It’s 62 days until election day and most of you have probably made up your minds about whom you will vote in the general election. However, when it comes to local elections, most people have no idea how their District, Ward or advisory neighborhood commissions are divided or affect them. Local outlets such as Greater Greater Washington do a good job of bringing hyperlocal politics news, and reasons why you should run for these nonpartisan offices. OpenANC allows you to learn more about your own single-member district, so you know the names of the people in the race. As is now a tradition, The Hill is Home is publishing candidate statements in the order in which we’ve received them, so you know a little more about the people running and don’t go into the voting booth (or mail-in ballot) blind. –Maria Helena Carey
Statement by Drew Courtney, ANC 6C06
Since June of last year I’ve served as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for single member district 6C06, representing NoMa and Near Northeast.
It’s been an honor to represent this community, and I’m currently running for reelection.
In the time I’ve served on the commission I’ve worked to support safer streets, including pushing to repair the dangerous sidewalks on Florida Ave and 6th Street NE. I’ve helped secure bike infrastructure like the new BikeShare station at First and K. And I’ve worked against plans to build the largest, most expensive parking garage on the east coast at Union Station instead of investing in sustainable, equitable public transportation options.
Earlier this year, I sponsored a resolution from our ANC to add our voice to the movement for Black lives and in support of Councilmember Allen’s legislation to increase transparency, accountability and oversight for MPD. I also testified before the Council in support of robust, transparent vote-by-mail and safe, convenient in person voting as we head into an election while facing the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19.
I’m most proud of my work supporting affordable, dignified housing for all members of our community. This year I testified before the Council in support of the kinds of housing programs that will help people experiencing homelessness transition into safe, stable homes. And I’ve worked against efforts to redevelop the DC Housing Authority building in NoMa without dedicated units for workers at 0-30% of area median income—the most vulnerable members of our community, including minimum wage workers right here in our neighborhood.
I’ve also worked with neighbors on noise complaints, access to paid family leave, zoning issues and licenses for new restaurants and bars; and I helped make requests to repave alleys, repair speed bumps and fix broken infrastructure. Before becoming a commissioner, I served as the chairman of ANC6C’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee.
Over the next two years, I want to continue to work with neighbors to help the DC government address their needs, to ensure that ongoing investment in the NoMa neighborhood (including parks) helps enliven and enrich our public spaces, and to make certain that we recover from COVID and the economic crisis it triggered in ways that reflect our values—especially with regard to dignified, affordable housing.
Because of the COVID health emergency I won’t be knocking on doors this year, but I’m always happy to hear from community members—getting to know neighbors is the best part of the job. You can find me on Twitter at @DrewCourt_6c06 or visit my website www.DrewForANC.com.