SIMMONS: ‘Fiscal hawk’ faces mayoral color barrier

“The human-services cluster consumes $4 billion,” Mr. Evans said, “and there are about 120,000 customers who are really in need. The same number every year.

“We might as well give everybody a check or build them their own home.”

He’s got a point there.

It’s a vicious spending cycle city hall should question.

The mayors — yes, mayors plural — “can’t justify writing those checks,” Mr. Evans said.

Aware that his council colleagues Muriel Bowser of Ward 4 and Tommy Wells of Ward 6 are also possible Democratic contenders next year, Mr. Evans said he is looking forward to oversight hearings and budget talks that begin in earnest after the mayor’s State of the District address on Tuesday, when lawmakers and agency directors start acting like crabs in a barrel.

Mr. Evans, who in February will become the city’s longest-serving lawmaker, said the actions of legislators and mayors speak far louder than words.

“I’m all about results,” he said.

See for yourself by visiting dcclims1.dccouncil.us/lims/searchbymember.aspx and plugging in Jack Evans.

You’ll learn he’s been no slouch.

And even if you don’t agree with the positions he’s taken, he deserves credit for channeling John Wilson, who, bless his heart, as an activist, ward politician and council chairman walked loudly and carried a big municipal stick until the day he died.

• Deborah Simmons can be reached at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.

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