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[Miscellaneous] Issues (Jim Cicconi) (1)
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118568770
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[Miscellaneous] Issues (Jim Cicconi) (1)
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Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
James Cicconi's Subject Files
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 18, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR WHITE HOUSE STAFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
11
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Standards of Conduct: Contact with Independent
Regulatory Agencies, Investigative and Intelli-
gence Departments and Agencies, and Procurement
Agencies
It is important that all members of the staff review periodi-
cally the standards of conduct governing contacts with
independent agencies and with Executive branch departments
and agencies having adjudicative, investigative, intelligence
and procurement responsibilities. Given the number of new
members of the staff over the past two years, and as a
reference for all staff members, I am recirculating prior
memoranda on the subject. You should give careful considera-
tion to the guidance contained in the attached memoranda, as
well as the other guidelines set forth in the White House
Office Staff Manual.
Your cooperation in observing these guidelines is most
strongly urged. If you have any questions regarding these
procedures, please contact the Counsel's Office.
Thank you.
Attachments
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1981
-MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
Counsel to the President
SUBJECT:
Standards of Conduct: Contact with Independent
Regulatory Agencies, Investigative and Intelli-
gence Departments and Agencies, and Procurement
Agencies
It is important that you be familiar with the standards of conduct
governing the activities of the White House staff in its contacts
with the independent agencies and Executive Branch departments and
agencies with investigative, intelligence and procurement responsi-
bilities.
Regulatory Agencies: The cases that come before these agencies
are of two general types: rule-making and adjudicative. Both are
normally extremely complicated, extremely important to the parties
concerned, and involve large amounts of money. While there may be
exceptional occasions when White House staff contact with agency
personnel is justified in rule-making proceedings, there is no
justification for involvement in particular adjudicative proceedings.
As a general rule, no member of the staff should make an ex parte
contact with a regulatory agency in regard to any particular matter
pending before that agency, regardless of whether the proceedings
are deemed to be rule-making or adjudicative, when such a contact
may imply preferential treatment or the use of influence on the
decision-making process.
Should you receive inquiries with regard to such matters, you should
refer the inquiring party to the agency involved, and express no
opinion on the issues raised. In short, White House staff members
should avoid even the mere appearance of interest or -influence
and the easiest way to do so is to avoid discussing matters pending
before the independent regulatory agencies with interested parties
and avoid making ex parte contacts with agency personnel. Should
an occasion arise in the course of your duties where it appears
necessary to discuss general policy matters with the staff of an
independent regulatory agency, to avoid any appearance of impropriety,
you should first consult with the Office of the Counsel to the
President to determine whether such contact would be appropriate
under the circumstances. Such clearance is not required before
contacting executive agencies on administrative or purely executive
matters where no adjudicative, regulatory or procurement action is
involved.
-3-
Investigative and Intelligence Agencies: As set forth in my
memorandum of February 10, 1981 (attached) the ban on contacts
extends to the litigating; investigative and adjudicatory divi-
sions of the Department of Justice. The same rules apply to the
Internal Revenue Service, the Inspectors General, the Special
Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board, and similar com-
ponents of departments and agencies with authority to investi-
gate charges of misconduct, conduct audits of specific programs,
or bring complaints before courts or other adjudicative bodies.
White House staff should also.confer with the Counsel's Office
before making inquiries of agencies with respect to particular
individuals. While the White House Office is not bound by
the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a, federal
agencies are restricted by that Act from disclosing information
about individuals contained in their files. The White House
staff should be sensitive to these constraints.
Agencies in the intelligence community, including CIA, NSA, DIA,
the Intelligence Division of the FBI, and the intelligence com-
ponents of the military services, report to the President
through his Assistant for National Security Affairs. These
agencies should not be contacted directly without coordinating
first with the Assistant for National Security Affairs, and,
where issues of individual privacy may be concerned, the Counsel
to the President.
Procurement Agencies: In recent years, the public has become
increasingly sensitive to the allegations of improper influence
in the awarding of government contracts. Obviously, no member
of the White House staff should contact any procurement officer
about a contract in which he has a personal financial interest or
in which a relative, friend, or business associate has a finan-
cial interest. This is true not only as to calls or contacts in
which influence is directly exerted, but also as to so-called
"status" calls or other communications which might direct the
attention of the procurement officer to the fact that the White
House staff member has an interest.
There are likely to be occasions when the White House has a
legitimate interest in information about procurement matters; in
such instances, the communication should be made by persons who
have no direct interest themselves, and whose friends or associates
have no such interests. It is advisable that the lack of such
interest be made known to those receiving the communication so that
unintended inferences do not arise. To the extent that it can be
done, information should be obtained after the contracting procedure
is completed, or from persons not involved in the decision-making
process. To avoid the appearance of conflict and subsequent
embarrassment, White House staff members who feel they must
contact procurement agencies with regard to pending matters
should also first contact the Office of the Counsel to the
President.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 10, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Communications with the Department of Justice
As we are all keenly aware, it is imperative that there be
public confidence in the effective and impartial administration
of the laws. To that end, after consultation between the
President and the Attorney General, the following procedures
have been established in regard to communications between the
White House Staff and the Department of Justice.
1. All inquiries which concern or may concern
particular pending investigations or cases being
handled by the Department of Justice shall be
directed to the Counsel to the President. If
appropriate and necessary, the inquiry will then
be transmitted to the Office of the Attorney
General or the Deputy Attorney General.
2. All requests for formal legal opinions
from the Department of Justice shall be directed
to the Counsel to the President, who will direct
such requests to the Office of the Attorney
General or to the Assistant Attorney General --
Office of Legal Counsel.
3. All comments between the White House Office
and the Department of Justice in regard to policy,
legislation and budgeting should be handled directly
between those parties concerned.
Your cooperation in observing these guidelines is most
strongly urged. If you have any questions regarding these
procedures, please contact this Office.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 17, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF
1
Date
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
SUBJECT:
Communications with the Treasury Department
My memorandum of July 13, 1981 addressed the general issue
of White House staff contacts with regulatory, investiga-
tive, intelligence and procurement agencies and attached a
specific instruction concerning contacts with the Department
of Justice. However, I feel it important that you receive
this additional memorandum concerning contacts with the
Department of Treasury, in light of the sensitive nature of
some of its component agencies, such as, the Office of
Comptroller of the Currency, Internal Revenue Service,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Secret
Service.
The following procedures have been established in regard to
communications between the White House Staff and the Treasury
Department:
1.
All inquiries which concern or may concern parti-
cular pending investigations or cases shall be
directed to the Counsel to the President. If
appropriate and necessary, the inquiry will then
be transmitted to the Office of the Deputy Secre-
tary of the Treasury.
2.
All inquiries which concern or may concern rulings
on pending applications, regulatory actions or
adjudications shall likewise be directed to the
Counsel to the President for transmittal, if
appropriate, to the Deputy Secretary.
3.
All requests involving tax return information,
shall be directed to Counsel to the President. If
permitted by the Internal Revenue Code, such
requests will be forwarded to the Deputy Secretary
of the Treasury, except for routine "tax checks"
which will be processed under our existing procedures.
2
4.
Requests for information or statistical data of a
routine nature and comments regarding policy,
legislation and budgeting should continue to be
handled directly between White House staff and the
appropriate Treasury official.
