While politicians traditionally are accorded a "honeymoon" period when first elected, Ward 5 residents appear to be restless for change from what many have felt for years was inattention to their concerns from Orange’s two predecessors, William Spaulding and Harry Thomas.

And there’s a feeling that Orange, who sought the council seat for nearly 10 years before finally succeeding, has misunderstood the message in his electoral victory last fall over the incumbent Thomas.

"Rather than voting for Orange, many people were voting against Thomas," said one Michigan Park resident who asked not to be identified but said she voted for Orange. "Vincent Orange still has something to prove to Ward 5, and people may not be as patient with him as they were with Harry since Harry let us down."

Some Ward 5 residents expressed displeasure with Orange’s failure to widely notify the public about the first "Town Hall Meeting" he held on Jan. 14, questioning why they hadn’t been in-formed.

In addition to residents’ grumbling, Orange already has been criticized privately by some members of the Brookland Business and Professionals Association after he spoke at one of the group’s recent meetings. Orange says he hopes to establish the ward as a communications hub, starting with supporting the nonprofit DCTV’s proposed move into historic Brooks Mansion in Brookland. The councilman’s preoccupation with Brooks Mansion during the meeting, rather than the 12th Street NE business district’s more immediate concerns, prompted mild criticism of his priorities after the meeting.

At another recent meeting, some Ward 5 residents showed disappointment when Orange did not side with them against the proposed relocation of Metropolitan Baptist Day School from its present home in Northwest Washington to a site in Brookland.

Orange told his constituents he would take a look at the issue from both sides before making a decision.

"Education is lacking in this city," said Orange, who attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., where he earned a degree in business administration. In 1983 he earned a masters of law in taxation at Georgetown University. "As an attorney, it’s been my job to look at both sides and get the facts," he added.

Mary Baird Currie, an ANC 5A commissioner who called the Feb. 10 single-member district meeting at which the councilman spoke, said Orange attended all the meetings concerning the issue so he should be fully aware of what’s going on.

"I usually see politicians stand with their constituents," Currie said. "These are the same people that stood behind him when he was running for office."

Pat Mitchell, one of Orange’s Democratic opponents in last year’s primary election, said she thinks Orange should be given an opportunity to prove himself. But, at the same time, she said she believes he has known the issues long enough to take a position one way or another.

"When you have a vision for the ward, you must show some visible signs — especially when we haven’t had any adequate representation," said Mitchell, a longtime active member of the Bloomingdale Civic Association.

Mitchell said she thinks residents of Ward 5 are anxious to see these plans and visions manifested. But she said she also agrees with Orange’s policy of looking at all the facts of an issue before taking a position.

"Although I do wish he would stop saying ‘No research, No comment,’" she said.

Orange’s Republican opponent in last fall’s election actually sounds more willing to give Orange a honeymoon than some of the councilman’s avowed supporters. ANC 5C Commissioner Ian Alexander said he thinks Orange is off to a good start and that he should continue listening to the people.

"Although he’s run before, a lot of people still don’t know much about him," said Alexander. Alexander also mentioned that Orange’s staff does show they’re interested in the people’s interests.

ANC 5B Commissioner Joan Black echoed many of Orange’s constituents who say they are hoping for more attentive representation on the council.

"It’s too soon to tell, but he seems very personable and I’m sure he will do better than his predecessors," she said.

Copyright 1999, The Common Denominator