DC  has counted  absentee and provisional ballots from the November 6 election. (Luis Gomez Photos.)

The DC Board of Elections and Ethics (DCBOEE) has updated its 2012 general election page with new vote counts for the November 6 general election. The new results contain absentee and ballots and provisional ballots.

In two close races for local ANC seats, the inclusion of absentee and provisional ballots did not change the results. Zahara Jilana still leads John Green in ANC 1B-12 (by 34 votes) and John Fanning still leads Joel Heisey in ANC 2F-04 (by 38 votes). The results for the six contested races, as of November 26, are in the table below.

Voter Participation in ANC Races

How many people voted in ANC races compared to other races on the ballot on November 6? We looked at Precinct 16 (Presbyterian Church, 15th and R Streets NW) and compared the number of votes for ANC candidates versus presidential candidates.

In Precinct 16, 3,209 people voted for president. A total of four ANC races voted at Precinct 16: ANC 1F (uncontested), ANC 2F-02 (contested race), ANC 2F-04 (contested race, one of three precincts for race), and ANC 2B-04 (contested race, one of two precincts for race). ANC candidates in Precinct 16 received a total of 2,038 votes in these four races. The breakdown? Of the voters in Precinct 16 who cast votes for president, only 64% cast ballots for an ANC candidate.

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Dan Wittels (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces John Carlos Green, Zahra Jilani and Erling Bailey for the 1B-12 seat.

Dan Wittels. (Courtesy of Wittels)

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 1B12 and why?

Wittels: The first thing I’ll do is reach out to my constituents and see what their concerns are and move those to the top of the ANC agenda. After 15 years living on these streets, I’m fairly confident I know what the pressing matters are that face our neighborhood. But I want to continue the conversation I’ve had with residents and families during the ANC campaign. Issues and priorities have evolved, but concerns about crime, traffic, parking, and quality of life are constants.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Wittels: On the street, at meetings and via e-mail. But all the websites, listservs and social media in the world will never replace face-to-face time with residents. Technology can only get us so far and access to it isn’t universal in a neighborhood as diverse as ours. We have many senior citizens on my block and those surrounding it. To ask them to follow community developments on Facebook or a listserv isn’t workable. It’s time we got back to good old fashioned one-on-one communication. The backyard fence or doorstep is still an effective way to communicate with people, especially about the issues we all have to deal with.

Click for a larger map: ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)

Borderstan: What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them?

Wittels: I think they make valuable contributions to the communities they serve and their voices should be heard at the ANC. But we can’t lose sight of the needs and views of individual residents and families that aren’t able to invest time or resources to be active in those organizations.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Wittels: This is an issue on which I’ll take cues from the larger community. Many have said it will help improve the quality of life to the 14th and U Streets corridor, and could restore some sort of commercial and retail balance. We need a thorough and thoughtful conversation on this – one that hears the views of everyone, not just business interests or activists, but one that is comprehensive and reflects the wider community.

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Wittels: No, it isn’t prefect but it seems work in some instances. There are a host of loop holes in the VA’s and what’s often lost during the negotiations are the voices of the residents and families. Usually the loudest voices in these discussions are neighborhood associations (who are often mired in their own bureaucracy), and business interests (who can afford the attorneys who know how to work the system). The ANC needs to carefully weigh all the voices.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area are now destination spots for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th, U Street and 9th Street corridors, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Wittels: I’ll press for more of a police presence where the crimes seem to be concentrated. I’m in favor of establishing a BID that can help get more off-duty law enforcement on the streets and sidewalks, without additional cost to the taxpayers.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Wittels: Yes we need more of a balance in this area, and I think we’ve lost it in recent years. This would help day time businesses be more viable. We live in the city’s best neighborhood, so let’s keep it that way by not losing sight of what made it great – families who invested their money and lives here. I welcome the development be it residential or business — I just hope we don’t take short sighted steps to damage the long term viability and sustainability we have.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in the neighborhood that stand out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Wittels: We need more retail of almost every kind. Unfortunately, small retailers are being forced out of the corridors by skyrocketing rents. An electronics store would be great to have, a pet store, a clothing retailer, maybe a bakery. Ideally, we want a neighborhood that’s as vibrant during the day as during the evening hours.