Your cooperation in observing these guidelines is most
strongly urged. If you have any questions regarding these
procedures, please contact this Office.
Thank you.
Civil Rights Division
Office of the Assistant Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
March 30, 1984
MEMORANDUM
TO: Craig L. Fuller
Assistant to the President
for Cabinet Affairs
FROM: Wm. Bradford Reynolds
WBR
Assistant Attorney General
Civil Rights Division
SUBJECT: Dade County Set Aside Case
In light of apparent misunderstandings regarding our
filing as amicus curiae in the Dade County set-aside case, this
memorandum should serve to clarify our position regarding
minority business enterprise (MBE) programs.
Our filing pointed out several ways in which the Dade
County set-aside deviated from constitutionally permissible
set-aside programs. Most important, that program, framed
exclusively in terms of race, absolutely excluded white and
Hispanic contractors from bidding to be prime contractors on
the Ear¹ ington Heights rapid transit station. Moreover, the
County set a "goal" which operated to exclude non-black
contractors from 50% of the subcontracts at that station.
These features prompted our participation to challenge the
content and application of the ordinance which led to the
award of contracts based on race.
Our filing in no way suggests or implies any constitutional
discomfort with federal programs designed to encourage the
participation of MBEs in the federal contracting process,
such as Executive Order 12432. We are convinced that the
Constitution permits properly designed federal programs, just
as it forbids the states to impose racial exclusions on
contractors in order to provide racial preferences to other
contractors who are not themselves victims of past discrimination.
Thus, we fully endorse and support Executive Order 12432,
which is designed to encourage efforts to help MBEs obtain
contracts.
- 2 -
If Dade County had followed the pattern of federal
programs which give special contract opportunities to those
contractors who are socially and economically disadvantaged --
regardless of race -- its program would have escaped serious
constitutional problems.
In view of the confusion which has been expressed to
us, we are undertaking to develop a set of guiding principles
for Dade County and others so that they can develop a
constitutionally acceptable MBE program that avoids the problems
set out in our court filing.
CC: Fred Fielding
Jack Svahn
Lowell Jensen
100%
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 12, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE HONORABLE JACK SVAHN
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT NAK
FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT
FROM:
WILLIAM A. KEYES
SENIOR POLICY ANALYST
OFFICE OF POLICY INFORMATION
SUBJECT:
LIAISON WITH BLACK COMMUNITY
During one of his news conferences, the President was asked
about his prospects for gaining black support. He responded
to the reporter's question by saying that he had full
confidence that he would win black support -- "if we could
get the truth to them."
I agree wholeheartedly with that response. Please find
below a short outline of steps that could be taken by White
House staff to assist this effort.
o The Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
(Mel Bradley) should:
-- Help determine which states and cities offer the best
opportunities to win black cooperation.
*
Make contact with black opinion leaders in the key
states and cities.
*
Work in cooperation with Presidential Advance and
other responsible offices to get local black leaders
involved with visits into their areas by the
President, Vice President or other high-ranking
Administration officials.
*
Visit these areas personally.
-- Develop the most complete files possible on black
civic and business leaders, black religious leaders,
and other black opinion makers.
-- Address interested black audiences regarding the
President's programs.
-- Recommend prominent black supporters for invitations to
State Dinners and other official functions.
-2-
-- Organize "truth squads" of black supporters to travel
to various strategic locations and make speeches when
the Administration has received adverse press on a
particular issue.
The Special Assistant to the President for Policy
Development (Bill Keyes) should:
-- Organize working groups of policy specialists to
analyze the effects of existing public policy on black
Americans and to develop public policy initiatives that
will offer benefit to blacks.
-- Send letters and questionnaires to key blacks around
misslen
might le
the country. The letters should solicit their support
while the questionnaires should ask them about their
chief concerns.
* After the answers have come in, organize a series of
sessions in which top-level Administration officials
can brief the questionnaire respondents on the issues
they say are important.
-- Arrange White House information briefings for black
organizations.
-- Send a regular newsletter to inform supporters about
Administration activities that are of greatest interest
to them. Also, place black supporters on OPI Issue
Update distribution list.
-- Serve as a speakers bureau to have black Administration
appointees make speeches at college graduations, civic
dinners, conferences, etc.
-- Meet with the heads of conservative membership
organizations -- from the American Conservative Union
to the National Tax Limitation Committee -- to
encourage them to get more blacks involved in their
grassroots political activities, thereby getting more
blacks involved in supporting the President's current
legislative agenda and expanding the conservative base
for future benefit.
-- Work with speechwriters to develop language that will
enhance black support.
-- Work with communications office to expand opportunities
for coverage by the black news media.
CC. Faith Ryan Whittlesey
James W. Cicconi
\
XJ
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO: Jim Baker
FROM:
Assistant FAITH R. WHITTLESEY to the President Coverage of
for Public Liaison
/
Revelo and
Charles only
Information
Sportspo
Action
would it be passible
to open this up to
press? ? The speakers
are acl most effective
advacates for our
position. Bob Reilly of
my staff details. can Supply any
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 21, 1984
OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL AMERICA
FAITH RYAN WHITTLESEY
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR PUBLIC LIAISON
CHAIRMAN
MEETING OF
Wednesday, March 21, 1984
2:30 p.m., Room 474 OEOB
AGENDA
I. HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES OF GROUPS BRIEFED BY THE
WHITE HOUSE OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL
AMERICA
II. Remarks
Speaker: His Excellency Marco Revelo
Bishop of Santa Ana
President of Episcopal Conference
of El Salvador
III. Remarks
Speaker: The Honorable Eugenia Charles
Prime Minister of Dominica
IV. "Military Security in Central America"
Speaker: Dr. Joachim Maitre
Center for International Relations
Boston University
NOTE
The next meeting of the White House Outreach Working Group
on Central America will be on Wednesday, March 28, 1984,
Room 450 OEOB at 2:30 p.m. The speaker will be Colonel
John A. Cash, United States Army Former Military Attache
at the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. Colonel Cash will
speak on "The Military in El Salvador." For additional
information, call Mr. Burgess Laird at (202) 456-2657.
HIS EXCELLENCY MARCO REVELO
BISHOP OF SANTA ANA
PRESIDENT OF EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE OF EL SALVADOR
HE WAS AN AUXILLARY BISHOP OF SAN SALVADOR UNDER THE
LATE ARCHBISHOP ROMERO. HE IS ALSO FOUNDER OF THE CATHOLIC
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST, A PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY IN SAN
SALVADOR.
INTRODUCTION
THE HONORABLE EUGENIA CHARLES
PRIME MINISTER OF DOMINICA
WE ARE GREATLY HONORED TODAY TO HAVE AS A SPEAKER THE
PRIME MINISTER OF DOMINICA, THE HONORABLE EUGENIA CHARLES.
IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO INTRODUCE PRIME MINISTER
EUGENIA CHARLES.
INTRODUCTION
DR. H. JOACHIM MAITRE IS PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS. HE WAS FOR SOME YEARS THE SENIOR EDITOR OF AXEL
SPRINGER PUBLISHING COMPANY AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
ULLSTEIN PUBLISHING COMPANY. HE IS A WELL-KNOWN AND HIGHLY
RESPECTED JOURNALIST IN GERMANY. HE IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS
IN-DEPTH STUDIES OF CURRENT DEFENSE AND POLITICAL ISSUES.
