Ward One Task Force for ANC and SMD Redistricting Meeting
This is not an exhaustive recap, but includes most of the highlights:
Tonight was the first meeting of the Ward One Task Force for ANC and SMD Redistricting. The group is tasked with redrawing the boundaries of the ANCs and the Single Member Districts within them and includes community members and all four ANC chairs. The task force is chaired by former ANC Alan Roth, who was one of the architects of the redistricting process ten years ago.
The question at hand is: will the task force simply add seats to the ANCs that have grown, or will it use this opportunity to redraw the boundaries in a way that reflects the changing needs of the varies communities within Ward One?
Before the meeting began those present from the community and task force gathered informally around the latest Ward One population map and engaged in constructive conversation about how the boundaries might possibly change. Some of the ideas tossed about included a new ANC that would flank the eastern side (Park View, Pleasant Plains, Howard, LeDroit Park) of Ward One or a shuffling of the U Street and Columbia Heights ANCs to create three ANCS: North Columbia Heights, South Columbia Heights and U Street.
In his introductory statement, Chairman Roth indicated that Councilmember Graham does not have any particular agenda and does not wish to impose his will. He will ultimately review the recommendations of the task force and make a decision as to whether he can support them. He hopes the process will result in a set of ANCs and SMDs that minimize the disruption to residents.
The task force began by electing ANC and Graham staffer Wilson Reynolds of Adams Morgan as vice chairperson, which chairman Roth indicated would allow for expediency in reporting back to the Councilmember throughout the process. ANC Gregg Edwards of Mt. Pleasant was elected secretary.
The overall Ward population has not changed significantly, after taking into consideration the return of Woodley Park to Ward Three. However, the populations of the ANCs have changed somewhat dramatically. ANC1B would be looking at two new commissioners while 1D would lose one. But it’s not limited to those ANCs. There is great deviation from the target population numbers among many of the SMDs (3 deviate +20%, 3 deviate -20%, 1B02 deviates by +63.9% and 1D04 -35.2%).
The chairman asked the following questions:
Would adding seats to 1B leave it unwieldy or would it be okay?
Would subtracting a seat from 1D make it too small and unrepresentative or would it be okay?
What shifts in neighborhoods could lead to changes in SMD boundaries?
Should a fifth ANC be added to Ward 1?
Should each ANC have an equal number of SMDs as in some other wards?
Task force members were open to the idea of a fifth ANC or even starting from a clean slate, and recognized that moving forward with cooperation and neutrality would be essential if they were to meet the October reporting deadline.
Commissioner Gregg Edwards noted that 1D does struggle to make ends meet, as having a small commission means a small annual allocation. Even a few thousand more dollars per year would allow them to hire staff and better serve their constituents. He indicated having 9 commissioners would provide the right amount of resources. He also noted changes in commercial districts and populations that might call for more shifting of resources. He suggested that perhaps aggregating Mt. Pleasant into 1A would address some of the demographic changes and provide cohesiveness for the Latino community. He also reminded the task force that in the last redistricting process a Georgia Avenue ANC was proposed and only lost by one vote.
During public comments:
Commissioner Tony Norman noted that a large institution like Howard University should be situated in one ANC.
Commissioner Kent Boese asked that neighborhood boundaries be respected as much as possible.
Commissioner Jack McKay noted that the overall theme here seems to be that we should work to agree upon ANC boundaries and then work to divide the ANCs up equally.
In conclusion, Chairman Roth noted that there is enough interest in having an additional ANC created that it is worth exploring. He proposed that while he is on vacation for the month of August he take a crack at redrawing the maps as a Chairman’s Mark, as a starting point for the discussion. He will solicit input from task force members as he does this. Then he will put it out the week of Labor Day for the members of the task force and the community to comment on and discuss. They will then come back together for a public forum and for a markup.
A few members of the task force indicated that they would like to get together in person while the Chairperson is away to discuss different elements of the process.
