Photo courtesy of Anthony Dale
The Hill is Home is sharing the statements of ANC candidates in our general region. Although the main focus of our blog is Capitol Hill –served by ANCs 6A through 6C– we feel that a community is made stronger by the neighbors with whom we share a close geographical area. We are honored to share candidate statements from neighbors from Ivy City to Navy Yard, with minor style edits. To all of you who are running: Thank you. –Maria Helena Carey and Kate McFadden
As a resident of Southwest DC for the past 14 years, I have had a front row seat to some of the amazing changes that are taking place in our community. With this change comes new opportunities for economic development as well as some growing pains and potential pitfalls. I am running to serve on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) for SMD 6D05 in order to be a voice for parents and school children; low-income and high-income residents; and retirees as well as new residents.
Strong Schools with Resources for our Children
The ANC can play a critical part in securing investments for our schools and making sure our children have everything they need to learn and grow. Schools like Amidon Bowen Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School need capital investments, teacher development resources and program funds in order to be successful. As the father to a 3-year old boy, Jaden, I know that the future of our children is too important not to make this is a top priority.
Affordable Housing and Emphasis on Homeownership
Over the next several years more than 16 new projects are slated to be constructed in SW DC. While cranes are good for the economy, they do not build and sustain communities. For many years, residents have tilled the field and made this community attractive for new comers. However, they’ve seen the surge of rent and housing costs leave them in the dust. As ANC I will fight for projects that offer a significant number of units at 30% and 40% Area Medium Income (AMI). Equally important is the need for affordable, family-size units. Having a new building that is catered towards single-bedroom rentals will not allow us to build on the history of homeownership and community that has traditionally prospered in Southwest.
Safety for Our Residents and Visitors
Lastly, this community is seeing a wave of new visitors flocking to our streets and partaking in the new attractions. These recreational increases are accompanied by a rise in both violent and non-violent crime. As a Marine, I know what it takes to coordinate with various stakeholders on short- and long-term threats, and as a Commissioner I will work with the SWBID and other partners to provide community safety teams that work hand-in-hand with MPD to ensure our safety. ANC’s are the first level of public engagement and policy development for DC communities. It’s vital that they engage with the community and serve as an advocate echoing the community concerns. This area has seen substantial growth and economic prosperity over the last 20 years and our community’s changing landscape needs a leader who reaches out to resident to listen to their interests.
I look forward to meeting you and discussing issues that concern you and your family, and I ask that you vote for me on November 6th. Southwest DC deserves an effective advocate by our side as we take on what’s ahead.