Marion Barry

Bad things just seem to happen to this guy:

D.C. Council member and former mayor Marion Barry is under investigation for failing to file federal income tax returns and pay his taxes, according to two sources close to the probe.

The sources said authorities have been in plea negotiations with Barry (D-Ward 8) to settle issues stemming from tax returns dating to 1998. The discussions follow an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. attorney's office in Washington, they said. It was not immediately clear how much money Barry could owe in taxes and potential penalties.

It's stuff like this that makes me laugh when people complain about current DC Mayor Tony Williams.

Along Seventh Street NW, where upscale boutiques, restaurants and art galleries have replaced abandoned buildings and parking lots littered with trash, Edward Fisher leaned against a concrete wall at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station and complained about soaring property values.

Yes, increasing property values are a real curse. Of course there is a solution to that problem: Bring back Marion Barry.