Re-uniting 14th & U requires your help
I’m home now after 6 hours of the redistricting hearing, having provided our testimony. So we’re on the record in front of the Council, and yesterday in an email sent to me and sitting members of ANC1B Councilmember Graham offered his support for our proposal. The challenge, it appears is Councilmember Evans.
Before I launch into this I also want to note that it appears the Council will support allowing Woodley Park to reunite in Ward 3. Which means there is wiggle room in the Ward 1 population count — room for some new territory to the south.
Now, back to Evans. He explained to me, on the record, that 10 years ago 2B09 residents chose to be a part of Ward 2. He said they recently came into his office and reiterated that they would like to remain in Ward 2. He also explained that these residents identify with Dupont Circle more than U Street and that’s why they wish to remain in Ward 2.
Well, I have a response to that, and this part I told him: I suspect the residents that were in his office are part of the small, yet vocal group of residents that are the very same ones preventing growth on 14th street. What I didn’t say, is that it doesn’t actually matter if they identify more with Dupont Circle at this point because — news flash — they live on U Street. And while my friends at Borderstan would say there is some confusion related to that point, I think it’s fair to say that U Street has a much more distinct personality than it did 10 years ago.
What I’m saying tonight to the residents of the U and 14th Street Corridor, is that it has been hard trying to help this little corridor that could grow in a smart and positive way over the last 10 years, but we’ve done it. And we’ll keep fighting to reunite it all in one ward. But if we can’t do that, we will continue to fight tooth and nail against those who do not want to see growth. We’ll fight against those who have moved into this wonderful community, but don’t see that its strength is the balance we are striking with the mixed residential and commercial areas. Even if we lose this one battle, and as a result have to fight 100 times harder than we would if it was all in one ward, we will not back down. That’s my pledge as an active resident of this corridor. And that’s my notice to those in 2B09 trying to hold us back. you. know. who. you. are.
Tomorrow (yikes, make that today. I am up way past my bedtime) ANC1B will have the opportunity to vote in support of the testimony we provided tonight, giving it great weight. That will help a little bit. But that’s basically handled at this point.
Here’s what you can do. If you live in Ward 2 or know someone who does, weigh in with Councilmember Evans. Because he tells me you guys don’t want to be a part of Ward 1 and I think he’s wrong. I think the people living there on the edge of 14th and U Streets want to be a part of the great things we’re working on and want to see their side of the streets thrive too. And I don’t believe they think they live in Dupont Circle.
And if you live in Ward 1, let Councilmember Graham know, loudly, that you understand he supports this and you want him to fight for it. He’s losing Woodley Park if all this gets done, so maybe he’ll consider reclaiming 14th and U a way of softening that blow. I don’t know. Just give it a shot.
If you live in either jurisdiction, consider submitting testimony. It will be accepted up to 10 days after today’s hearing by Ms. Sadler: csadler@dccouncil.us.
Tomorrow night, Commissioner Aaron Spencer and I will offer this testimony on behalf of all those listed below.
June 1, 2011
To: Subcommittee Chairman Michael Brown
Re: Ward 1 Boundaries
Dear Chairman Brown,
We are writing today as representatives and residents of our Single Member Districts 1B02 and 1B05. Our districts are on the border of Ward 1, shared with ANC2B. As you know, during the last redistricting process in 2000, the southwest corner of 14th Street and U Street, NW corridor was removed from Ward 1 and placed into Ward 2. At the same time, Ward 1 held onto territory in Woodley Park that does not share the identity of the rest of the Ward. The ANC in Woodley Park that is a part of Ward 1 identifies itself so little with Ward 1 that it is actually called ANC3C.
Having our 14th and U Street Corridor split into two wards, literally down the middle of 14th Street, has had devastating effects on the development of our community, management of quality of life issues, as well as management and local leadership of our commercial district. While the rest of the 14th and U Street corridors have grown steadily and positively, we have seen many missed opportunities on the Ward 2 side of the corridor. Once again, we feel the primary jurisdiction of our commercial district and should reside within one ANC, and that ANC should once again be 1B.
