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Norton Says Passing of Walter Washington Marks End of Home Rule Era
Statement from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
October 27, 2003
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the following statement on the passing of Mayor Walter E. Washington.
"The era of home rule ended today with the passing of Walter Washington. Mayor Washington simultaneously shaped the office of mayor and the practice of home rule governance for a city that had lived without democracy for a hundred years. The District has a strong mayor form of government in no small part because his service as appointed mayor demonstrated that a mayor could lead this city as mayors of other big cities did. His service is significant for far more than the office he held, however, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Walter Washington our first mayor because he wanted a man of great character and ability to pave the way for an elected mayor. The people of the District returned the compliment by electing Walter Washington our first elected mayor. Residents realized he had the "right stuff" to be mayor-not only outstanding ability and integrity but also the indispensable political skills and common touch that make people want to follow the lead of an elected official. That combination of gifts proved mighty useful during the 1968 riots. The mayor was legendary for his way with the President and the Congress, but Walter Washington was appreciated in this town not only because he could talk to power but because he talked equally well to the powerless.
"People who missed his years as mayor often got some sense of his political gifts on the public occasions when his extraordinary wit was in full form as it remained throughout Walter's life.
"With the passing of Mayor Washington, the home rule era he shaped also passes. Perhaps, almost 30 years after Walter Washington was first elected, Congress will now understand that a new era of full democracy, independence and voting rights is overdue.
"Mrs. Mary Cornelia Washington, Walter's daughter, Bennetta Jules-Rosette and his family have my condolences and the sympathy of the city who loved him."
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