Mayor Avoids Ethics Issues in State of DC Address

Washington's embattled new mayor delivered a State of the District address Monday evening with a detailed vision for progress in the District but few specifics about how he plans to achieve his goals.

Mayor Vincent Gray did not mention the controversies surrounding his administration, which is under investigation by several entities for its hiring practices.

Earlier Monday, a hearing was held about the Gray administration's hiring practices, which came under fire with the firing of Sulaimon Brown, a minor mayoral candidate who hounded ex-Mayor Adrian Fenty during the campaign. Brown has since said he was paid to do so by the Gray campaign and promised a job, which he lost following allegations of misconduct involving female staff members.

Gray's hour-long speech offered no specifics about what he intends to cut from the budget to make up for a $322 million shortfall. He said cuts will be made before any tax increases are considered.

Gray will deliver his budget to the D.C. Council Friday.

He also discussed continued education reform and the importance of curbing truancy in the city.

The mayor hailed recent Census results that showed the District gaining population but said economic progress has not extended to neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

Click here to read the State of the District address.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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