DR. MAITRE, A FORMER MIG PILOT TRAINEE, DEFECTED AND
LEFT EAST GERMANY ILLEGALLY IN 1953, AND EVENTUALLY BECAME
A CITIZEN OF CANADA WHERE HE OBTAINED A Ph.D. FROM MC GILL
UNIVERSITY.
HE WAS ALSO THE EDITOR OF THE WEEKLY LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
OF "DIE WELT" (1971 TO APRIL 1973). WHILE WITH "DIE WELT"
NEWSPAPER, HE MADE REPEATED TRIPS TO SOUTH VIETNAM.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 22, 1984
TO:
JAMES A. BAKER III
FRW
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
FROM:
FAITH RYAN WHITTLESEY
SUBJECT:
Presidential Event
New York State Federation of Catholic School
Parents - Annual Banquet
April 5, 1984
I would like to request that Robert Reilly, Project Officer
for this event, as well as the below-named individual, travel
with the President on Air Force One to this event:
Virgil Dechant
Supreme Knight
Knights of Columbus
Hartford, CT 06507
This would be a means of expressing our appreciation to Mr.
Dechant, a key Catholic layman, who has been of invaluable
support on the issues of the tuition tax credit and the school
prayer amendment. He also was very helpful in arranging the
meeting with the Catholic Bishops.
Many thanks.
ADC
where we
nee.
To: JAB III
Id
file can w/in this retrieve next 2 it bas
thanks
$
This is purely FYI, Have talked w/
Sittmann and told him This is a Deaver shop
decision as for as we're concerned.
(Faith may raise this w/ you ; my advice
is to defer to MKD this request is in
addition to a previous one that makes a
total of 4 for the trip from OPL .)
Je
3/22
for f catholic memor
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 2, 1984
TO: JAB III
The attached is from Faith.
I asked Andrea to check with
Tom Melady on this, and his
thoughts are also attached.
Am Jim Cicconi
3/7
JC: Jeli gowith Neil Reaged Nil
Pis. handle obvialy ok
U
THE WHITE HOUSE
copies sent to
WASHINGTON
McManna who is
February 29, 1984
now handling.
Inc
MEMORANDUM TO JAMES BAKER III, CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
FAITH WHITTLESEY, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT RW
FOR PUBLIC LIAISON
SUBJECT:
Installation Ceremonies in the Archdiocese
of New York for Bishop John O'Connor and in
the Archdiocese of Boston for Bishop Bernard Law
We expect to receive shortly invitations for the President
to attend the installation ceremonies for Bishop O'Connor
in New York on Monday, March 19th and for Bishop Law in
Boston on Friday, March 23rd. It would be very important
for the Administration to have a presence at both these
events with Senior Administration officials representing
the President. I suggest that Judge Clark and I attend.
These appointments, particularly Bishop O'Connor's, form a
counterweight to some of the things we have been hearing
from the Church via Chicago. It behooves us, therefore,
to ensure that we have open avenues to New York and Boston.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 29, 1984
MEMORANDUM TO JAMES BAKER III, CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
FAITH WHITTLESEY, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT JRW
FOR PUBLIC LIAISON
SUBJECT:
Installation Ceremonies in the Archdiocese
of New York for Bishop John O'Connor and in
the Archdiocese of Boston for Bishop Bernard Law
We expect to receive shortly invitations for the President
to attend the installation ceremonies for Bishop O'Connor
in New York on Monday, March 19th and for Bishop Law in
Boston on Friday, March 23rd. It would be very important
for the Administration to have a presence at both these
events with Senior Administration officials representing
the President. I suggest that Judge Clark and I attend.
These appointments, particularly Bishop O'Connor's, form a
counterweight to some of the things we have been hearing
from the Church via Chicago. It behooves us, therefore,
to ensure that we have open avenues to New York and Boston.
ADC
Pl get a number for
Tom and ask if he thinks good
Melady = call him
for this me suggestion is be a
idea, Anto whether it 'd appropriate,
etc. Thanks
jc 3/2
MEMORANDUM FOR JAMES W. CICCONI
FROM:
ANDREA S. DES COTEAUX
SUBJECT:
Archdiocese Installation Ceremonies
The following is per your request:
Dr. Melady conveyed that both events were very important developments
within the Catholic community, and that there most definitely should
be Senior Administration representation. He felt strongly that
attendance at both installation ceremonies was the right thing to do
as an Administration and excellent to do politically, and would be
well received.
He brought an interesting fact to my attention that is not widely
known in the Catholic community as well as to anyone else, that fact
being that the President's brother Neil is Catholic. If Neil Reagan
was a part of the Administration delegation this would bring a natural
inquiry within the Catholic community to the fact that he is Catholic.
Another suggestion was for this to surface on the President's trip
to Ireland. The down side would be a minimal "Catholic left," and/or
those who were totally opposed to the President from the beginning.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 22, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JAMES A. BAKER, III
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
WILLIAM A. KEYES
SENIOR POLICY ANALYST
OFFICE OF POLICY INFORMATION
SUBJECT:
LIAISON WITH BLACK COMMUNITY
During one his his news conferences, the President was asked
about his prospects for gaining black support. He responded
to the reporter's question by saying that he had full
confidence that he would win black support -- "if we could
get the truth to them."
I agree wholeheartedly with that response. Please find
below a short outline of steps that could be taken by White
House staff to assist this effort.
O The Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
(Blacks) should:
-- Help determine which states and cities offer the best
opportunities to win black support, and in which of
these areas increased black support would be of the
greatest benefit.
*
Make contact with Republican Party leaders, black
Republican organizations, key black Republicans,
black conservatives, the black press, and opinion
makers in the key states and cities.
*
Work in cooperation with Presidential Advance and
other responsible offices to get local black
Republicans involved with visits into their areas by
the President, Vice President or other high-ranking
Administration officials.
*
Visit these areas personally to encourage the troops.
-- Develop the most complete files possible on black
Republicans, black conservatives, black civic and
business leaders, black religious leaders, and other
black opinion makers.
-2-
-- Send letters and questionnaires to key blacks around
the country. The letters should solicit their support
while the questionnaires should ask them about their
chief concerns.
*
After the answers have come in, work in cooperation
with the Office of Policy Development to organize a
session in which top-level Administration officials
can brief the questionnaire respondents on the issues
they say are important.
Send a regular newsletter to inform supporters about
Administration activities and to tell them what they
can do to help the President push his programs.
-- Serve as a speakers bureau to have black Administration
appointees make speeches at college graduations, civic
dinners, conferences, etc.
-- Organize "truth squads" of black supporters to travel
to various strategic locations and make speeches when
the Administration has received adverse press on a
particular issue.
*
During the Bob Jones controversy, truth squads could
have been dispatched to inform the American people
that the President firmly opposed tax exemptions for
private schools that discriminate, and was proposing
legislation to deny such exemptions. (Few people
realize that the Administration's Supreme Court
argument regarded the authority of executive agencies
to make such decisions on their own.)
-- Identify and communicate with black supporters in every
key state and city on virtually a precinct-by-precinct
basis. This could be done in cooperation with the
Republican National Committee.
