As you fill out your ballot, you may want to know more about our most important yet most underrated local races: the Single Member District ANC commissionership! These brave and generous souls volunteer their time to make sure we can have good governance at the most local level. Meet your ANC candidates and let us know if you have any questions! The candidates’ answers have been lightly edited for clarity. Don’t know YOUR Single Member District? Click here and find it! ––María Helena Carey
Your name
Antonio Rossi
Your ANC single member district
ANC 6/8F02
What is a landmark people may know your SMD from?
Nationals Park
Why are you running for ANC?
As one of the fastest-growing Single Member Districts in the city, SMD 6/8F02 needs a commissioner who can skillfully navigate local government and make sure it works for our community. I am fortunate to live in an area with so many amenities: a waterfront, a stadium, free concerts, great restaurants and bars. I want to work with the community to ensure we prioritize and allocate resources in a way that benefits the people who live here.
Why do you believe ANC is an important office?
ANCs play a vital role in amplifying the voices of the community and serving as a bridge to local government. They ensure that the concerns and needs of residents are heard and addressed. Through active engagement, ANCs help shape the future of our neighborhoods and influence decisions that directly impact our quality of life.
Why should your neighbors vote for you?
I have an urban planning background and currently work at WMATA where I work with local governments daily. I know how to navigate local government effectively. I bring strong skills in community engagement and outreach, and I am fully committed to making our neighborhood more livable and accessible. This dedication is evident through endorsements from key pro-housing and pro-transit organizations in the region, including Greater Greater Washington and DC YIMBYs. I’m ready to bring positive change to our community, and I have the experience to make it happen.
Why should we all keep an eye on Advisory Neighborhood Commissions as a whole?
ANCs take the input from the neighborhoods and advocate for their neighborhoods’ needs. While individual voices may not always be heard, ANCs amplify the collective voice of residents, ensuring that the local government gives great weight to their recommendations.