Elizabeth McKelvy
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – DC mayor-elect Muriel Bowser and former DC mayoral candidate Carol Schwartz joined WMAL Mornings on the Mall Monday to remember the life of Marion Barry.
Barry, who served as DC’s mayor from 1979 to 1991 and then from 1995 to 1999, died Sunday morning after spending time in the hospital. He was 78.
Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser spoke fondly of her close relationship with Barry, telling WMAL that they talked multiple times a day.
“Marion really had a touch to get his points across and to work with people,” she remembered.
“I will tell you, he lived his life his way up until the very end,” Bowser shared that she was surprised by the news of Barry’s death because of his strong spirit.
Carol Schwartz, who ran against both Bowser and Barry in DC mayoral races, shared that she was also shocked at the news.
“Whether it be health issues or political issues, he seemed to be able to rise,” she said.
“I’ve lived in Washington for nearly 50 years, so I have met all the presidents, many senators, many congress people, and many governors” Schwartz told WMAL. “And I always said the best politician, at the height of his political life, was Marion Barry.”
Marion Barry, who was called “Mayor for Life” will be missed by many throughout Washington, DC.
Copyright (c) 2014 WMAL.
