It’s 22 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 Jared Weiss, ANC 6D02
Hi. I’m Jared Weiss, running as a write-in candidate for SMD 6D02. If, like me, you have the pleasure of living in 6D02, you may have noticed we do not have anyone on the ballot running for the position. Above all else, that is why I am running. Our SMD deserves representation.
While I may not have considered running until I saw our blank ballot, I am more than just a warm body. I have the time and energy that is required to capably perform the duties of the role. I have lived in DC for fifteen years, in this SMD for nearly five, and I care deeply about the community and, more importantly, all of us living in it. In my day job, I am the director of data science for AARP. Skills I have honed there, such as gathering information to make predictions about how best to advocate for people in different life situations than mine, will help me serve you as ANC commissioner.
My initial plan is to build on the solid foundation and relationships that Commissioner [Anna] Forgie, our current representative, has developed. Having discussed with her, I am confident we could ensure a smooth transition, allowing me to hit the ground running and continue the fantastic job that she has done in her tenure.
I pledge to represent all residents in the SMD to the best of my ability. Perhaps one could argue I am biased, but I believe our SMD is the most varied and interesting one in all the District. We span two quadrants, are called home by an ever-climbing number of residents, and, of course, we contain the ballpark. Some of us have lived in our homes for five decades and others have just moved into buildings that were completed five weeks ago. All of which present any number of challenges and opportunities.
In order to ensure success, therefore, I believe keeping communication channels open is of the utmost importance. I have found the best way to develop meaningful solutions is to actively listen. I promise to listen to your concerns and act on them. I’ll start up an email newsletter highlighting the major issues facing our SMD, I’ll be active on social media and responsive to email, using whatever channels and methods work best for you, to ensure that you don’t just feel heard, but that you are heard.
Thanks for your consideration. I look forward to working together with you to improve our lives in SMD 6D02. And please feel free to reach out to me at jared.weiss.anc@gmail.com.