-- Meet with the heads of conservative membership
organizations -- from the American Conservative to the
National Tax Limitation Committee -- to encourage them
to get more blacks involved in their grassroots
political activities, thereby getting more blacks
involved in supporting the President's current
legislative agenda and expanding the conservative base
for future benefit.
-3-
-- Organize briefing sessions through which black
appointees may be informed on specific Administration
policies, enabling them to communicate these policies
better to black audiences.
-- Encourge black supporters, especially scholars, to
publish articles and op-ed peices in support of
Administration policies in strategically-selected
publications in the key locations.
-- Recommend prominent black supporters for invitations to
State Dinners and other official functions.
-- Arrange for prominent black Republicans and black
Administration appointees to accompany the President on
Air Force One and the Vice President on Air Force Two
to key areas whenever possible.
-- Identify and communicate with black supporters in every
key state and city on virtually a precinct-by-precinct
basis. This could be done in cooperation with the
Office of Political Affairs and the Republican National
Committee.
-- Encourage black supporters to lobby their Congressmen
and Senators on behalf of the Administration's
initiatives, especially during the third and fourth
years of the President's term, when it is extremely
important for his legislative agenda to be successful
on Capitol Hill.
Attachments:
A Resume
B Selected articles about Bill Keyes
C Selected articles written by Bill Keyes
D NBC-TV editorial comment, response by Bill Keyes
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 22, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JAMES A. BAKER, III
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
WILLIAM A. KEYES
SENIOR POLICY ANALYST
OFFICE OF POLICY INFORMATION
SUBJECT:
LIAISON WITH BLACK COMMUNITY
During one his his news conferences, the President was asked
about his prospects for gaining black support. He responded
to the reporter's question by saying that he had full
confidence that he would win black support -- "if we could
get the truth to them. "
I agree wholeheartedly with that response. Please find
below a short outline of steps that could be taken by White
House staff to assist this effort.
o The Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
(Blacks) should:
-- Help determine which states and cities offer the best
opportunities to win black support, and in which of
these areas increased black support would be of the
greatest benefit.
*
Make contact with Republican Party leaders, black
Republican organizations, key black Republicans,
black conservatives, the black press, and opinion
makers in the key states and cities.
*
Work in cooperation with Presidential Advance and
other responsible offices to get local black
Republicans involved with visits into their areas by
the President, Vice President or other high-ranking
Administration officials.
*
Visit these areas personally to encourage the troops.
-- Develop the most complete files possible on black
Republicans, black conservatives, black civic and
business leaders, black religious leaders, and other
black opinion makers.
-2-
-- Send letters and questionnaires to key blacks around
the country. The letters should solicit their support
while the questionnaires should ask them about their
chief concerns.
* After the answers have come in, work in cooperation
with the Office of Policy Development to organize a
session in which top-level Administration officials
can brief the questionnaire respondents on the issues
they say are important.
-- Send a regular newsletter to inform supporters about
Administration activities and to tell them what they
can do to help the President push his programs.
-- Serve as a speakers bureau to have black Administration
appointees make speeches at college graduations, civic
dinners, conferences, etc.
-- Organize "truth squads" of black supporters to travel
to various strategic locations and make speeches when
the Administration has received adverse press on a
particular issue.
*
During the Bob Jones controversy, truth squads could
have been dispatched to inform the American people
that the President firmly opposed tax exemptions for
private schools that discriminate, and was proposing
legislation to deny such exemptions. (Few people
realize that the Administration's Supreme Court
argument regarded the authority of executive agencies
to make such decisions on their own.)
-- Identify and communicate with black supporters in every
key state and city on virtually a precinct-by-precinct
basis. This could be done in cooperation with the
Republican National Committee.
-- Meet with the heads of conservative membership
organizations -- from the American Conservative to the
National Tax Limitation Committee -- to encourage them
to get more blacks involved in their grassroots
political activities, thereby getting more blacks
involved in supporting the President's current
legislative agenda and expanding the conservative base
for future benefit.
-3-
-- Organize briefing sessions through which black
appointees may be informed on specific Administration
policies, enabling them to communicate these policies
better to black audiences.
-- Encourge black supporters, especially scholars, to
publish articles and op-ed peices in support of
Administration policies in strategically-selected
publications in the key locations.
-- Recommend prominent black supporters for invitations to
State Dinners and other official functions.
-- Arrange for prominent black Republicans and black
Administration appointees to accompany the President on
Air Force One and the Vice President on Air Force Two
to key areas whenever possible.
-- Identify and communicate with black supporters in every
key state and city on virtually a precinct-by-precinct
basis. This could be done in cooperation with the
Office of Political Affairs and the Republican National
Committee.
-- Encourage black supporters to lobby their Congressmen
and Senators on behalf of the Administration's
initiatives, especially during the third and fourth
years of the President's term, when it is extremely
important for his legislative agenda to be successful
on Capitol Hill.
Attachments:
A Resume
B Selected articles about Bill Keyes
C Selected articles written by Bill Keyes
D NBC-TV editorial comment, response by Bill Keyes
A
Vitae
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS KEYES
141 Duddington Place, S. E.
Washington, D. C. 20003
(202) 544-3534 Home
(202) 456-2762 Office
EMPLOYMENT
EXPERIENCE
Present
THE WHITE HOUSE
Senior Policy Analyst.
Office of Policy Information.
Responsible for writing policy documents
for internal White House and
Administration use. These include Issue
Alerts, Issue Updates and briefing
books. Also responsible for
representing the Administration in
selected speaking engagements and media
appearances.
October 1982-
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
November 1982
Director, Special Concerns Staff,
Office of Civil Rights.
Responsible for directing small office
in Congressional, intergovernmental and
publc relations activities. Also
responsible for supervising the
preparation of speeches for the
Assistant Secretary and official OCR
documents.
July 1982-
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
October 1982
Executive Assistant to the Assistant
Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
Responsible for such tasks as reviewing
policy initiatives, monitoring program
activities and serving as a liaison with
the college and university community.
April 1981-
JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
July 1982
Republican staff economist.
Responsible for urban policy. Also
responsible for organizing hearings and
writing staff studies on subjects
ranging from enterprise zones to
employment policy.
-2-
August 1980-
U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 1981
Senior Legislative Assistant.
Responsible for monitoring and drafting
legislation for Congressman Jon C.
Hinson in the areas of government
regulation, public works and
transportation, welfare reform and
education. Also responsible for
writing floor statements and
Congressional Record inserts. Mr.
Hinson resigned from Congress on April
13, 1981.
August 1979-
AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION
August 1980
Legislative Assistant.
Lobbying Congress primary on labor
issues and welfare reform.
Responsibilities included writing
position papers, issue briefs and
articles for ACU's publication,
BattleLine, as well as appearing on
various radio and TV public affairs and
news shows around the country. Was
Director of STOP OSHA Project and the
ACU Labor Task Force, which was chaired
by Senator Orrin Hatch.
April 1979-
REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE, UNITED STATES SENATE
August 1979
Research Assistant.
Provided assistance in library shared by
the Conference and the Senate Republican
Policy Committee.
