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Catania Urges Consideration Of Elected D.A. Charter Amendment |
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Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) pressed Congressional leaders September 25, 2003, to consider pending legislation that creates a locally elected Office of District Attorney. Last November, District residents overwhelmingly approved Referendum A, authorizing a change in the Home Rule Charter to establish this office.
In a letter to Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), Catania encouraged both members who chair D.C. oversight committees to schedule hearings on this issue as soon as possible. "Residents of the District of Columbia are the only Americans unable to select the manner in which their local laws are enforced," Catania wrote. "I believe electing a District Attorney who is accountable to D.C. residents would be a positive step toward a more responsive and effective government." More than 82% of District voters approved Referendum A. The proposed structure for the Office of the District Attorney provides for a locally elected District Attorney, who would become the chief legal officer of the District, to head the office. The District Attorney would be responsible for prosecuting all local laws. For more information regarding this issue, contact the Office of Councilmember Catania at 202.724.7772. |
