisis.
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