We ask that you consider returning the aforementioned parts of Ward 2 back to Ward 1 as you move forward in the redistricting process. Over the last ten years this commercial area that makes up the heart of ANC1B has fought mightily to preserve continuity and foster smart growth, but it has done so with one hand tied behind its back, and just barely. We ask that as a part of the redistricting process you provide us with the tools to make sure our neighborhood and our local commercial district continues to fulfill all its promise.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Mary Streett, 1B05
Commissioner Aaron Spencer, 1B02
Former Commissioner Brianne Nadeau, 1B05
Former Commissioner Phil Spalding, 1B02
Bryan Martin Firvida, Former President of U Street Neighborhood Association
Scott Pomeroy, Former Director of 14th and U Main Street Alliance
Joined in support by:
Commissioner Deborah Thomas, 1B04
Commissioner Juan Lopez, 1B07
Cc: OANC, Councilmember Jim Graham, ANC2B, ANC3C
Brianne becomes an (tri-)athlete
So I’ve been training for the DC Triathlon. If you’ve been anywhere near me in the past 16 weeks, you already know that. If you haven’t, and you know me, this probably comes as a surprise.
As my term on the ANC was winding down I decided I wanted to do something totally different with my time for a little while, and despite not being a runner, had always thought doing a triathlon would be a good experience. So, I joined the DC Tri Club and the New Triathletes Program (NTP), and I was rolling.
Training has been going really well, and we’re now only 4 weeks out from the race. One of the reasons I joined DC Tri Club was to meet new people and get more involved in outdoor activities around DC. I’m learning about a whole world that mainly operates before 10 am on weekends and after 5 on weekdays, and does not primarily congregate in bars. A little change has done me good. I feel great, and I’m tapping into all this energy and strength I never knew I had. Plus, I get to eat lots of carbs.
Some of the organizations I’ve come to know through my training include the High Cloud Foundation, Sports & Spinal Physical Therapy, Wave One, and the awesome guys at Revolution Cycles. But today, I did one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in DC. I participated in Bike DC.
This morning at 7:30 am, slightly hungover and severely under-padded (I really need to buy bike shorts) I joined hundreds of others in a 20-mile ride along DC streets and highways. This event draws all kinds of people and ranges of skill levels. I saw families, serious cyclists, commuters, and cruisers. I bumped into (not literally) a fellow NTP-er near the Air Force memorial, passed by several unicyclists, and even saw my first ellipti-cycle. That’s what I’m calling it. It’s an upright bike-type apparatus but the pedals are like the elliptical in my living room. There was a guy cycling with a portable stereo that was playing the Star Wars theme, Superman theme, some random 80s music and of course, Sousa marches. Little known fact — I love me some Sousa marches. I rode along with him a little while, but had to move on. Next year if I can convince Keith to join me, we’re totally doing that.
It was a beautiful morning, and a great ride. It turns out cycling on the GW Parkway is not so different from driving on it. There was a bottleneck getting onto it, with your typical shoulder-drivers trying to skirt the wait. There was rubbernecking when people pulled off to change tires or tend to injuries. And there were always good samaritans willing to lend a hand to those in need. Although I did notice the hills a lot more than I usually do in my trusty Focus.
Check out our route.
A new tradition for me in DC. I highly recommend it.
Vote Tuesday
This Tuesday we elect our next At-Large Councilmember. We have an opportunity to help decide the direction of the Council, and I for one am hoping for a fresh voice that will focus on oversight, accountability and reform while tackling all the tough issues.
All the information you need to get out and vote Tuesday is here at the Board of Elections web site.
And I hope you’ll consider Ward One Democrat Bryan Weaver. He believes in better, and I believe he can deliver it.
