Catania-Barry Spat at DC Council Retreat
From Alden Leonard. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him @aldenleonard on Twitter.
DC Councilmembers David Catania and Marion Barry traded barbs at a Valentine’s Day work retreat, according to reports from several local media sources, including DCist and Washington Examiner.
Borderstan.com covers DC’s Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods.
After a presentation by the District’s chief financial officer, Barry interjected a question about United Medical Center, a troubled hospital in his ward. Catania immediately unloaded a litany of insults on Barry.
According to reports, “F you, Marion,” Catania proposed, accusing the former mayor of being “full of s&%t” and “a despicable human being.” Catania’s reasoning for the attack was that Barry neglects the medical center, and that his “agenda is so transparent.”
Barry has since stated that he believes Catania’s verbal attacks were racially motivated. But Catania stood by his remarks. Observers note that the relationship between Barry and Catania has always been contentious.
So much for feeling the love on Valentine’s Day.
For newcomers to the Borderstan area, a short bit of history on both men’s political careers. Catania was first elected to the council in a 1997 special election as a Republican — but left the party and became an Independent a number of years ago due to his disagreement with the GOP’s positions on social and other issues. While Catania is one of four At-Large councilmembers, he does live in the greater Borderstan area. Barry, a Democrat, represents the 8th Ward.
Over the course of his career Barry has been a member of the City Council, then mayor for 12 years, then a member of Council for two years, then mayor for four more years before finally returning to his Ward 8 seat.
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