September 1978-
U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 1978
Worked as full-time volunteer in the
office of Congressman Dale E. Kildee
while earning salary in House Post
Office. Responsibilities included
legislative correspondence, research and
special projects.
September 1977-
LAWRENCE DAVIS FOR U. S. SENATE
May 1978
Coordinated campaign effort in black
communities across the state of North
Carolina; researched legislative issues
of particular concern to black voters;
worked on scheduling; wrote newsletters,
letters speeches.
-3-
January 1977-
PHILIP R. DIXON, ATTORNEY
May 1977
Conducted research on tax and real
estate matters for Greenville, North
Carolina attorney.
September 1976-
FOUNTAINHEAD, East Carolina University
July 1976
Member of bi-weekly newspaper's
editorial staff.
August 1975-
WITN RADIO, Washington, North Carolina
June 1976
Operator of automatd station;
commentator for high school football and
basketball games; news reporter.
June 1975-
FREE-LANCE JOURNALIST
August 1975
Wrote sports articles for Church Herald,
Young Miss, and Black Sports magazines;
also for newspapers.
-4-
OTHER
SIGNIFICANT
EXPERIENCES
Present
LINCOLN REVIEW
Contributing Editor to quarterly journal
published by the Lincoln Institute for
Research and Education.
Present
NEW COALITION FOR ECONOMIC & SOCIAL CHANGE
Charter member of local chapter.
April 1981-
D. C. COMMITEE FOR IMPROVED EDUCATION
November 1981
Headed citizens group which fought
unsuccessfully for passage of an
educational tax credit initiative on the
local ballot. As spokesman, appeared on
more than 100 radio and TV news and
public affairs shows, from the CBS
Morning News with Charles Kuralt and
Dianne Sawyer to the WRC Radio talk show
hosted by Tom Braden and Pat Buchanan.
Was quoted in scores of newspaper and
magazine articles, from The Washington
Post to The Wall Street Journal.
December 1980-
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
January 1981
Assisted with Equal Employment
transition project. Responsible for
liaison with Congressional advisors --
Senators Richard Schweiker and Orrin
Hatch and Congressman John Ashbrook.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
Assisted with the District of Columbia
transition project. Responsbile for
liaison with Capitol Hill regarding such
matters as "home rule" and the annual
Federal payment to the District.
August 1980
D. C. REAGAN-BUSH STEERING COMMITTEE
Assisted in coordination of local
campaign effort.
-5-
SELECTED
Keyes, Bill. "Obstacle Race," (A review of
PUBLICATIONS
The State Against Blacks, by Walter E.
Williams), Inquiry, Washington, D. C.,
April 1983.
Keyes, William. "What Enterprise Zones
Will Do for the Poor," The Washington
Times, Washington, D. C., December 14,
1982.
Keyes, William. Absurd Anti-Tuition Tax
Credit Arguments," The Washington Times,
Washington, D. C., August 25, 1982.
Keyes, William A. "The Minimum Wage and
the Davis-Bacon Act: Employment Effects
for Minorities and Youth," Journal of
Labor Research. George Mason University:
Fairfax, Virginia, Autumn 1982.
Keyes, William A. "HOW Long Can We Go On
This Way?" Lincoln Review. Lincoln
Institute for Research and Education
Washington, D. C., Spring 1982.
Keyes, William A. "The Caribbean Basin
Initiative: A Major Step Toward Stronger
Free Market Economies," News Analysis.
Council for Inter-American Security
Educational Institute: Washington,
D. C., April 15, 1982.
Keyes, Bill. "Blacks and Economic
Conservatism," The Washington
Afro-American, Washington, D. C.,
January 30, 1982.
Keyes, Bill. "Blacks and Moral
Conservatism," The Washington
Afro-American, Washington, D. C.,
January 18, 1982.
Keyes, William A. "The Voting Rights Act:
Extension Vs. Repeal,' Lincoln Review.
Lincoln Insititute for Research and
Education: Washington, D. C., Autumn
1981.
Keyes, Bill. "Home Rule is a Farce," The
Washington Post, Washington, D. C.,
October 25, 1982.
-6-
Keyes, Bill. "D. C. Voters to Ballot on
Education Tax Credit Act," Capitol Hill
magazine. National Republican Club:
Washington, D. C., August 1981.
Keyes, William A. "Black Congressmen: HOW
Reprsentative Are They?" Lincoln
Review. Lincoln Institute for Research
and Education: Washigton, D. C., Spring
1981.
Keyes, Bill. "A Black Republican is
Hopeful," The Washington Star,
Washington, D. C., February 13, 1981.
Keyes, William A. "Why the Davis-Bacon Act
Means Unemployment," Lincoln Review.
Lincoln Institute for Research and
Education: Washington, D. C., Autumn
1979. (Note: This article was inserted
into Congressional Record on December
19, 1979 by Senator Orrin Hatch, and on
May 20, 1980 by Senator Roger Jepsen.)
SPEECHES
"Educational Freedom of Choice."
Presentation at symposium entitled
"Black Education and the Inner City: An
Urgent Need for Reform": Lincoln
Institute for Research and Education,
Washington, D. C., September 28, 1983.
"A Nation at Risk: An Examination of
Education in the Urban Environment."
Falcon Forum: Fellowship of Falcons, Los
Angeles, California, July 23, 1983.
"Racism and the Church." National
Conference on Racism: Coalition for
Human Needs, The Episcopal Church,
Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1982.
"International Trade and the Domestic
Economy." Coppin State College Student
Government Association lecture:
Baltimore, Maryland, November 19, 1981.
"The Virtues of Foresight, Sacrifice and
Hard Work in Business.' Howard
University Business Week lecture:
Washington, D. C., November 18, 1981.
"Revitalizing America." Young Americns for
Freedom (YAF) National Convention:
Boston, Massachusetts, August 21, 1981.
-7-
"Time for a Change." Reagan-Bush Ethnic
Rally: Lafayette Park, Washington,
D. C., November 1, 1980.
"Freedom and Conservatism: A Post-Election
statement. " Maryland Young Americans
for Freedom (YAF): College Park,
Maryland, December 4, 1980.
"U. S. Domestic Policy in the 1980's."
Close-Up Foundation: Washington, D. C.,
February 23, 1980.
"Statement on Freedom and Conservatism."
Maryland College Republican State
Convention keynote address: Baltimore,
Maryland, February 23, 1980.
"The Role of the Professional Journalist in
a Democratic Society." Third Annual
Communications Conference: School of
Communications, Howard University,
Washington, D. C.. February 16, 1980.
INTERVIEWS ON
RADIO,
CBS Morning News With Charles Kuralt and
TELEVISION
Diane Sawyer, November 3, 1981. Appeared
opposite Mayor of Washington, D. C. to
discuss educational tax credit
initiative appearing on District ballot
that day.
"The Charlie Rose Show."
WRC-TV 4. Washington, D. C., July 31,
1981. Debated the Reverend Jesse
Jackson, President of Operation PUSH, on
the effects of the Reagan economic
program on black America. Argued that a
healthyeconomy and a return to the free
market is in the best interest of
blacks. This show was syndicated to
about 30 cities around the country in
two 30-minute segments.
WTOP Radio News.
Washington, D. C., April 13-16.
Interviewed for a 4-day series of news
segments regarding local initiative for
educational tax credits.
