The secret of how to get something done in the D.C. government is out. Don’t call Marion—call Sam Jordan, head of the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Sam’s effectiveness was amply demonstrated last week during the council’s marathon noncutting session. Councilmember Kathy Patterson had proposed to cut his office down to the federally funded minimum. Ward 4 Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis was quick to rise to Sam’s defense, describing how she calls Sam instead of the Department of Public Works (DPW) when she spots a dangerous pothole. Jack Evans praised Sam’s office for helping his ward organize annual Halloween events. But Sam’s true value was embodied in testimony from Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas. Instead of making Harry spend $30 a month on a wakeup service, Sam’s office obliges the councilmember with an official 5 a.m. “good morning.” Needless to say, Sam’s budget emerged unscathed.