Page images
PDF
EPUB

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 1967.

Hon. ALAN BIBLE,

Old Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to support the nomination of Walter E. Washington as Commissioner of the District of Columbia. This I do enthusiastically and unreservedly, and I urge the confirmation of his appointment.

As you may know, I am a Republican, but have served both Republican and Democratic administrations as Trustee and General Counsel of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I have engaged in the practice of law in Washington for twenty years, and have known_Mr. Washington in many connections, including the beautification program. I know of no person more fully qualified for the position of Commissioner, because of his knowledge of Washington, his appreciation of its problems, his administrative experience, talent and high personal integrity. I believe that he enjoys the respect and confidence of a vast majority of the City's residents, and of all of its community leaders.

His abilities are further attested by the fact that Mayor John Lindsay, in search of the best administrative talent available for New York City posts, chose Mr. Washington for a key position of great responsibility in his administration. I speak also on behalf of a segment of the leadership of the community. I am General Counsel of the Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, and have ascertained that the Business Committee of that organization is enthusiastic about Mr. Washington's appointment. A number of the members have lauded Mr. Washington's qualifications.

I sincerely believe that the Nation's Capital and consequently the Nation as a whole will benefit enormously from Mr. Washington's confirmation, and from his administration.

With all good wishes and warm personal regards,
Sincerely,

RALPH E. BECKER.

NATIONAL CAPITAL HOUSING AUTHORITY,
Washington, D.C., September 19, 1967.

Hon. ALAN BIBLE,

Chairman, District of Columbia Committee,
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: In view of the impending session in the Senate in reference to the confirmation of Walter Washington as the new Commissioner of the District of Columbia Government, I would like to ask for your help in obtaining such confirmation.

I have known Mr. Washington for many years, first when I was an official of the Public Housing Administration, Philadelphia Regional Office, and Mr. Washington was a management employee of the National Capital Housing Authority and later the Executive Director, More recently I worked directly with Mr. Washington when he was Executive Director of the Housing Authority, and I was on his staff as Director of Engineering and Maintenance for the Authority.

I have known him when he was faced with the heavily troubled days of last summer when the tenants of the Authority and the poor of the District, in general, were waging a constant and often heated campaign to improve their lot in Washington. At a time when there were more poverty workers fermenting for reforms than there were employees to maintain the property. I saw Mr. Washington meet time after time with these people at mass meetings, where tempers were short, in his office or at any place requested in the city, day or night. Many of these people were not tenants, but were trying to gain recognition of their problems. Mr. Washington's patience and his sincere efforts to help the people kept an explosive condition under control throughout last summer when the District reached its peak of heat in the fight for the improvement of conditions for the poor. Since that time the fervor has slowly quieted down while in many cities it climbed on to explode in the violence that we have seen during the past six months.

Mr. Washington's administrative ability has enabled him to bring together and guide the proper people to achieve the desired goals in the tasks he has undertaken.

Working directly with him during much of the past two years, I have learned of his abilities and his untiring efforts to do the best possible job in every assignment he undertakes. In this close association of day to day work, I am confident that he has the qualities and administrative abilities desired by our government and the people of the District of Columbia for their new Commissioner. I thank you sincerely for any efforts to obtain this confirmation. Sincerely,

EMMETT M. GRAY,

Director, Engineering and Maintenance.

Senator ALAN BIBLE,

U.S. Senate.

NATIONAL CAPITAL HOUSING AUTHORITY,
Washington, D.C., September 19, 1967.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: This is to voice my wholehearted agreement with the selection of Walter E. Washington as Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Mr. Washington directed the Housing Authority during its most fruitful years and shared many pleasant experiences with us. It was cause for extreme regret when he departed the city for New York.

I pride myself on my knowledge of District affairs and the people responsible for our government here. I think that Walter Washington is by far the best choice to lead us. He has intimate knowledge of many of the city's most serious and trying problems. The manner in which he handled himself and in which he dispatched the problems during the tenant crisis in the Housing Authority in 1966 pointed him out as a man of exceptional qualities. Now, he is where he belongs. The City of Washington is fortunate to have a man like Mr. Washington to call to service. I am sure that his tenure will be one of extraordinary service. Yours truly,

HAROLD W. HOWARD,

Management Aide, Garfield Terrace Apartments.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK,

Hon. ALAN BIBLE,

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION,
New York, N.Y., September 29, 1967.