Board of Elections Expands In-Person Absentee Options
MEDIA ADVISORY
D.C. BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
April 7, 2011
Contact:
Alysoun McLaughlin, amclaughlin@dcboee.org
202-727-2511 (direct)/202-441-1121 (cell)
Board to Open on Sunday, April 17 and Extend Hours for In-Person Absentee Voting
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Elections and Ethics has voted to extend the hours of in-person absentee voting for the upcoming special election from Monday through Saturday for an additional hour until 8:00 p.m. The Board will also open its absentee voting center on Sunday, April 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To cast an absentee ballot in person, voters can visit the Board’s office at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 250 North. In-person absentee voting will be available seven days a week beginning on Monday, April 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. except on the following dates:
- Sunday, April 17
12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 24
CLOSED - Monday, April 25
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
The Board made this decision after hearing concerns from members of the Jewish community who will be unable to cast ballots on April 26, the last day of the Passover holiday, or to visit the offices of the Board to cast a ballot on a Saturday due to religious observance. Prior to this decision, the only weekend hours that the Board offered for in-person absentee voting were on Saturday.
Although this decision was made in response to concerns expressed by voters of a specific religious affiliation, the decision will benefit all voters in the District who choose to vote in person during extended hours.
The Board has also distributed absentee ballot applications to synagogues and the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center. Additional organizations that are interested in distributing absentee ballot applications can contact the Board or download the form at http://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/DCBOEE_AbsenteeBallotRequestForm.pdf.
The last day to apply for a ballot to be sent by mail is Tuesday, April 19.
The District of Columbia Board of Elections & Ethics is the independent agency of the District government responsible for the administration of elections, ballot access and voter registration.
Seriously, DC?
Last year when I decided not to run again for ANC it wasn’t because the gig took up too much time, or my constituents had too many demands. It was absolutely because of the politics. The politics of working with the Council played some part, but mainly it was the political games played by other Commissioners. There was the Chairman who bullied members of the community and other commissioners when he didn’t get his way; There was the Chairman who forgot to mention in the hiring of our new admin that he was in a romantic relationship with her (and then later asked our Councilmember to alleviate her DC parking fines from her overnights at his house); And then there was my Chairmanship.
I planned to change the ANC by ending the antics and actually focusing on the business of the Commission. We’d have functioning committees, effective and efficient staff, office space…dare to dream. Today the Commission has those things, and some of that I can take credit for. However, I could never control the antics. And regrettably, I was also not able to manage my own reaction to the antics in a way that was productive. We had a Commissioner who would refuse to schedule committee meetings; he would tell one party in a voluntary agreement negotiation one thing and another party another thing and the ANC yet another thing; and the lies just flowed out of him like cooking grease in an untended alley. And then there was the one who just hated me and everything I did. One night she sat outside our meeting in “silent protest” of something I had done at a prior meeting, to prevent us from having a quorum. I was not able to manage those two in a way that embodied the civility I would have liked to bring to the Commission. As a result, I was unseated as Chairperson the following January and we all submitted to the tyranny of the no longer silently protesting commissioner. ANC1B is a messed up place. The new Chairperson and commissioners are making strides though. I have hope.
But here we are in 2011, we’ve got a new Mayor, a new Council Chair and there’s this special election. And I just have to ask, what the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on in this city? There’s SUV-gate, we’ve got the Mayor hiring people who abuse women (like, multiple hires folks, not just one fluke) when he can’t find a crony, we’ve got Graham’s COS pleading guilty to bribery, the Interim Councilman Seikou Biddle is playing games with nominating petitions…I mean W.T.F???? That’s all just in the last week, I might add.
I voted for Fenty, and he lost. And I figured, hey, how bad could it be with Gray and Brown in charge? Bad. It’s really bad. As my friend and colleague recently said to me: One City My @$$.
Frankly, I don’t care if you want the old school or the new school or something in between, let’s just get some work done here people. Seriously. It’s no wonder Congress treats us like a freaking colony.