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Walt Cain Candidate is running for forANC 2F-02. (Courtesy Walt Cain)

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Walt Cain (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces Adam Stempel and James Baker for the ANC 2F-02 seat.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 2F and why?

Cain: My priorities as commissioner will be to promote smart growth, safe streets, and a strong community. I will be an advocate for growth that respects Logan Circle as a community of residents, and not simply a destination. This means prioritizing growth that is geared toward the everyday needs of those living within ANC 2F. I will leverage the existing positive relationship that ANC 2F has with MPD to identify patterns of criminal activity and to increase resident alertness.

The goal of this will be to make residents more aware of specific crime patterns in our area and to pass along advice on how to avoid becoming a target. I want the residents of Logan Circle to be directly and actively engaged in the development of their neighborhood.  To that end, I will partner with community and resident associations within 2F-02 to maximize my accessibility and effectiveness as an advocate and liaison for their interests.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District.

Cain: In an effort to make residents aware of issues facing our neighborhood and how the ANC can serve them, I will regularly engage the community through the use of traditional and social media platforms, like:

• Posting flyers on community boards in 2F-02 businesses and residential buildings.
• Proactively reaching out to community and residential associations.
• Maintaining Facebook and Twitter accounts for 2F-02 so that residents can remain aware of community developments and contact me directly with concerns.
• Partnering with neighborhood blogs to establish myself as a guest contributor to keep 2F-02 readers aware of issues in the neighborhood and ways the ANC can better serve them.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in ANC 2F meetings. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Cain: Given the number of establishments with liquor licenses already on 14th Street and the large number of similar businesses in the pipeline to arrive in the next year, controlling the flow of liquor licenses is one of several tools the ANC should use to tailor and safeguard the neighborhood’s atmosphere. Limiting the number of bars and restaurants on the 14th Street Corridor will open up space for other local businesses to serve the needs of our residents, not just visitors to our neighborhood.

Click for a larger image. ANC 2F-02 is directly west of Logan Circle. (DC Board of Elections)

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Cain: Yes. One detail in need of revision is the provision that allows only five residents to protest a liquor license and block business development. Increasing the number of residents required to trigger the voluntary agreement process to reflect a broader community consensus is one part of the current process that needs to be changed.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area is now a destination spot for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th, Street corridor, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Cain: A stronger police presence is not only needed along 14th Street, but also the streets that surround and branch off from the main corridor. Muggings, assaults, and smash-and-grabs have been occurring far more frequently on side-streets less trafficked than 14th Street itself. The police presence is needed at all times, not just the weekends.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Cain: Yes, I think diversity in development is one of the keys to making 2F-02, and 14th Street more broadly, a great place to live, work, and play. I would like to see more development that offers space for entrepreneurs, non-profits, and professional groups on upper floors and retail space ideal for local small businesses at street level.  Exclusively expanding residential growth means our existing restaurants, shops, and services will become even more overloaded with customers, so a balance of commercial space is critical.

Borderstan: Do you support the new restricted Residential Park Permit pilot program implemented through ANC 2F in late summer/early fall 2012? Tell us why or why not.

Cain: I think the program has been a great first step toward developing a long-term solution to ANC 2F’s parking problem. I think people who live in our ANC should have priority to convenient parking over those who are coming in for a short period of time.

Borderstan: Of the many possibilities being discussed to alleviate parking constraints in ANC 2F is the construction of parking garages along or near the 14th Street corridor. Do you support these efforts?

Cain: I think there are a number of smaller, more readily achievable steps that can be taken to alleviate parking constraints and that this is where the majority of the ANC’s efforts should be focused. Specifically, formalizing the parking pilot program for residents, and encouraging visitors to make broader use of existing transportation options like Metro, the Circulator, and Capital Bikeshare.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in our neighborhood that stands out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Cain: I would like to see more businesses run by neighborhood residents, and more businesses that cater to the everyday life of people who live in our community. Examples include an affordable neighborhood deli for a quick bite to eat, a local coffee shop offering space for residents to work or relax, and a bookstore with mixed-use space to bring neighbors together.

“For more information visit Walt Cain”

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Joel Heisey is a candidate for ANC 2F-04

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Joel Heisey (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces John Fanning for the ANC 2F-04 seat.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 2F and why?

