It’s 18 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 Mike Soderman, ANC 6A03
My name is Mike Soderman and, since 2003, I have been living on the 200 block of 10 th Street NE with my wife and my two sons, who attend Stuart Hobson Middle School and Gonzaga. In my day job, I am an associate vice president of an engineering firm and provide program and construction management for technology related projects.
Some of the things that I have brought to our community and residence since my start as a commissioner include,
● 4-way stops signs at 8 th and D street NE, 8 th & A street NE, and 10 th and Constitution Ave.
● Worked with neighboring ANC Commissioners to help increase police and DDOT support for
Halloween in 2019.
● Continue to successfully press developers to increase the percentage of affordable units when
developers are seeking zoning or development relief.
● Worked closely with MPD on increased thoughtful presence within our community.
● Continue to work with DDOT to address traffic calming and commercial traffic restrictions within our community.
● Worked with the Community of 10th street to have the 200 block of 10th street designated as “Outlaw Way” in the memory of Pocahontas Outlaw.
● Supported the Community to have the Alley of Al Arighi Way modified to include Mary Arighi in its designation.
● Worked with 7 of the 8 ANC6A Commissioners to send a letter of support to maintain the Mayor’s modest budget increase for MPD funding to the Council.
Transportation safety- for pedestrians, bicyclists etc. – has been a major priority. I continue to work on a variety of traffic calming and traffic safety issues with in my SMD and ward 6. These include a holistic approach to slowing traffic within 6A03, and sidewalk/crosswalk safety in a variety of locations.
Working with our ANC and DDOT towards a plan to connect the various segmented bike lanes throughout our city and continue to support Vision Zero initiatives. I have supported several other 6A traffic needs including the Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project, the Florida Ave Safety project and C st traffic safety project.
As an ANC Commissioner I also take part in all of the various subcommittees of the ANC and vote on issues as broad as alcohol licenses, variances, special closures, and modifications to support our
local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also lobbied for the route change of the Rock N’ Roll marathon in order to lessen the impact on Ward 6 residents. I have worked with other ANC commissioners to ensure affordable housing. I am continuing to support a thoughtful approach to residential development, keeping in mind that a balance between historic preservation and family needs must go hand in hand. I work closely with the MPD to ensure our neighborhood has enough bike patrols and I will continue to support MPD to ensure ALL of Ward 6 is a safe place to live.
It is a pleasure serving as you, and please always feel free to contact me. I can be reached at MikeANC6A03@Gmail.com or, call me at 202-297-6777.