2 Who Made D.C. Better

Before I venture into the political world, I want to remember two people who devoted their lives to making D.C. a better place.

Stu Long
Stu Long was best known as the owner of Hawk ‘n’ Dove. That Capitol Hill bar and restaurant was the “in spot” for so many years. Political types of all ideological stripes would go there to drink, eat, talk and tell stories. It was down-to-earth, friendly and welcoming. The bartenders knew your name.

Stu prided himself first and foremost as being a “saloon keeper.”

Not as well-known was that he was a lawyer who graduated from George Washington University Law School. His lifelong passion was where he went to high school: Gonzaga. He was that school’s number-one booster and benefactor. I attended his funeral service and there were scores of fellow alums paying tribute to Stu.

In 1978, it was Stu Long who provided the Good Housekeeping stamp of approval by endorsing Marion Barry for mayor.

He was the first white businessman to go out and raise money for Barry. Many believe that his support was one of the main reasons Barry pulled off that upset win over Walter Washington and Sterling Tucker.

If Stu didn’t say something rotten about you and lambast you for some minor fault, you didn’t count in D.C. I’ll miss him for his sly smarts and big heart.

He gave this city some much needed pizzazz.

Isaac (Ike) Fulwood
My good friend Jim Hudson summed up Chief Fulwood with these words: “Smart, tough and streetwise.”

Ike Fulwood was straight out of central casting. Every inch of him radiated authority and booming self-confidence. He looked great in uniform and greeted everybody with a big smile.

He was D.C.’s police chief during a very rough time. Homicides were rampant and drugs were overflowing on the streets. He did the best he could. Most of all, he was visible and approachable. He would talk to anyone and everyone.

Later, he served the nation as chair of the U.S. Parole Commission. Ike Fulwood was D.C. born and raised. A graduate of Eastern High School, he knew this city and he cared deeply about every neighborhood.

Political analyst and Georgetowner columnist Mark Plotkin is a contributor to the BBC on American politics and a contributor to thehill.com. Reach him at
markplotkindc@gmail.com.