Heisey: As odd as it sounds, I’d like to revise the committee membership composition. The ANC is increasing from six to eight Single Members. Existing rules would put 17 people on each committee, an unworkable and sometimes unachievable number. A new structure has been proposed that would allow 11 committee members, a much more workable size. The first real policy initiative would have to address proposed changes to the Alcohol Control Board’s procedures and enforcement of licenses. Current legislation before the DC Council would weaken community input to the licensing procedure and possibly lead to more noise and trash violations going uncorrected.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Heisey: A principal goal of mine is to increase community input and involvement with the ANC. Many residents are simply too busy to attend meetings, so I want to get the ANC to improve the website and notification procedures. Electronic notification of issues with responses posted to a bulletin board could be one of the approaches to encourage community discussion of issues.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in ANC 2F meetings. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Heisey: I would prefer to take advantage of the protection offered by the Arts Overlay Zoning District covering the 14th Street corridor. A moratorium for a problem that does not yet exist seems detrimental to the potential businesses that would be beneficial to the neighborhood.  The Arts Overly regulations limit restaurant/bar usage to 50 percent of each block’s frontage. This provision should be strongly maintained.  Doing so will naturally limit the number of liquor licenses that can be issued and prevent the corridor from becoming a single use area like Adams Morgan.

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Heisey: The process does need to be revised. Having to object to an application in order to work with the applicant is not a constructive way to begin a relationship between a business and the community. Voluntary Agreements serve a very useful purpose, but the “voluntary” is a bit of a misnomer. I would like to see a more cooperative procedure for reaching these agreements about hours of operation, noise, trash and other issues that impact neighboring residents.

ANC 2F-04 is directly east of Logan Circle. Click for a larger map. (DC Board of Elections)

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area is now a destination spot for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th Street corridor, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Heisey: The MPD officers working in the Logan Circle PSAs are doing a wonderful job with policing, responsiveness and community awareness. A greater presence focusing on burglaries and street crime would be more beneficial than simply a show of force along 14th St. MPD resources are stretched. I want to see them used in the most effective manner possible.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Heisey: One of the observations from current business owners is the lack of pedestrian traffic during the day to support their businesses. I think some commercial development could help existing businesses and draw new desirable retail shops to the area.

Borderstan: Do you support the new restricted Residential Park Permit pilot program implemented through ANC 2F in late summer/early fall 2012? Tell us why or why not.

Heisey: There are two parts to the parking program: (1) limiting one side of the street to Resident Only parking and (2) introducing a new visitors parking permit. Most of the restricted parking signs have been installed throughout the neighborhood. My concern is about removing half the available spaces for residents’ visitors and workmen without implementing a visitor’s parking permit, as is presently happening.  There are valid issues and concerns due to the lack of specificity in the visitor’s permit proposal as it now stands; however, I do support implementing a revised visitor parking program allowing: residents without cars who use Zip Car and like services to park; residents’ guests ability to use the restricted street parking while visiting; and, contractors to have visitor’s parking while doing work at residents’ homes.

Borderstan: Of the many possibilities being discussed to alleviate parking constraints in ANC 2F is the construction of parking garages along or near the 14th Street corridor. Do you support these efforts?

Heisey: Yes, I would definitely be in support of increasing the amount of available parking for guests to patronize our local businesses.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in our neighborhood that stand out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Heisey: The Studio Theater was an early icon of Logan Circle. With it, other theaters grew and some have unfortunately left. More theater spaces would be good to retain this important neighborhood identity. Restaurants naturally followed and will keep coming. I like seeing the galleries and furniture stores establishing a presence. These businesses become a destination draw to support the theaters and restaurants.  The basics of grocery, hardware, drug store, dry cleaner, copy shop, barber/hair salons, pizza shop, liquor store(s) and bike shops seem to be met. Maybe others with more imagination than I have will have more suggestions. As an old timer though, I do miss the repair garages when I get a nail in the tire.

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Zahra Jilani running for the ANC 1B-12. (Photo Courtesy Zahra Jilani)

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up-for-grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Zahra Jilani (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). She faces John Carlos Green, Dan Wittels and Erling Bailey.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 1B and why?