"Conversation Line."
WOL Radio. Washington, D. C., March 14,
1981. Discussed Reagan Administration's
welfare reform proposals on hour-long
interview/phone-in show.
-8-
"News 7 at 5:30. "
WJLA TV-7. Washington, D. c., March 9,
1981. Appeared on evening news show via
live remote hook-up. Discussed campaign
to pass an educational tax credit
initiative sponsored by the D. C.
Committee for Improved Education.
(More than 100 media occurances followed
on this subject through the November
election.
"OSHA: Friend or Foe."
WABC TV-7 Eyewitness News. New York,
N. Y., September 15-16, 1980. Appeared
on two segments of week-long feature on
te effectiveness of the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration,
arguing tht OSHA has not been as
effective as employers and employees
themselves were before the agency's
establishment a decade before.
"District Reports."
WOOK Radio. Washington, D. C., April 13,
1980. Debated Walter Fauntroy, the
District of Columbia's Delegate to
Congress, on various domestic policy
issues on 30-minute broadcast.
"The Dave Baum Show. "
WIND Radio. Chicage, Illinois, March 6,
1980. Debated the merits of affirmative
action and quotas with representative of
National Urban League on hour-long
interview/call-in show.
"The Shelly Tromberg Show."
WRC Radio. Washington, D. C., February
28, 1980. Discussed conservatism and
black America on hour-long interview/
phone-in show.
"Black Issues and the Black Press."
National Black Network. New York,
N. Y., January 19-20, 1980. Discussed
the effects of several current public
policy initiatives on the black
community. The 30-minute public affairs
program aired on approximately 150 radio
stations around the country. Was
interviewed by 3 reporters in the style
of NBC's "Meet the Press."
-9-
EDUCATION
North Carolina Central University
Three years toward B. S. degree in
Education.
East Carolina University.
one year toward B. S. degree in
Political Science.
REFERENCES
Mr. J. A. Parker
President
Lincoln Institute for
Research and Education
1735 DeSales Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
(202) 347-0872
Dr. Walter E. Wiliams
Professor of Economics
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 323-2344
The Honorable Orrin Hatch
United State Senate
135 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20510
(202) 224-5311
B
President Reagan, Bill Keyes, and Vice President Bush confer on administration policy
THE NEW BREED
Ambitious, Brilliant, Conservative,
William A. Keyes
Typifies The New Negro Leadership
Emerging In The GOP
MORNING:
the black medical school a $2.6 million
volved in various areas - from the
It is 6:15 a.m. and Bill Keyes is sitting
grant for development.) and Keyes will
accreditation of colleges and universities
behind his desk at the U. S. Department
outline plans for OPE to make available
to the administration of student financial
of Education. He is there at that hour, he
for 27 historically black colleges and uni-
aid programs. And if the amount of
says, because that is the only way he can
versities some $9 million of funds which
money government officials are entrusted
get a head start on his work.
remained unobligated after the major
with is a sign of how well thought of they
Before members of his staff begin to
Title III grant recommendations process.
are, Keyes must be held in high esteem by
arrive at eight o'clock, Keyes will com-
As Executive Assistant to the Assistant
the Reagan Administration. He is respon-
plete a number of important tasks. He will
Secretary of Education, Keyes serves as
sible to the Asssitant Secretary for a
complete the first draft of a speech he will
Chief of Staff for Office of Postsecondary
budget which exceeds $6 billion, more
deliver on tuition tax credits, put the fin-
Education, (OPE). In that capacity, he is
than half of the Department's total.
ishing touches on a briefing book for Vice
responsible for initiating and reviewing
But when asked about his responsibili-
President George Bush's speech at the
Federal policies which effect all of the na-
ties at the Department of Education, he
Morehouse School of Medicine, (The
tion's colleges and universities.
does not speak in terms of budgets and
highlight of the speech is that the Office
He is responsible for the management
staff size. Instead, he talks about commit-
of Postsecondary Education will award
of hundreds of civil servants who are in-
Continued on page 13
12
MAINSTREAM AMERICA
ment to President Reagan and his Admin-
was funded at a significantly higher level.
istration's programs. Keyes says, "My re-
Thus, President Reagan's priorities in re-
sponsibility, of course, is to serve as Ex-
gard to helping black colleges as well as
ecutive Assistant to the Assistant Secre-
his concern over the nation's science ca-
tary. But my ultimate role is to be an
pacity were both addressed.
advocate and defender of the President's
LUNCH:
policies. I have to make sure this office
After a morning filled with back to
operates in a way that reflects what the
back meetings and endless telephone
President wants."
calls, lunch is not even a time for relaxa-
An example of such defense of the
tion for Keyes. Often, he is seen lunching
Reagan program occurred recently as
with college presidents, business leaders
OPE's 1984 budget priorities were being
whom he hopes will work with black col-
prepared for submission to Secretary of
leges, or White House friends to whom he
Education Terrel Bell. According to
wants to stress the significance of pet pro-
Keyes, "When I looked at that document,
jects. On other occasions, he meets with
I couldn't believe it. They were asking for
staff members. Otherwise, he has lunch at
more money for every single program.
his office while working.
So, I looked at the guy who drafted the
AFTERNOON:
document and asked him to rewrite it to
Back at the office after lunch, he digs
reflect reality. I said, 'I want to ask you
into a mountain of paperwork. He is re-
three simple questions. If you can answer
sponsible for reviewing every document
them, you will understand why this docu-
which is to be signed by the Assistant
ment has to be rewritten.' 'First, did you
Secretary or by the Secretary in regard to
know that there was an election in No-
OPE programs.
pharmaceutical companies and other
vember of 1980 and that Ronald Reagan
On this particular afternoon, Keyes
types of corporations benefit from their
won? Secondly, did you know that one of
calls in a small group to draft a memoran-
research, they should help these schools
the themes he campaigned on was
dum to the Secretary. The purpose was to
keep up the quality of their labs."
reducing the size of the Federal Govern-
recommend that the Secretary urge Presi-
"Along with that, they should set up
ment? Thirdly, and most importantly, do
dent Reagan to host a major event at the
exchange programs. Their top scientists
you realize that he even talked about abol-
White House to commemorate the first
could spend a year on the campuses and
ishing this damn place (the Department of
anniversary of Executive Order 12320.
the professors could spend time in the
Education)?'
On September 15 of last year, Reagan
corporate setting. Such relationships as
"I didn't wait for him to answer. I told
ordered every department and agency of
these would be mutually beneficial.
him to go back and rewrite the document
the Federal Government to find ways to
There's just no way the government could
so that it reflected the views of the Presi-
help black colleges. The Order also di-
help the schools nororations the way they
dent. And, for good measure, I informed
rected members of the Cabinet to help
can help each other. What you and I
him of the views of the President."
black colleges develop relationships with
should be asked to contribute to is student
When the revised document was
corporations and foundations.
financial aid programs so needy kids can
brought to Keyes, significant changes had
Keyes is in total support for the need to
realize the dream of getting into college."
been made. For example, one grant pro-
link colleges and universities with private
Keyes is proud of the accomplishments
gram which has drawn criticism from
sector supporters. "Why should the gov-
he has made since moving to Washington
conservatives in the Republican Party was
ernment tax money from you and me to
in the fall of 1978. He seems to enjoy tell-
cut, but the portion which helps black col-
give to colleges for the purpose of im-
ing the story of his meteoric rise in the po-
leges improve their science capabilities
proving their science laboratories? Since
litical establishment.
