Why I’m Running for ANC

A Better Way

The current ANC 6b commission has made a practice of holding closed meetings and, in certain situations, casting a secret ballot. This violates the spirit of the so-called “sunshine laws”—and may violate them in fact.

We need a transparent and open ANC. The only reason for a closed meeting should be in the rare instance of a personnel deliberation.

The current ANC has also failed to adequately document the record of its meetings and to make these accessible. Meeting summaries are sparse, with no context given and no summary of the substance and character of the discussion. Other ANC’s do better; so should we.

I pledge to support fuller meeting summaries and easier access to them.

A Smarter Way

The current ANC obsesses over historic preservation issues to a fault. Preserving the character of our neighborhood is essential, but there are many more aspects to it than obsessively inspecting someone’s remodeling designs.

We need an ANC that will prioritize the quality of our public and community life. Our ANC should increase awareness on important issues of public safety and work with PSAs to expedite possible resolution. Our ANC should partner with our neighborhood school advocates and provide another venue to support their efforts. Most of all, our ANC should catalyze residents’ involvement and engagement with the city.

Change is Now

The importance of the next ANC is in its participation in the major issues concerning our neighborhood: the Hine Development PUD process, Eastern Market Metro Plaza

redesign, 8th Street streetcar plan, Pennsylvania/Potomac Avenue Traffic Circle, and the disposition of Marine Barracks Building 20 and the construction of a replacement.

All of these projects have the potential to change the neighborhood. They should change the neighborhood for the better.

I support development and the evolution of our neighborhood. I bought my current house before Capitol Hill was a destination. I see a role for neighbors to work with developers to ensure that our neighborhood retains its residential character and livability.