Jilani: My first area of focus is smart development for 1B12. There is so much happening in our district over the next few years, and I hope to make our district a welcoming place for both residents and an eclectic mix of businesses. If there is truly constructive discourse with businesses, neighboring districts and within our constituency, I believe that we can foster growth intelligently while maintaining our community’s vibrancy and culture.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Jilani: I will continually engage my constituents through my three-fold communication plan. I created the ANC 1B Newsletter, and will continue to improve it so residents know what events and meetings they can get involved in within our neighborhood. Second, I will create our own 1B-12 listserv so we have an ongoing discussion of issues in the neighborhood. Third, if there is a need in our community, I will hold monthly meetings so we can have our own forum for issues specific to our district and get to know our neighbors.

Borderstan: What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them?

Jilani: Neighborhood associations provide integral support and extreme value to the ANC process. I plan to work very closely with our neighborhood associations, as I have begun to do so already, to create a cohesive and communicative 1B-12.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Jilani: I think that we need an eclectic mix of businesses in our community, and need to work closely with ABRA to carefully scrutinize each liquor license application as it is presented. A liquor license doesn’t necessarily mean the business will be a bar or club, which I think we can all agree U street is already saturated with. Busboys and Poets right here in 1B-12 is a great example of an establishment that utilizes its liquor license to promote and encourage education through reading and the arts, and I welcome similarly creative uses of space in our district. I know that with effective community input and productive discourse between businesses and residents, we can foster a mix of businesses that will work to enhance and encourage the arts and culture of our neighborhood.

ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Jilani: The VA process, when used correctly, is a great tool which can work to the benefit of both businesses and residents. I plan to foster the use of VAs through productive discourse and with a focus on the community as whole rather than simply businesses versus residents.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor areas are now a destination spot for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th, U Street and 9th Street corridors, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Jilani: No, but more policemen isn’t the only answer. If elected, I will work closely with MPD to get the police out of their cars and onto the streets, knowing our district well enough that they can prevent crimes before they occur. I also encourage residents to attend our monthly public safety meetings so we can work together to create a solution to the crime in our district. Feel free to contact me at zahrajilani.anc1b12@gmail.com for more information on any of the ANC subcommittee meeting dates and locations.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Jilani: I hope to see more office buildings around 14th Street, so we have increased activity during the day.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in the neighborhood that stand out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Jilani: As I mentioned, Busboys and Poets does a great job fostering arts and education in our district. I support what they are trying to accomplish for the community and hope to see more bookstores in the area. U St Farmers Market is also a great example of a positive business influence in our district. I hope to support grants for more community gardens in our area as well, as a place to bring adults and children alike together in support of a more environmentally sustainable community.

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

John Green is running for ANC 1B-12 this fall. (Photo courtesy of John Green)

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including John Carlos Green (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces Zahra Jilani, Dan Wittels and Erling Bailey.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 1B12 and why?

Green: My first priority as ANC Commissioner will be to promote accountability and transparency in how the Advisory Neighborhood Commission is run by offering the residents I represent the basic tools of good governing. I will use my website as a portal to post ANC minutes, newsletters, community events and tallies from ANC votes. I will video-record my committee meetings and post them on YouTube. A representative, transparent and accountable governing body has the power to unite our voices.

One of my opponents is on-the-record saying she is content with the state of our current ANC governing body. I am not. As I go door-to-door listening to the people in our neighborhood, I hear too many stories of our concerns being ignored by the decision-makers. Sometimes residents aren’t even informed of decisions made that are going to affect their lives. We need to be able to efficiently access up-to-date information. We need to be informed. We need to be part of the decision making process.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Green: From the work I’ve done in national politics, I have learned how representatives can best engage with constituents. One way is by making sure I am accessible for in-person meetings or by email. My ANC campaign is also actively engaging people on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Both of these approaches will continue and expand if I am elected. Also importantly, my website will incorporate surveys to add another layer of community involvement for crucial decisions that will affect residents in our district. Transparency and feedback will be key to my tenure as ANC 1B12 Commissioner. If I win your vote this November 6th, I will seek to make the Advisory Neighborhood Commission work harder for the people – as it was designed to do.

ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)

Borderstan: What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them?

