Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty (D) threw his support behind the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in an event Tuesday at King Greenleaf Recreation Center in Southwest D.C.

“I believe a new era of hope is upon us — in both the District of Columbia and the entire nation,” Fenty told the crowd, according to an Obama release. “Barack Obama is the candidate that can reach across party lines and inspire pride in our government again.”

Fenty, who said during his endorsement that Obama is committed to securing D.C. a vote in Congress, also will serve as the chairman of the Senator’s D.C. campaign.

“Washington is fortunate that it gets to count on Adrian Fenty,” Obama said. “Today, I’m proud to declare that I can count on Adrian as well.”

Fenty joins three Democratic D.C. councilmembers who previously endorsed Obama: Tommy Wells (Ward 6), Muriel Bowser (Ward 4) and Yvette Alexander (Ward 7).

Car-Free Day in D.C. Planned for Sept. 18

The D.C. City Council approved a resolution last week to designate Sept. 18 as D.C. Car-Free Day. Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells (D) was a sponsor of the bill.

D.C. will join 1,500 cities in 40 countries that have a car-free day each September, according to Wells’ office.

“Car Free Day is an opportunity for us all to rediscover our city without cars,” Wells said in a statement. “Whether you walk, bike, skate, take the bus or metro, there are lots of ways to get around. This will be our day to reconnect with our neighbors and fellow citizens and leave our isolating cars at home.”

Wells is working with the D.C. Department of Transportation and Metro officials to encourage alternative transportation for the day, according to Charles Allen, his chief of staff. That might include closing some roads or lanes to create routes for bicyclists and pedestrians, Allen said.

Wells is encouraging residents to offer suggestions for D.C. Car-Free Day by posting to his blog at tommywells.org.

— Daniel Heim