Chairman, Senate Committee on the District of Columbia,
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: After less than a year as Chairman of the New York City Housing Authority, Walter Washington leaves not only a record of accomplishment, but an atmosphere of innovation and creativity.

His selection as "Mayor" of Washington is a superb choice. I am proud of him and wish him well, though I am sorry to lose such a comrade-in-arms. Sincerely yours,

Senator ALAN BIBLE,

U.S. Senate.

JASON R. NATHAN,
Administrator.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 1967.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: As Chairman of the Park-Morton Citizens' Committee, I speak for the 174 families in this community. We are justly proud to see Walter Washington return home to lead our city. For many years he performed wonders for us, and we believe that he will do no less for Washington, D.C.

Thank you.

Yours very truly,

Mrs. MAE V. LLOYD.

Hon. ALAN BIBLE,

MCLEAN, VA., September 19, 1967.

Chairman, Senate Committee for the District of Columbia,
Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: As a former co-worker and assistant to Mr. Walter E. Washington in the National Capital Housing Authority for an extended period, I heartily recommend approval by your Committee of his appointment as the new Commissioner for the District of Columbia.

My personal observation and experience in working with Mr. Washington since 1946 indicate that he is outstanding in his ability, integrity and capacity for work and achievement. His interest in the District of Columbia and the needs of the people is wholesome and untiring. Sincerely yours,

DONALD P. LIBERA.

LE DROIT UNITY CLUB, Washington, D.C., September 19, 1967.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I am writing as a representative of the tenants of the Le Droit apartments for senior citizens of the National Capital Housing Authority. We are all proud that Mr. Walter Washington has been nominated for the position of "Mayor" of Washington. He is a very capable man and helped us who are elderly and poor.

He will have the support of all of us whom he has done so much for.

Sincerely,

ALICE LANE, President.

WASHINGTON D.C., September 19, 1967.

Senator ALAN BIBLE,

Chairman, Senate District Committee,

Senate Office Building,

Washington D.C.

DEAR SIR: I have been a tenant of National Capital Housing Authority for nine years and I am writing this letter to strongly urge your committee to approve Mr. Walter Washington's appointment.

Mr. Washington, to me, is a leader I have long respected and I feel certain that he would render a tremendous service to our city.

Very truly yours,

Senator ALAN BIBLE,
U.S. Senate.

(Mrs.) THELMA WILLIAMS.

KELLY MILLER TENANT COUNCIL,
September 19, 1967.

DEAR SIR: Thank you so much for your part in making Mr. Washington our Commissioner. The people in National Capital Housing know of his record. He is the best man for the job.

Yours truly,

CLINTON B. WILSON,

President.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 1967.

To the Honorable members of this Committee:

We would like for our voices to be heard as how we feel about Mr. Walter E. Washington being selected as Commissioner of Washington, D.C.

To the many tenants I talked with, our President made a wise appointment in picking Mr. Washington for the job of Commissioner.

Perhaps someone may ask is he qualified? The answer is yes.

When he was with us (N.C.H.A.), at one time over 50,000 people (38,000 children), looked to him for the answer to many problems to housing, personal, and many unrelated ones. Many times he went beyond the call of duty to help to find some solution, and were given material aid as well as constructive advice.

A number of services were added to the many projects (42) at that time citywide to help those of us who lived in the different dwellings, to have a better place to live, and feel more comfortable.

The member of the tenant committee and tenants feel he is the man who belongs to the people, and not the people to him.

In dealing with the masses, some mistakes will be made. It only proves you are human, but when you admit them, and try to rectify them in all sincerity says to the world, then I am a man.

The President's choice of a man, that can meet people on all levels, and be understood by them, is a great one. A great man of our country once said, "An educated man is one who can be understood by the highest of the intellectual as well as one who possessed none. This is the one we hope will be our next commissioner for our Great City, Washington, D.C. Speaking of the character of Mr. Washington, should that cause a pause in coming to a conclusion of his fitness, I may be able to help you out.