Green: Neighborhood associations are assets to communities because they help keep our residents informed and involved. I will reach out, I will listen and I will work to incorporate the best ideas they have that can help improve our community in total.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Green: I do not support a liquor license moratorium on the 14th and U corridor because doing so has the potential to severely dampen economic development in the future and the vibrancy we cherish in our neighborhood. In other neighborhoods where a liquor license moratorium has been imposed, some business and restaurants have been pushed out unfairly and are now unable to return to that area, which also had the negative effect of lowering the tax base and preventing positive developments that would benefit all residents. Yes, there may be some specific businesses that we decide as a community we don’t want – a strip club, for example – but to arbitrarily issue a blanket ban is just not good public policy. Overall, I support a pro-moderate growth strategy in our neighborhood that emphasizes bringing more green space and arts to U Street. While I respect the city’s need to grow and develop, and businesses’ desire to expand and prosper, my foremost concerns will always be the integrity of our community and the residents who call U Street home.

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Green: The regulating of liquor licenses is an important duty for an ANC. It requires balancing the needs of the residents and businesses. I will always seek community input before registering my vote. That being said, I do not support the Alcohol Omnibus Bill 19-824, which would strip the rights of community groups or individuals seeking to protest a pending license and curtail provisions meant to limit noise. This agreement is a valuable tool at residents’ disposal when an establishment is not playing by the rules and something needs to be done to correct the situation.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area are now destination spots for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th, U Street and 9th Street corridors, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Green: I do not believe there is an adequate police presence on weekends, especially during late-night hours. I am the only candidate who specifically speaks to this issue directly on my website, because our safety is among my chief concerns. If elected, I will work with the MPDC and the business community to make our streets safer and reduce car break-ins and property damage, especially during late-night hours.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Green: We are a rapidly growing community and there needs to be a balance of commercial businesses and residential buildings along 14^th Street NW to support smart economic growth. Commercial buildings provide our residents with jobs and bring in visitors who patronize our businesses. Residential buildings that go through a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, specifically at the Community Benefits Package stage, would be a great vehicle for our community to come together and advocate for things such as more green space or arts in our district. I worked at the National Low Income Housing Coalition and gained a wide understanding there of ways to improve housing policy and community development. If elected ANC, I will draw on this knowledge.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in the neighborhood that stand out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Green: The half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl can’t be beat, but I also treasure Ben’s as an iconic landmark from the Civil Rights Era. Besides offering great food, it symbolizes the optimism that equality, mutual respect and an appreciation of common interests can bring people together. I also will be looking forward to the Trader Joe’s that’s opening soon. Businesses like this give our residents important amenities within walking distance. A full-service grocery store has been needed in our neighborhood for quite some time. I support Boundless Yoga because of the free community events it holds and because of its innovative work-share program that allows people with a range of financial means to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. I will encourage other businesses with a similarly forward-looking mindset to join our neighborhood. I also support other newly established businesses that give back to the community – such as Cause and the YMCA – and will make sure they want to be here for a long time to come. Lastly, I want to thank Borderstan for serving our community by addressing important issues that don’t always get enough attention from other publications, for helping keep our residents informed and for providing a forum for the candidates of ANC 1B-12.

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Erling Bailey is running for ANC 1B-12. (Courtesy of Erling Bailey)

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Erling Bailey (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). Bailey will face John Carlos Green, Zahra Jilani and Dan Wittels on election day.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 1B and why?    

Bailey: I will introduce our community to specific values associated with my campaign VISION of becoming a Sustainable Based Community. The community and I will implement a plan to move forward and I will facilitate our journey toward the goal. Details are found on website (www.erlingbailey.com) under PLATFORM.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District? 

Bailey: I will engage constituents through various methods to ensure an enhanced cross section of opinions. The primary method of engagement will be a comprehensive collaborative web‐based communication tool. This portal will provide users a source of information, a platform for expressing feedback, and voting component to poll and assess majority opinions. This tool will provide real-time data and information for all concerned.

Borderstan: What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them? 

Bailey: Neighborhood Associations provide a tremendous value as one of the main sources of engaging and communicating with community. Also they allow us to partner with our surrounding SMD’s to ensure our goals and objectives are in sync so we are all moving in concert toward the common good of our larger community. I will continue to participate in neighborhood associations as a member and build strong relationships to ensure we are working as a cohesive group of SMD’s building a better future.

