Some news stories from the past week involving Chairman Mendelson:

DC Hoping Obama Will Address Statehood in State of the Union Address – When asked what he would like to see the president discuss in the speech in a recent phone interview, Mendelson said, “Absolutely a reaffirmation with regard to [Obama’s] support for self-determination and equality for all district residents.” “This is a position that cannot be stated often enough because most citizens of the United States do not understand the unique status of the District,” Mendelson pointed out. “There’s a huge misunderstanding and so the more that there’s public discussion of our situation, it only helps us.”  [Roll Call]

Key DC Posts Remain in Flux Three Weeks Into Muriel Bowser’s Administration – DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said he was “deeply concerned” about Staton’s departure. “The agency has made tremendous progress,” he said, citing renewed confidence across the government in the procurement department’s ability to conduct solicitations.  [The Washington Post]

Mendelson Bill Would Increase Penalties for Distracted Driving – DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson introduced a bill this session, the Enhanced Penalties for Distracted Driving Amendment Act of 2015, to strengthen those penalties. It would increase the fines for those who are found to have repeatedly engaged in distracted driving, culminating in a driver’s license suspension for those who have three violations within eighteen months. The bill was co-introduced by Bonds, Allen, and Nadeau and referred to the Committee of Transportation and the Environment chaired by Mary Cheh.  [WashCycle]