On Friday, Feb. 10th, 1967. At the D.C. Armory, a Pageant and a tribute to Walter E. Washington was held. From the White House on down to the man in the street, a great tribute was paid to him. You can be sure, those people in high public places as well as private life, were sincere in the many gifts as tokens of appreciation for Washington's dedicated service also as a Gentleman. Yours in hope, President of Tenants' Council.

To Whom It May Concern.

ARTHUR CAPPER DWELLINGS.
W. R. INGRAM.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

DEAR SIR: Mr. Washington is a most appropriate choice for the position of Chief Commissioner. During his time of service with N.C.H.A. he not only served the tenants from a plush air conditioned office, he would come out into an area which was having trouble and talk to the people to see what he and they could do to solve it as a team. There have also been times when groups of tenants with problems could go to his office and discuss current problems as well as future ones. I feel within myself he will continue to serve the public in a most honest and sincere

way.

Very truly yours,

Senator ALAN BIBLE,

Chairman, Senate District Committee,

Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Mrs. KATHRYN J. STEWART.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 1967.

DEAR SIR: I, Louise Rice of 3836 8th St. S.E., am writing this letter asking that your committee approve the appointment of Mr. Walter E. Washington as the Commissioner of the District of Columbia.

I have been living in public housing for five years and I remember Mr. Washington as a man of deep concern for our welfare. Very truly yours,

(Mrs.) LOUISE RICE.

Hon. Senator BIBLE.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1967.

Being a tenant at National Capital Housing Authority and knowing we have people like Walter E. Washington as Director of an organization in the interest of the people, in the District proves to me he is capable of being Mayor for the District.

Mrs. ANNA WILLIAMS.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1967.

Hon. SENATOR BIBLE.

I am a tenant under the National Capital Housing Authority where Mr. Walter E. Washington served as executive director.

I feel that his appointment as Mayor of the District of Columbia is well deserved. CLARA PETERSON.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1967.

Hon. SENATOR BIBLE.

I wish to recommend Mr. Walter E. Washington as D.C. Mayor.
I am a tenant in Public Housing.

THERESA YOUNG.

Hon. SENATOR BIBLE.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1967.

As a tenant of NCHA I feel that Mr. Walter E. Washington would make a good representative as Mayor for the District of Columbia.

CAROLYN SMITH.

Hon. Senator BIBLE.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1967.

My interest in writing this letter is for Public Housing's good friend Mr. Walter Washington. We who have made our home here know what this man can do for the interest of poor people. Therefore, I feel Mr. Washington for Mayor of D.C. is the Peoples choice.

Truly,

FANNIE BLADEN. WASHINGTON, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: We the tenants in the LeDroit Elderly Building are happy to see Mr. Washington selected as the Commissioner.

Thank you very much.

Yours truly,

(Mrs.) FRANCES DODD.

Hon. Senator ALAN BIBLE:

I am very much concerned about Mr. Walter Washington. He is a fine man He have. did so much for everyone. His pride is very high, a fine man in fact one of the best with Nat. Cap. Housing. I feel he is the person for us.

Respectfully yours,

Mrs. CLARA WILSON.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 1967.

Hon. ALAN BIBLE,

U.S. Senate.

MY DEAR SIR: I endorse Mr. Walter Washington as Chief Commissioner of the District of Columbia because he is tops in the knowledge of the needs of this city of which I am a native resident.

I am a tenant of the NCHA Langston Dwelling, which is the best of the older ones. The NCHA under the administration of Mr. Washington went very far in providing low income housing for retirees and large families. I am a retired widow. Mr. Washington has another asset, his good, brilliant wife Dr. Bennetta Washington, with a staff of the properly picked men and a wife like that I think D.C. can and will succeed. Most successful men are fortified with the right woman. Yours very truly,

(Mrs.) VIVIAN M. GROSS.

P.S. A man coming from a state cannot run D.C. like a city in a state. D.C. is the only one of its kind, the forgotten Federal city with no vote. I notice some under consideration are unfamiliar with our city.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1967.

Hon. Senator BIBLE:

Mr. Walter E. Washington when he was Executive Director of the National Capital Housing Authority did much to help the poor. Therefore I wish to recommend him as D.C. Commissioner.

I am a tenant under National Capital Housing.

ANNIE STAPLES.

« PreviousContinue »