Click for a larger map: ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why? 

Bailey: If we truly understand the actions that transformed Adams Morgan and learn from them, we will prevent history from reoccurring. I believe there are other less binding but equally effective ways to monitor the proliferation of liquor licenses’. I believe we should explore the options associated with revoking liquor licenses not being utilized and amend the licensing process to include a renewal period in which businesses conduct will be evaluated as a renewal authorization component. Ultimately the decision belongs to the 1B12 constituents and I will represent their voice.

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how? 

Bailey: From what I have seen they have been an effective tool for assessing proprietors true operational values, behavior and practices. This serve as an indicator as to what can be expected should the agreement be lifted.

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Adam Stempel Candidate for ANC 2F-02. (Courtesy Adam Stempel)

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including Adam Stempel (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces Walt Cain and James Baker for the ANC 2F-02 seat. You can contact Stempel at adam.l.stempel[AT]gmail.com or visit his website for more information..

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 2F and why?

Stempel: My first priority will be to get more residents involved — or at least aware — of what the ANC does. It’s much easier for us to serve our neighbors if they understand who we are and what we can do for them and the rest of the community. ANC-2F needs to improve its media presence, continue to partner with community associations and other neighborhood institutions (churches, businesses, apartment buildings) and even do a little door-to-door engagement.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Stempel: As I said above, we need to work on building relationships with organizations that residents already trust. I will reach out to leaders of condo associations, neighborhood associations, business associations and all the other institutions that do a great job of representing their members already. I’d love for more residents to attend ANC meetings, but it isn’t just about getting people to come to us — the ANC should send representatives to other organizations’ meetings to share our work and get community input. This proactive approach, coupled with better use of Facebook, Twitter and occasional physical posters, will help engage more of the neighborhood.

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in ANC 2F meetings. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Stempel: First of all, declaring a moratorium on liquor licenses isn’t something the ANC is really authorized to do. In order to be listened to by ABRA (the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration), we need to take a reasoned approach to license applicants. I believe the ANC can maintain the high quality of life in our neighborhood by building strong relationships with new restaurants and encouraging them to see themselves as part of the community. We should make their success our success. We do, however, need to make sure we enforce the rules of the ARTS overlay that clearly state that no more than 50 percent of the building frontage along 14th Street can be used for eating or drinking establishments.

Click for a larger image. ANC 2F-02 is directly west of Logan Circle. (DC Board of Elections)

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Stempel: Voluntary agreements are an important part of ANC-2F’s role in the community. We should continue the practice of forming voluntary agreements, but we should try to make the process more proactive and transparent. In the interest of forming strong relationships with applicants, the ANC should try to complete the voluntary agreement process prior to the statutory “protest” date to save everyone time, money, and inconvenience. We should also try to standardize the agreements as much as makes sense so the process moves more quickly and applicants have an idea of what to expect. At the end of the day, however, VAs exist to maintain the community feel of the neighborhood, and they need to have that effect.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area is now a destination spot for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th Street corridor, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Stempel: I would love to have more police in lots of places in the city, including that one, but I also trust the MPD to go where they determine they are most needed. I do think that the police could work on being more visible along the 14th Street corridor (especially on weekends). We can do our part by reporting illegal activity and other tip-offs to the MPD as soon as we see it — it really helps.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Stempel: I don’t think there’s some magic ratio of commercial to residential buildings we should be shooting for. Personally, I think mixed-use buildings make sense in densely populated areas, with useful retail on the ground floor and residential above. But again, the key role of the ANC here is to make sure that everyone who comes here — be they a business or a resident — feels like they are part of the neighborhood community, and acts accordingly.

Borderstan: Do you support the new restricted Residential Park Permit pilot program implemented through ANC 2F in late summer/early fall 2012? Tell us why or why not.

Stempel: This is the program where, on many blocks, one side of the street is restricted to residential parking at almost all times. It’s still a little early to say definitively whether it’s an effective program or not, but most of the feedback I’ve heard from residents has been positive, so I’m optimistic. It’s important for residents to feel welcome in their own neighborhood. I think the ANC should encourage DDOT to closely monitor the program and regularly collect input from residents so they can make a fair evaluation.