"I hitch-hiked here four years ago," he
says, "with five dollars in my pocket. I
OF
had on jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt and I
was carrying a bag with two suits, one
pair of shoes, a few shirts and ties, and
toiletries. This was all 1 had to my name.
"I was lucky enough to find a job work-
ing in the House (of Representatives) Post
Office I worked there from 3:00 a.m. to
8:30 a.m. Then I did volunteer work in a
Congressman's office from nine o'clock
until about three. And from three until
five, I walked the halls of the House and
Senate office buildings circulating my re-
sume to anyone who't take one.
"After that, I would usually go to a re-
ception or two around Captiol Hill so I
wouldn't have to buy dinner. Then to the
library, where I would read everything I
could get my hands on about how Con-
Continued on page 24
MAINSTREAM AMERICA
13
Keyes; Continued from page 13
He is quite proud of these accomplish-
agrees to represent the Department of Ed-
ments.
ucation at the National Urban League
During his first year in Washington,
convention in Los Angeles. He agrees to
Keyes developed a pattern which he is yet
discuss educational alternatives at a con-
to break. Even when relaxing at home
ference sponsored jointly by the conserv-
with his wife and daughter, he keeps a lit-
ative Heritage Foundation and the New
tle note pad close by so he can add items
Coalition for Economic and Social
to his To Do list. Sometimes, he even
Change. He agrees to appear on a syndi-
writes essays or newspaper editorials
cated television show to discuss supply
while stretched out on the couch with his
side economics. And he calls a friend at a
wife. (He suggests that these articles are
local education and public policy institute
one of the factors which enabled him to
to make his notes on enterprise zones
move in less than four years from a
available for their use.
$10,000 a year mail sorter job to a top
After returning the phone calls he
government position which pays five
missed during the day, he outlines his
times more.
agenda for the following morning. (This
Another factor to his success is the fact
list is usually two pages in length.)
that he has studied the issues carefully,
EVENING:
taken a position, and stuck with that posi-
Having put in at least ten hours at the
tion in spite of what others had to say
office, Keyes would like nothing more
about it. One illustration of this was his
than to go home and relax with his wife
involvement with a local voter initiative
Lola and his daughter Lola Elizabeth. But
on educational tax credits last year.
on this particular evening, he must tape a
After agreeing generally on the merits
television show. He discusses the effects
gress worked and about the big political
of the case, Keyes worked on a redraft of
of minimum wage and prevailing wage
arguments which were going on at the
the initiative. (He wanted to ensure that
laws on black youth unemployment.
time.
everyone could benefit. regardless of eco-
He tells the television audience the
"After I got my first paycheck from the
nomic status.) Then he took over the
same thing he has said many times be-
Post Office, I found a nice little apartment
chairmanship of the sponsoring commit-
fore. "Certainly, racism is wrong. But the
on the Hill and began to live a somewhat
tee and appeared on more than 100 radio
real reason that young black men and
normal life."
and television shows and news interviews
women are more likely to be unemployed
Since those days, Keyes has worked as
to argue the case. He was quoted almost
than whites is that the government -
a research assistant for the Republican
daily in the Washington papers on the
through wage laws - has limited their
Conference of the United States Senate,
issue which - due mainly to his personal
ability to compete.
as a lobbyist for the American Conserva-
campaigning skills - was to become the
"If the government mandates higher
tive Union, as Senior Legislative Assist-
hottest local election issue of 1981.
and higher wages, employers are going to
ant to a member of Congress, and as a
He was also quoted in The Wall Street
respond in either of two ways. First, they
staff economist for the Joint Economic
Journal, The New York Times and other
will start hiring only the most skillful and
Committee of Congress.
papers on the national significance of the
productive workers. And second, they
Moreover, his work has appeared in the
initiative.
will begin to reduce the number of jobs
Lincoln Review, The Washington Post,
Before calling it a day. Keyes takes
altogether. In either case. young blacks
The Washington Star, the Council for
care of a number of important tasks. He
are
hurt." Continued on bottom, pg. 25
Inter-American Security News Analysis
series, Captiol Hill Magazine, and nu-
merous other publications. He is present-
ly writing a book to present alternative so-
lutions to critical problems in the black
community.
On the local scene, he was elected to
the D. C. Republican Committee. At 27,
he was the youngest member. He was
also elected National Committeeman by
the D. C. Young Republicans chapter.
Though he hitch-hiked from North
Carolina a few years ago as an unknown,
he is now recognized wherever he goes
around Washington. An articulate
spokesman for a number of causes, he has
appeared on radio and television many
times. Last summer, for example. he had
a series of debates with Jesse Jackson of
Operations PUSH on a Washington tele-
vision show. The show was later syndi-
cated for airing in about thirty other cit-
ies.
24
MAINSTREAM AMERICA
Keyes; Continued from page 24
Not wanting to risk being misunder-
stood, Keyes concluded, "We need to
eliminate the minimum wage. We need to
repeal the Davis-Bacon Act. And we need
to get rid of occupational licensure laws
which are designed to keep people out of
certain professions." Having written nu-
merous articles on these subjects, Keyes
is recognized as somewhat of an authori-
ty.
After completing the show, Keyes
dashes out of the studio, jumps into his
white Mercedes-Benz, and speeds off to
his Captiol Hill home. He knows that the
longer he stays out in the evenings, the
less time he has to spend with his eleven
$2.6 million check presented to Moorehouse University
School of Medicine by Dr. Thomas Melady (left) Assistant
month old daughter.
Secretary of Education and William A. Keyes (right) Execu-
When he gets there, he opens the door
tive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary
and signals, "Daddy's home!" Greeted
Education. Accepting for Moorehouse is Dr. Louis Sullivan,
with hugs and kisses from Lola and Lola
Dean.
Elizabeth, the best part of his day begins.
MAINSTREAM AMERICA
25
THE WASHINGTON POST
AUGUST 3, 1981
Juan Williams
The Tax Credit 'Villain'
Here he sits-the villain. To listen to as
No, they want Congress' money because the Con-
the public schools to avoid blacks with this
varied a cast as the mayor and the League of
gress demands nothing. The Congress doesn't
thing [the tax credit]."
Women Voters, he is the head of a monster that
have kids in public school. And the District build-
Nevertheless, Keyes cannot deny that some
would ravage little children by destroying the
ing crowd can use Congress as a scapegoat. When
money would leave the treasury to help out the
District's public schools. And for what? To help
someone says they want better schools, the Dis-
city's mostly white private schools and that the
conservatives start a national tuition tax credit
trict building crowd shouts, 'Oh, if Congress
money may be taken from the budget for the
movement, it is whispered, by getting a version
would give us more money."
mostly black public schools. His response is that
of it approved in Washington, a mostly black
2. The people who really want to leave the
the city budget increases yearly, through infla-
city, so critics can't claim that the tax credits
District public schools are already gone, Keyes
tion-enough to absorb that loss-and that city
are a tool of white segregationists.
says. The tax credit will help very few people
politicians who "give away downtown develop-
The man accused of being this villanous
afford to get out.
ment to their friends" cost the city more money
stooge is William Augustus Keyes, a 27-year-old
3. The education tax credit allows credit for
than his referendum would.
black Republican and an economist working for
private school tuition and for books, special
It is not an adequate response, especially
Congress. He is head of a committee that has
when the school system is already strapped for
put the question of education tax credits on the
money and the city is in a financial crisis. No
District's November ballot. Keyes, who comes
matter what mismanagement of city finances is
across as a quick-witted, ambitious professional
taking place, the tax credits will cost money,
-nobody's stooge-laughs at the personal at-
"Keyes laughs at the
and the city's politicians are likely to take it out
tacks on him and his drive. He thinks they are
of the public school budget to try to force angry
roof that he has the city's big shots trembling.
personal attacks on him
parents to repeal the referendum.