Weaver for DC
My friend Bryan Weaver is running for city council. If you’ve been reading along, you’ll remember that Bryan was the one who turned me from a cynic into a believer last fall. Many of you living in Ward One had the chance to vote for him then. Many of you living outside Ward One told me you wish you could. Well, guess what!? Now you can.
On April 26th there will be a special election for the At-Large seat previously held by the new council chairperson Kwame Brown. It has temporarily been filled by Mr. Sekou Biddle after a DC Democratic State Committee appointment process that would have made Chicago politicians blush.
Bryan’s always saying, “politics isn’t about big money or power games; it’s about the improvement of people’s lives.” The latter half of that statement pretty much sums up why he wants to serve on the city council. Unfortunately the former part is what guided the temporary appointment process and has already begun to taint this upcoming election. That’s the kind of thing Bryan is trying to change around here.
Bryan is a D.C. community activist with more than 20 years of experience working with youth in the city. As a candidate for At-Large, Bryan believes the future of our city relies on good jobs with a living wage, safer streets, access to a quality education and affordable housing. He is committed to moving the District forward through smart growth and sustainability initiatives that balance the needs of all parts of the city. He is dedicated to creating a more open and transparent city government accountable to the people.
Bryan Weaver is the real deal, and I’m pleased to support him as a candidate for city council at-large. I hope you will join me in spreading the word, and most importantly, casting your vote for Bryan on April 26th.
To volunteer, email bryanweaverdc@gmail.com or learn about opportunities at Thursday night’s volunteer event. You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook. Web site coming soon.
A fresh start for 1B
Chairman Juan Lopez: nothing ever sounded so sweet to my ears. On Thursday night ANC1B elected new officers for 2011 and chose to move the Commission forward with strong leadership that will allow for real civility and progress.
With six new Commissioners — the largest turnover in at least 10 years — I am hopeful that 1B will be infused with a new, positive energy. At the very least, it will not be held back by leadership that is more focused on titles and power than actually doing the work.
In addition to Lopez, new Commissioners Ahnna Smith and Mary Streett were elected Vice Chair and Treasurer. Myla Moss will remain as Secretary.
Next up, ANC1B will seek out community members to serve as committee chairs and committee members. Elections will take place at the February meeting for ABC Chair, Public Safety Chair, Design Review Chair (DDOT, zonging, etc.), and Grants Committee Chair. If you are interested in serving you should contact your commissioner or the current chairperson.
Congratulations to Chairman Lopez and all the new Commissioners.
An opportunity to support a good business
We often get worked up over businesses that that are causing problems in the community — loud noise, fights breaking out, trash issues, etc. Getting involved in the community when we have a problem is an obvious thing to do. A less obvious thing to do is to show support for a business that is helping us grow and is a benefit overall.
Duffy’s will come before the ANC this week for its renewal and to ask the Commission to lift restrictions it has been under since first opening. These restrictions were negotiated at a time when we should have been thrilled to have someone like Andy Duffy with his good business sense and great attitude coming into our neighborhood. Instead the Commission allowed a neighbor to strong-arm him into a voluntary agreement that has severely limited his business plan — requiring him to close at midnight, prohibiting use of the outdoor patio, and some minor extortion that nobody will admit to, but is referenced in minutes from ANC meetings over the years if you are inclined to go digging.
Since the time Duffy’s has joined our community it has become a staple. Families go there for dinner, sports fans spend entire seasons there, and its ever-expanding menu even satisfies this culinarily-challenged writer. Far from a nuisance, it has become a beacon for those in our community looking for a neighborhood joint they can call their own.
If you want to show support you can email the Commissioner of jurisdiction, Peter Raia at peter.raia@me.com, or send a note to the ABC Board members who will make the final decision. Go ahead, be vocal about something good for a change.
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
Attn: Martha Jenkins
1250 U Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20009
