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 Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, ANC 6A07
I am a long-time resident of the Rosedale Community who understands the neighborhood dynamics and the needs of all of its residents. Under my leadership as the ANC 6A07 Representative, the Rosedale Community has become a better place to live. Rosedale is only as great as the people who call it Home. Because every decision ultimately affects each of us, I’ve been intentional about collaborating with the whole community (local businesses, faith-based organizations, neighbors, and community activists) to bring positive growth to Rosedale. A few of my major accomplishments include:
- Lobbied government and obtained $16.9 million to rebuild the Rosedale Community Center, Library, and swimming pool
- Amended the Urban Farm legislation in 2019 to included Hydroponic farming which will be used at a new community farm coming to Rosedale in 2020
- Collaborated with District Department of Transportation and residents to redesign the 17th Street NE Corridor
- Responsible for a three-year Department of Small and Local Business Development grant being awarded to “H Street, Main Street.” This project extended to the Benning Road Corridor and provides ongoing street cleaning in front of businesses and residential properties
- Organized the highly popular “Halloween at Rosedale Safe Haven Event” for families for the past 4 years
- Renamed the Rosedale Field after “Mamie Peanut Johnson,” a long-time resident of Rosedale who played professional baseball with the Negro League in the 1950s
I have also advocated for Tenant Rights for families at the Benning Court and Pentacle Apartments, as well as my ongoing advocacy for public safety, construction and development, and improving city services within the community. I take a great deal of pride in my successful 2011 fight for you that prevented the Rosedale Community from being redistricted into Ward 7 following the 2010 Census.
We aren’t finished yet! There is still much more to be done on behalf of the Rosedale Community. I am running for re-election to oversee the opening of the urban farm and to continue to build on the successes of Rosedale. I will continue to involve residents and other stakeholders in making Rosedale a stronger, healthier, and safer community.
I’d be honored to receive your vote on November 3. I invite you to stop and talk with me as I knock on doors in our neighborhood. I will continue to communicate to you with the honesty and respect you have become accustomed to. You may also reach out to me with your ideas, questions, and concerns by email spgilbert01@comcast.net or phone (202) 397-7228.
Thank you for your continued support.