Deborah Simmons
Articles by Deborah Simmons
SIMMONS: Arming school personnel is a cop-out
To arm or disarm? That is a burning question after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., as Vice President Joseph R. Biden prepares to inform President Obama on a way forward. Published January 13, 2013
SIMMONS: Transportation — and how to pay for it — is Topic 1
This week, motor vehicles officials resumed their positions in city hall, Annapolis and Richmond, and whether you're a motorist or bicyclist, mass transit commuter, and whether you hoof it as a pedestrian or work from home, transportation costs are going to be a top priority in 2013 regardless of where you live. To drive home the issue, officials are looking at your wallet. Published January 9, 2013
SIMMONS: Walkability, bicycle lanes no answer to gridlock
While D.C. officials continue to press for voting rights in Congress, plans for a walkable city and bike lanes that increasingly make the city less and less friendly to drivers are rightly a look to the future for unclogged roads and enhanced mass-transit networks. Published December 30, 2012
SIMMONS: Dark-blue D.C. in dire need of diversity — of ideology
Special elections have become rituals in the District, thanks to the liberals and their constant barking. Published December 26, 2012
SIMMONS: Douglass deserves a part in the Lincoln story
I tried to do what Steven Spielberg should have done, and that's channel Frederick Douglass for a view on Abraham Lincoln and the federal city. Published December 23, 2012
SIMMONS: Boys want missing mom home for Christmas
Richard and U'Andre Harris haven't felt their mother's hugs for more than 22 months. She hasn't called home to inquire about them or sent mysterious birthday cards. That's because their mother, Unique Harris, has seemingly vanished without a trace. Published December 19, 2012
SIMMONS: Let’s take time to cherish the simple value of life
It's time to have the talk. Published December 16, 2012
SIMMONS: Ministers see lack of focus on people facing ‘cliff’
If the truth is the light, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and his leadership team might need to increase the UV protection of their sunglasses. Published December 12, 2012
SIMMONS: Lines blur for blacks living in city
The District is undergoing a sort of identity crisis. Published December 9, 2012
SIMMONS: In the dark is nowhere to be about crime information
The city is experiencing lower homicide rates, as officials recently announced, and that is truly good news (and let's pray it continues). Gathering, disseminating and sharing accurate daily, weekly, monthly and yearly crime information equals credibility. As things stand now, the department is blocking the public's view. Published December 5, 2012
SIMMONS: Whether to hire or elect ex-cons a hot question
Ex-cons and their supporters say they are tired of formerly incarcerated residents being discriminated against, so they are using any means necessary to change their circumstances. Published December 2, 2012
SIMMONS: City chips in for Pop Warner teams’ trip
Monique Brown was excited when I broke the good news to her early Wednesday afternoon that the city would help cover travel and hotel accommodations for three Pop Warner teams' trips to Florida. Published November 28, 2012
SIMMONS: Redskins-Cowboys rivalry adds to Turkey Day tradition
In our family, pulling the Thanksgiving Day schedule together is tough. Published November 21, 2012
SIMMONS: D.C. schools chief, watch your back
To D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson: Walk with all deliberate speed, make clear tread marks and watch your back. Published November 14, 2012
SIMMONS: 1910 building law for D.C. is height of absurdity today
Rep. Darrell E. Issa, California Republican, who chairs the House panel overseeing D.C. affairs, is really onto something that D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and council member Kenyan McDuffie should give considerable attention to. Published November 11, 2012
SIMMONS: Election brings changes for D.C. politics
Morning-after pills can be hard to swallow, especially when election results raise new unanswered questions among winners and losers. Published November 7, 2012
SIMMONS: In Florida and Tennessee, teachers unions face Rhee-venge
Merit pay for teachers, school choice, in-state tuition rates for veterans and undocumented immigrants. Published November 4, 2012
SIMMONS: Political shenanigans of health care are sickening
If you support health care reform, stay away from the D.C. model. Published October 31, 2012
SIMMONS: Charter changes could put teeth in demands for ethical behavior
There's a perfect storm brewing over the District of Columbia, and it's name isn't Sandy. Published October 28, 2012
SIMMONS: When more than a slap on the wrist is needed
Sparing the rod does more than spoil the child. Published October 24, 2012