We have offered to post brief statements from all of the ANC candidates running for seats on Capitol Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods that we cover here on The Hill is Home. These statements are not endorsements and have been posted exactly as submitted by the candidates.
A little over five years ago, Katelynd stumbled upon the gem of Southwest DC. Despite having lived in the District since the fall of 2007, she was unfamiliar with this wonderful area of the city. Its proximity to the National Mall, the gorgeous tree-lined promenade along the Potomac and Anacostia, the diverse, tight-knit community. All of it coming together in a truly one-of-a-kind fabric of a neighborhood.
Over the years, this little quadrant and those who live here, have inspired her to learn about the long and extensive history, and how decisions made decades ago have shaped and effected this neighborhood to the present day- good or bad, for better or worse. She was inspired to get to know her neighbors throughout Southwest and their history on a personal level- one that you find more in a small town rather than the city. Katelynd was inspired to put down roots in a city that has such a high number of transients, and to do so in this specific area with so many wonderful offerings and diversity. She and her fiancé purchased their first home in Southwest DC last year, where they plan to raise a family.
She was also encouraged, more than any other time of life, to give back to her community. This inspiration and encouragement led to Katelynd’s creation of the Southwest DC area clean-ups, being involved on SWNA and writing for The Southwester, as well as just being well-versed and aware of all of the on-goings in this tiny slice of the District. It has led her to decide to run as a candidate for ANC6D05, to give back in one of the most ultimate ways: public service.
If elected, Katelynd plans to focus on smart development, leveraging this development to gain community benefits in areas such as increased school funding, protecting affordable housing, and increased transportation options. These are essential pillars of all neighborhoods, and each will serve as an important and vital part of the growing changes taking place in ANC6D.
With the growth coming to ANC6D, it is important that those who have helped to create the fabric of this tight-knit community are not pushed out nor priced out. Katelynd will work with those looking to develop in ANC6D to ensure that affordable housing with each new project is above the minimum required by law. Katelynd will also work to ensure that jobs and job training are provided to those within the ANC, and are professions that will go beyond the end date of these projects.
The areas of community ownership and public safety are also high priorities for Katelynd, including sidewalk maintenance and better lighting, and working with PSA 105 and PSA 106 to find community based solutions for our neighborhood.
She looks forward to meeting and hearing from many of you about your priorities during the coming weeks. She can be followed on social media {Instagram: kmahoney88, Twitter: @katelyndmahoney, Facebook: katelynd4dc}, and can be reached at Katelynd.dc@gmail.com or her website www.katelynd4dc.com.