D.C. Board Ousts Barry Aides; Protests Disrupt Meeting
The District of Columbia Financial Control Board flexed its newfound powers and replaced four of Mayor Marion Barry’s top managers Tuesday. Angry demonstrators disrupted the meeting, and police made a dozen arrests.
The board’s tumultuous meeting took place in a local church hours after President Clinton signed into law a budget bill that provides new cash for the capital but wrests powers from both the mayor and City Council.
Demonstrators marched into the church and surrounded the head table, where the board’s chairman, Andrew Brimmer, and other members were seated. Police moved in to clear the aisles.
There were shouts of “Shame, Shame” as police removed the demonstrators, some wearing black armbands to signify what they called the end of home rule.
One elderly man yelled, “We’re tired of being slaves to the Control Board,” as he was dragged away.
Barry will continue to oversee five agencies--Recreation, Economic Development, Emergency Preparedness, Cable Television and Tourism and Promotion--as well as all city boards and commissions.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
