After the high of a huge increased federal payment, the District had been brought low by overspending, insolvency, and the loss of a bond rating necessary for borrowing. Following negotiations, a statute modeled on the New York City control board was enacted. The District's own Armageddon has changed both the civic and the governmental culture. Of course we were far better off when Democrats controlled the Congress. And, without a pro-home rule Democratic President, the District would not have the Senatorial courtesy that allows us to choose the powerful U.S. attorney, federal judges, and U.S. Marshall.
Home rule means taking charge and assuming responsibility even when dealt a bad hand.
We won what we asked for from a Democratic Congress in 1991 but with active support from the Republican President and the Republicans in Congress. The control board statute was written under a Republican Congress, but it was signed by a Democratic President and left the Mayor and Council in charge. Only in subsequent appropriations riders did Congress gradually siphon power from city officials, culminating in the infamous Faircloth attachment that virtually turned the city over to the control board. The Republican withdrawal of the House floor vote from taxpaying D.C. residents and the prospect of an unalterably hostile, right wing Congress were a nightmare. But this needy town always had better try to find a way out.