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
Tyler Wolanin
Your ANC single member district
ANC 6B01
What is a landmark people may know your SMD from?
Garfield Park and the south side of the Capitol Complex.
Why are you running for ANC?
I am running so that I can help the voters of our corner of Ward 6, here in the shadow of the Capitol, stay engaged and informed; and I will represent all residents, regardless of how long they have lived here. I hope to carry on Frank Avery’s good work keeping our streets and parks safe, healthy, and walkable; working with local businesses; and connecting our unhoused neighbors with resources.
Why do you believe ANC is an important office?
The Advisory Neighborhood Commission is the first rung on the ladder of policymaking, where residents come to local government to make their voice heard on District policy and administration. Though the ANC has a limited purview, their constant contact with Councilmembers, executive branch departments, and (in some cases) the federal government means that they are a vital conduit of information on the concerns of the public.
Why should your neighbors vote for you?
I will bring energy and experience to the Commission, and I will make sure to use the resources and connections at my disposal to best represent the interests of the Capitol Hill community. I have lived and worked on Capitol Hill for the past three years, and I hope that I will be able to be of service to the community. I am eager to continue learning from my fellow residents, and will not hesitate to dive into any issue that is brought to my attention.
Why should we all keep an eye on Advisory Neighborhood Commissions as a whole?
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are the canary in the coal mine for new (or persistent, or recurring) issues that the District’s policymakers will have to face.