Why Weaver Ward One? I’ll tell you

Over the past four years, if you asked me, “what’s the latest in the community?” I’d talk your ear off about crazy commissioners, despicable owners of vacant properties, big developers getting sweet deals from the city, mis-managed projects…you name it. When asked if I’ve enjoyed being a Commissioner I typically reply with, “I occasionally find it satisfying.” I didn’t get into this business thinking it would be fun. But I have had some great opportunities to help people in my community, have learned an incredible amount about city government and politics and do think I’ve contributed a great deal to the improvement of my own district and ANC1B as a whole. I will leave my seat at the end of this year reasonably satisfied.

And if you asked me today, “what’s the latest in the community?” I’d tell you all about Bryan Weaver, candidate for the Ward One City Council seat. Bryan is the kind of guy you meet and immediately like. He laughs often and is incredibly candid. He’s done the work of an ANC Commissioner much longer than I have, in Adams Morgan no less, and continues to exhibit boundless energy and enthusiasm for serving our community in Ward One.

After you get to know him and learn where he stands on the issues, he’s the kind of guy who makes you think — hey, we could really turn this place around! I’m going to reiterate that point. Bryan Weaver has made me a believer.

Many of you will recall that I’ve supported the incumbent Jim Graham over the years, and he supported me. We’d supply each other with a quote, put it on campaign materials, and the world would keep on turning. He asked me early in this cycle if I’d support him, and I said yes. So I ended up on his letterhead. But after a year of scandals and example after example of him handing out favors to those who do not have our Ward’s best interests at heart, I became wary. By the time he showed up at our June ANC meeting touting the liquor license moratorium and reimbursable police detail as magic bullets for all of U Street’s troubles, I had had enough. And for what it’s worth, I did extend the professional courtesy of letting him know myself.

Enter Bryan Weaver. I sat down with Bryan Weaver over lunch one day and we talked about his campaign. I drilled him on the issues, on his field plan, on his vision for U Street. And I, the eternal critic, was impressed. I signed on immediately and haven’t looked back. Every free moment I have is now dedicated to the Weaver Ward One campaign. As a sitting Commissioner, once might suggest it’s suicidal to turn my back on the Graham machine. But as someone who cares about the community it’s essential.  I have never looked back, and I know I won’t regret it.

I hope you will join me in supporting Bryan Weaver at the polls on September 14th. If you normally contribute to my campaign and are wondering what you’ll do with that extra $25 this year here’s an idea: give it to Bryan. You know if he’s made me a believer again he must be something special.