The truths and falsehoods of "Five for Fenty"
Supporters of Mayor Adrian Fenty this summer have swarmed various media to boost the fortunes of their embattled candidate. The multi-platform attack includes a Ron Moten-produced endorsement track — “Five for Fenty” — by the rapper Stinky Dink. The number includes the following Facts Machine-taunting line:
“About to press my slacks then address the facts / you don't mess with success, we can check the stats.”
We decided to take Mr. Dink up on his offer and check the stats. (We will not, however, press his slacks.) Our evaluation of “Five for Fenty” is after the jump.
“Got the lowest murder rate in ‘bout 40 years.”
In 2009, according to the Metropolitan Police Department’s annual report, D.C. had 143 murders, the lowest number since 1966.
“22,000 jobs for the young'uns / so they can do somethin' constructive for the summer."
In testimony last week, D.C. Department of Employment Services head Joseph Walsh said the number was closer to 20,000. Various earlier reports did put the number at 22,000.
Whether or not they’re doing something constructive is another matter. Observers have long criticized the programs for being little more than busy work, and those complaints have only grown as Fenty expanded the size of the program in recent years.
“Building some affordable housing/11,000”
Fenty’s administration hasn’t actually built 11,000 units of affordable housing. They’ve “created or preserved” 11,000 units, which includes saving units that might have otherwise been razed. The administration provided data to The Washington Post showing 5,000 units had been built, and the Facts Machine is preparing to look in to the remaining 6,000. For now, we’ll let Stinky Dink get away with repeating a major Fenty talking point.
“Permanently housed about a thousand homeless.”
The Fenty administration announced last month they had housed their 1,000th homeless family under the Permanent Supportive Housing program.
“Five for Fenty” isn’t perfect, but the track is Mostly On Point.
We didn't look at every line in 'Five for Fenty,' and if there's any you want The Facts Machine to check out, let us know. Rest assured, The Facts Machine will also be looking at Moten's two more recent releases, "Don't Leave Us, Fenty" and "U Fenty, Huh?" later on in the campaign.
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