Borderstan: Of the many possibilities being discussed to alleviate parking constraints in ANC 2F is the construction of parking garages along or near the 14th Street corridor. Do you support these efforts?

Stempel: I do. My understanding is that there is a tentative proposal to construct a parking garage in the space currently occupied by the bus parking lot on S Street between 13th and 14th Streets. I think that so long as the 14th and U Street area remains a destination for people outside the neighborhood, it would be beneficial to add a parking garage, in the same way there are many garages downtown. Clearly there are concerns about induced demand and disagreements about pricing that would have to be addressed, but the principle seems sound.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in our neighborhood that stands out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Stempel: I honestly think we’re pretty close to having it all in Logan Circle. We have local essentials, destination spots, household and fashion choices… I really can’t complain much, but if you have any ideas please let me know!

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John Fanning is one of two candidates running for the ANC 2F-04 seat in Logan Circle.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

There are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor. Recently we introduced you to the candidates, including John Fanning (see Know the Candidates in Contested ANC Races). He faces Joel Heisey for the ANC 2F-04 seat.

Now, it’s Question and Answer Time on the issues.

Borderstan: What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to ANC 2F and why?

Fanning: My first priority and new initiative will be the creation and expansion of the Business Improvement District (BID). I’ll work with JBG Co. and Councilmember Jack Evans to make sure that the expansion of the BID includes the entire 14th Street business corridor from U Street, south to Thomas Circle. The creation of the BID will allow us to improve and increase vital public and private city services, so we can have street-scape improvements, beautification and environmental education projects, increase rodent abatements and more frequent street cleaning and trash collections for our business district and the surrounding blocks.

Borderstan: How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?

Fanning: I will engage my constituents by hosting a quarterly “Meet Your Commissioner Meeting,” and if finances allow, I’ll include a mailing of a quarterly “ANC 2F-04 Newsletter -Neighborhood Business Matters.”

Borderstan: Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in ANC 2F meetings. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?

Fanning: I think we all should remain mindful of what our neighborhood once was like and what it has become today. If it wasn’t for the financial investment from our neighborhood small business owners, we wouldn’t be where we are today with the wonderful progress that has been made in our neighborhood. A liquor moratorium would just complicate and hamper the continued progress which we have made in our vibrant business district. So at this time, no, I would not support a liquor moratorium.

Click for a larger image. ANC 2F district 04 is on the east side of Logan Circle. (DC Board of Elections)

Borderstan: Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?

Fanning: Yes, there needs to be several changes with the voluntary agreement process. There’s been problem’s in the past with the protest process with individuals living outside the boundaries of the establishment being protested. This has caused a burden on many business owners. The ANC should be the primary stakeholders in the voluntary agreement process and take the lead and support the 400 foot radius being proposed in the ABC reform bill. We can always amend and revise a voluntary agreement to address and include the concerns of the different community organizations regarding problem establishments.

Borderstan: Logan Circle and the 14th and U corridor area is now a destination spot for people throughout the DC Metro area, especially on weekends. Do you believe that the police presence, particularly on the 14th Street corridor, is adequate, especially on weekends?

Fanning: I don’t believe the police presence is adequate and we are really in need of a complete new comprehensive policing strategy due to the significant population growth and new business development in our neighborhood. Metropolitan Police should increase and improve more police visibility by deploying more police bicycle and foot patrols which would assist with better crime prevention for a safer neighborhood.

Borderstan: The pace of development is rapid in the area, especially along 14th Street NW. Do you think more commercial buildings would be good for the area, as opposed to more residential buildings?

Fanning: Most of the development has been residential on 14th Street, so I believe there’s room for some commercial building development. I do support the mixed use development for the 14th Street corridor.

Borderstan: Do you support the new restricted Residential Park Permit pilot program implemented through ANC 2F in late summer/early fall 2012? Tell us why or why not.

Fanning: Yes, I’m very much in support of this parking program. As we all are aware, parking has been very limited. The new parking program has freed up parking spaces for the resident’s that reside in the neighborhood. Previously you couldn’t find a parking space without driving around the neighborhood for hours due to all the non-residents taking up all the parking spaces.