"Look at Arrington Dixon," says Keyes of the
There is a second major weakness in Keyes'
city council chairman who heads the main
and his drive. He thinks
position. He argues that the tax credit would
group opposing the tax credits. "He's an easy
give parents more power over how public
target for me to shoot at. He says we can make
they are proof that he has
schools are run. But he cannot answer the ques-
the public schools work with more commit-
tion of what alternative the parents will have if
ment, and that it is important to the com-
the city's big shots
they don't get their way in a public school and
munity to make the public schools work. But he
want to spend their $1,200 elsewhere. That is
has his kids in private schools. He's selfish. Ob-
trembling.'
not enough to pay private tuition, and parochial
viously, he's made the decision that private
schools are overcrowded. Would there be a raft
schools are better.
of new schools opening, claiming to be able to
It's all right for his kids to have the best
teach children for $1,200, but having no record
education, but not for my kids.
My kids
behind them, no guarantee that they are not out
should have their school controlled by the crowd
classes or more teachers for public school chil-
for the money alone?
at the District building, but not his kids.
dren.
Opponents so far have not addressed these
Keyes knows that point won't be lost on
Parents who don't earn enough money to get
weaknesses. Instead, they argue over whether
voters. It is not the only ace he has in hand:
the full credit can ask other people and even
Keyes has lived in the city long enough (four
Dixon, Mayor Barry and the school system
businesses to donate their tax credit money to
years); who notarized the petitions for the
have no good ideas for making the schools very
the schools. "Parents of children in private
referendum; whether the people who collected
good any time soon, Keyes says, so why not let
schools will get some relief," says Keyes, "but
the signatures were District residents, and on
the people with the most at stake, the parents,
the public schools stand to benefit the most."
and on. They seem afraid to argue the issue.
have more financial control? Let the parents try
Keyes, whose wife is expecting a child in
"It doesn't matter what they say about me
to improve the schools. To parents who have
September-a child, he says, who will go to
or how we got the petitions signed," says
watched politicians use the school board to better
his neighborhood school, Peabody on Capitol
Keyes. "It comes down to how the man on the
their careers and to stage a comedy at the ex-
Hill-shrugs off the racial implications of the
street corner, who wants a better life for his
pense of their children's education, Keyes' offer of
tax credit idea. "This is not 1954," he says.
son than he had for himself, sees it. If he
power over the schools sounds very appealing.
"This is not even 1964. This is not North
thinks the referendum will get his son a better
"They [the politicians] don't want my money
Carolina or Birmingham or Little Rock with
education, then he is going to vote yes."
for the schools," Keyes says. "They don't want
whites opening private academies to avoid in-
your money or J. Willard Marriott's money. You
tegration. This is Washington, D.C., with 70
I or Marriott might demand something for our
percent black people and 90 percent blacks in
The writer is a member of the editorial
ney-like having them make the schools work.
the public schools. People are not going to flee
page staff.
THE WASHINGTON POST Thursday, July 23, 1981 page DC:
Bill Keyes, A Black Conservative With a Goal
"I hitchhiked here from Washing-
CITY LIMITS
ton, N.C., four years ago with two
suits, wearing sneakers and jeans,
and with $5 in my pocket," said
One Man
Keyes, the son of two public school
teachers. A college dropout from
Keyes claims that it is middle-
East Carolina University with no
class black Washington that sup-
connections to insiders' Washington,
ports the initiative, because the
Takes On
he landed a night job in the mail
hard-working residents of Northeast
room of the Longworth House Office
and Southeast Washington want the
building, and volunteered his day-
chance to be able to send their chil-
the hours on the staff of Rep. Dale
dren to private schools.
The Initiative
E.: Kildee (D-Mich.). Now he is an
But some persons say it is Keyes
economist with the House-Senate
and his group who are out of step
Joint Economic Committee.
with the voters.
By Keith B. Richburg
Washington Post Staff Writer
"I was just a guy who hustled here
"Everybody I've talked to is
and succeeded because he had- a
ill Keyes is soft-spoken, yet
against it," said Everett Scott, for-
B
self-confident, a black con-
goal," Keyes said.
mer president of the D.C. Federation
servative by choice. and bold
Those plain Southern roots and
of Civic Associations. "I'd like to
enough to stand up in this
the work ethic mentality give him
know where they got those (27,000)
town that voted overwhelmingly for
common ground with many people
signatures from (to place the ques-
Jimmy Carter and declare that
here, Keyes claims. Here, there is a
tion on the ballot)."
"Ronald Reagan and I agree on the
similar settled middle-class black
"It's going to impose a burden on
issues."
community steeped in bible-
the District of Columbia without any
Keyes' name is not a household
thumping, God-fearing church trad-
benefits," said Nelson C. Roots, pres-
word in Washington, although his
ition.
ident of the Pleasant Plains Civic
cause trying to win voter approval
"Washington is perceived by the,
Association in Northwest Washing-
of a proposal for an éducational tax
whole world as being a very liberal
ton.
credit in the city - is becoming an
place," Keyes said. "I don't think
This specific issue has already
increasingly hot discussion item.
people here are all that liberal. Peo-
unified most of the city's leadership,
The proposed referendum is usu-
ple want crime to be controlled. Peo-
including politicians, community
ally and often inaccurately, associ-
ple want the most that they can get
group heads, civic association activ-
ated with conservatives. To some,
from their taxes. There is a very,
ists and others who have been
that would make it. a sure bet to fal-
very strong moral and religious in-
spreading the common gospel that
ter in this proverbially liberal town.
fluence in this city, a very strong
this initiative would bring untold
But. Keyes is the first to disagree.
church influence. In many cases, the
havoc to the city government.
:The secret to his optimistic out-
council goes against the wishes of
But Keyes is undaunted. He said
look can be found in his roots in
that church-going community."
he is hoping the initiative can make
Washington not this Washington,
This is what Keyes, 27, is count-
it past the legal hurdles to win a
Washington, N.C., a small East-
ing on to prove that he is right and
spot on the ballot, where he said his
ern Carolina town like those Tarheel
that the city's elected leadership,
side can fare best in a true debate
hamlets that are the old country of
many of whom are veterans of the
over the issue.
SO many blacks who live in the back-
civil rights movement and many of
Said Keyes, in his usual measured
bone and bootstrap communities of
whom are opposed to the initiative,
self-confidence, 27,000 Washing-
the nation's capital.
are wrong.
tonians can't be wrong.