Thank you for including a balanced and thoughtful piece about Mayor Marion Barry (“Is Barry Down for the Count?,” 1/24). Residents rarely get to read articles that at least acknowledge and recognize what the mayor has done for the city at the same time as making the convincing case that the time has come for new leadership. Of course, ultimately we, the voters, get to decide who will serve and lead us—even if Mayor Barry doesn’t “go quietly into the night” as many hope he will, both for himself and for the city, residents can end his tenure if we so please.

P.S. I’ve seen and heard Jonetta Rose Barras speak unabashedly about the need for new leaders to reform the city’s management—does she have any mayoral aspirations?

Capitol Hill

via the Internet