Borderstan: Of the many possibilities being discussed to alleviate parking constraints in ANC 2F is the construction of parking garages along or near the 14th Street corridor. Do you support these efforts?

Fanning: Absolutely, I do. And I also support the possible construction of a Municipal Parking Garage.

Borderstan: Are there types of business in our neighborhood that stand out as something we need more of in the area? If so, can you name three?

Fanning: Yes, there are several, Buffalo Exchange, Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot and gallery plan b.

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Some of the candidates in the 2012 race for ANCs. (Collage Luis Gomez Photos)

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com. 

Yes, the nation’s attention is on Mitt Romney and Barack Obama in this November’s election, but they are not the only ones working hard on the campaign trail. And no, I am not referring to Bill O’Riley and Jon Stewart’s efforts to unite/divide the country — I am referring to the efforts made by our local community candidates running in this November’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) elections.

In the Borderstan area, there are 21 Single Member District (SMD) seats up for grabs on the November 6 ballot in three different local ANCs: 2B/Dupont, 2F/Logan and 1B, which includes most of the U Street corridor.

Earlier this fall, we ran candidate profiles, concentrating on the six contested seats in the area. In the weeks before election day, we are running Q&A interviews with candidates on specific issues related to their ANCs. Here are the Q&As on the issues: Dan Wittels ANC 1B-12, Walt Cain ANC 2F-02, Kishan Putta, ANC 2B-04, Joel Heisey, 2F-04, Martin Espinoza, 2B-04, Matt Connolly, 2F-08,  Zahra Jilani, 1B-12,  Stephanie Maltz, 2B-03, John Green, 1B-12‘ Stephanie Sheridan, 2B-04; Bevan Mace, 2B-03; Erling Bailey, 1B-12; Adam Stempel, 2F-02; Howard Marks, 2F-08, John Fanning, ANC 2F-04.

Here are the first round of profiles on local ANC Candidates:

ANC 2B/Dupont

Contested races are now confirmed for SMDs 2B-03 and 2B-04 in ANC 2B, while in the other seven SMDs, there is only one candidate.

• Mike Feldstein, 2B-01 – Incumbent, no  opponents
• Kevin O’Connor, 2B-02 - Incumbent, no  opponents
• Bevan Mace, 2B-03
• Stephanie Maltz, 2B-03
• Martin Espinoza, 2B-04
• Stephanie Sheridan, 2B-04
• Kishan Putta, 2B-04
• Victor Wexler, 2B-05 - Incumbent, no  opponent
• Mike Silverstein, 2B-06 - Incumbent, no opponent
• Leo Dwyer, 2B-07 – Sole candidate
• Will Stephens, 2B-08 - Incumbent, no opponent
• Noah Smith, 2B-09 – sole candidate

ANC 2F/Logan Circle

The Logan Circle neighborhood had significant growth in recent years and ANC 2F has two new SMDs for a total of eight seats. The ANC will have three contested races, in SMDs 02, 04 and 08.

• Peter Lallas, 2F-01 - sole candidate
• Adam Stempel, 2F-02
• Walt Cain, 2F-02
• James Baker, 2F-02 – No profile was submitted by the candidate
• Chris Linn, 2F-03 - sole candidate
• John Fanning, 2F-04
• Joel Heisey, 2F-04
• James Lamare, 2F-05 - sole candidate
• Greg Melcher, 2F-06 - sole candidate
• Matt Raymond, 2F-07 - Incumbent, no  opponent
• Matthew Connolly, 2F-08
• Howard Marks, 2F-08

ANC 1B

There is only one contested race in ANC 1B that falls within the boundaries of the Borderstan coverage area. ANC 1B now has 12 SMDs with four of them in the U Street corridor. SMD 02 added a huge number of people between 2000 and 2010 and was essentially split in two to form the new SMD 12.

• Marc Morgan, 1B-01 – sole candidate
• Jeremy Leffler, 1B-02 - sole candidate
• Deborah Thomas, 1B-04 - Incumbent, no opponent
• John Carlos Green, 1B-12
• Zahra Jilani, 1B-12
• Dan Wittels, 1B-12
• Erling Bailey, 1B-12

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