Mayor Barry Returns to Capital, Says He Has No Plans to Resign

Mayor Marion Barry returned to the nation’s capital Tuesday after six weeks of substance abuse treatment, declaring “I feel good about myself” and saying he has no plans to resign.

Barry, who appeared relaxed and fit, said he was addicted to alcohol and two prescription drugs, Valium and Xanax. He did not mention the federal cocaine possession and perjury charges that he faces.

The mayor reacted with a smile to supporters’ chants of “four more years” in the municipal building where he delivered his remarks, but he declined to say whether he will seek a fourth four-year term in November.

“My political organization is still intact, not withstanding some defections,” Barry said. “We will announce some plans in the very near future.”

During a 30-minute statement, Barry said his faith in God and the love of supporters and family members had seen him through his substance abuse treatment.

“To those persons, I am eternally grateful, moved and humbled,” Barry said. “I’m back and I feel good about my treatment program. I feel good about myself, about my wife, my son, and about the people of Washington.”

He declined to discuss the five cocaine possession and three perjury charges filed against him, referring questions to his attorney.

Barry entered a Florida substance abuse treatment center three days after his Jan. 18 arrest on a cocaine possession charge, and enrolled in a South Carolina treatment program on Feb. 22. During his absence, a federal grand jury returned the indictments.

He said Tuesday he was suffering from alcoholism and from addiction to Valium and Xanax, two prescription drugs.

Both are chemical tranquilizers that, while they are addictive, are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety.

The mayor said top aides, including City Administrator Carol Thompson, would continue their roles in managing district affairs while he seeks after-care. He said he will gradually resume his duties.