It’s 29 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 Marie-Claire Brown, ANC 6A01
I am running for re-election for Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) to continue to serve and advocate on behalf of Single Member District (SMD) 6A01. I plan to continue to help bring government closer to my neighbors, and my neighbors closer to government. As we listen to the community and consider their issues and needs, I will continue to serve as a valuable resource. My record is proven and I look to doing even more to build on the positive changes we have seen to date. My SMD covers most
of the neighborhood East-West from 13th to 8th Streets, NE and North-South from Florida Avenue to G Street, NE. You can see the actual boundaries at anc6a.org/anc-map/.
I’ve lived in ANC6A01 since 1987 and in Ward 6 since 1985, actively involved in my community. I’ll continue to foster open, honest, and respectful dialog about the future of the place we call home. I’ll be vigilant about protecting our community and keeping our commitment to keeping it a diverse place where all are welcome, with adequate, affordable housing, and dependable city services in order to retain our existing neighbors and attract new residents.
I’m a public servant with more than 23 years of hands-on, results-oriented experience: Assistant Attorney General; General Counsel to the Department of Parks and Recreation; District, regional, and national task forces and work groups representing the best interests of District residents. I’m a Certified Public Manager, with intimate knowledge of the budget, administration, and operations of the District government. In my current position, I am actively engaged in the District’s response to the pandemic. I can help you navigate government, which often feels like a maze.
One of my proudest accomplishments is co-creating the District’s Community Prosecution Outreach Program in 1999 that, over the years, has evolved into the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services.
As your ANC Commissioner, I’ve worked to:
- Ensure that businesses are responsible, collaborative neighbors;
- Ensure that construction is legal, safe, and suitable for the ANC6A01 community;
- Ensure that residents who qualify have adequate parking, and more as needed;
- Increase police presence in areas experiencing crime spikes;
- Assist vulnerable residents, who often don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves;
- Assist in the prosecution of criminals with Community Impact Statements;
- Enhance rodent abatement efforts;
- Encourage the community to engage more in neighborhood issues.
ANCs don’t get paid to do this. We just do it. It’s gratifying when you know you’ve done something to help to improve the neighborhood or someone’s life, one small act at a time. Like you, I want a clean, green, safe, and vibrant neighborhood; a place for persons of all ages, races, cultures, genders, incomes, and beliefs. Together we’ll continue to address parking, crime, economic development, transportation, and other issues, as we make ANC6A01 an even better place to live, work, play, and pray.
You can contact me through my website at mcb4anc.com or (202) 855-2855. Thank you for considering me. I hope to earn your support on November 3rd.