"I think a number of people have taken offense when things he said that he thinks are humorous come across as arrogant," Thomas said.
Some city leaders said they respect Trachtenberg's accomplishments.
Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans said in an interview Wednesday that he's enjoyed working with Trachtenberg during the 15 years he has been on the D.C. City Council.
Mayor Anthony Williams' press secretary Vincent Morris said Wednesday that the mayor was "very surprised" about Trachtenberg's announcement.
"He's going to be sorely missed," Morris said. He said the mayor hopes that the next president will do "a lot of the same" things that Trachtenberg has done over the past 18 years.
Evans said that a new University president, however, could help ease the poor town-gown relations Trachtenberg is accused of fomenting.
"You will always have the town-gown issues, but the new president will have a new slate in developing a relationship with the community," Evans said.
Thomas agreed that a new president could pave the way for a fresh start for GW-residential relations.
He said, "I personally wish him well and hope for a better relationship with his successor."
Some city leaders said they respect Trachtenberg's accomplishments.
Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans said in an interview Wednesday that he's enjoyed working with Trachtenberg during the 15 years he has been on the D.C. City Council.
Mayor Anthony Williams' press secretary Vincent Morris said Wednesday that the mayor was "very surprised" about Trachtenberg's announcement.
"He's going to be sorely missed," Morris said. He said the mayor hopes that the next president will do "a lot of the same" things that Trachtenberg has done over the past 18 years.
Evans said that a new University president, however, could help ease the poor town-gown relations Trachtenberg is accused of fomenting.
"You will always have the town-gown issues, but the new president will have a new slate in developing a relationship with the community," Evans said.
Thomas agreed that a new president could pave the way for a fresh start for GW-residential relations.
He said, "I personally wish him well and hope for a better relationship with his successor."
