It’s 60 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 Sean Barry, ANC 5D03
My name is Sean Barry. I’m an Age-Friendly DC 2023 task force member and hospital group spokesperson who served as lead public information officer in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services from 2017 to 2019.
I am running for Advisory Neighborhood Commission in 5D03 to keep Carver-Langston healthy, working and safe.
I was drawn to this area because of its diversity, history, friendliness and quick access to the National Arboretum and Anacostia River Trail.
We live in a great neighborhood, but we have challenges. We also face continued risks from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a background in health care and the DC Government, I am ready to help find solutions. Together, we can:
- Slow down traffic on 17th and residential streets;
- Clean up trash and illegal dumping;
- Reduce violent crime and car break-ins;
- Maintain safe and habitable rental housing;
- Increase bus service on the X8 and other lines;
- Encourage new commercial development while preserving neighborhood-serving retail; and
- Open the M Street entrance to the Arboretum.
As a candidate, I try to model how I would conduct myself in office — starting with a (figurative and distanced) open door. I bring neighbors together every week to beautify our area through Trash on Tuesdays. I also publish the Carver-Langston Gazette so people can stay informed even if they do not use the internet at home.
I hope this gives you a sense of my priorities and approach to public service. It would be a privilege to earn your vote early, by mail or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
You can learn more on my website at seanbarrydc.com or get in touch here.