Know a Candidate: Tucker Gallagher, ANC 1B02
Tucker Gallagher is one of three candidates for the ANC 1B02 seat in the U St. area. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Michelle Lancaster
Borderstan is covering four contested Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) races in the three local ANCs: ANC 1B02, 1B04, 2B09 and 2F06. The general election is Nov. 2.
Each of these single member districts has an incumbent and a challenger candidate, except for ANC 1B02 where incumbent Peter Raia has two challengers: Tucker Gallagher and Aaron Spencer. Our first interview is with Gallagher, with the Raia interview running Saturday, Oct. 23, and the Spencer interview on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
ANC 1B02 is in the heart of the U St. neighborhood and this district runs along U St. from 14th St. east to 9th St., and from S St. on the south to as far north as Florida Ave. in some places. You can learn more about the District at the DC Ctizen Atlas. ANC 1B has 11 commissioners and covers a large geographic area.
ANC commissioners are elected from Single Member Districts (SMDs) in the city’s 37 ANCs. While the number of commissioners in each ANC varies, each SMD has approximately 2,000 residents. (See links to related posts at bottom.)
Borderstan: Please provide your name, age and a brief biography, including number of years residing in DC and ANC district.
Gallagher: I first moved to DC resident in 1986 and have been in love with the city ever since. After living around the Dupont area, I became a homeowner in the V Street area in 2006. I have been proud to participate in the development of the U Street corridor and am known as a strong defender of neighborhood property rights. I am an avid fan of the local businesses and the unique character that is woven together to give the U street area its identity. I am dedicated to retaining what makes our neighborhood a special place in the District of Columbia. I have volunteered extensively with neighborhood groups such as Burgundy Crescent, The Center, Adams Morgan Day, and the Human Rights Campaign. I earned my B.A. in History at Georgetown University and an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Business. After successful stints in real estate and banking, I am a marketing manager in the national office of AARP. When not out in the community, you can find me at home on V Street with my dog, Duncan.
Single Member District 02 in ANC 1B is in the heart of the U Street area. (DC Citizen Atlas)
Borderstan: How – and how often – would you reach out to constituents, both residential and business?
Gallagher: Officially, in addition to the monthly ANC meetings, I’d like to attend or touch base with each of the ANC subcommittees once a quarter. Unofficially, I have published my number and email and would be willing to meet with any constituent, evenings or weekends, at their convenience. I am a frequenter of many businesses in the district and can be seen biking or walking my dog though the neighborhood daily. I hope to develop an email list of constituents who wish to be updated on issues affecting the neighborhood that I can pass along to them.
Borderstan: What do you see as the most important three functions of an ANC commissioner, in order of priority?
Gallagher: (1) Staying in touch with the community for opinions and concerns about U St. growth. (2) Help LOCAL businesspeople succeed and let them grow responsibly with the community. (3) Promote continued growth and influence city development with local concerns.
Borderstan: What is your vision for the 14th & U St. corridor?
Gallagher: I envision a neighborhood busy 18 hours a day. In early morning, runners and commuters dodge each other down the sidewalks. At midday a local business crowd would dine in our restaurants. In the afternoon, schools/families would utilize our parks and recreation areas. The evening begins with an early meal, a touring theater production, a late jazz session then a nightcap under the stars.
Borderstan: Who are the three owners of three local businesses in your district (or the entire ANC) that you turn to for advice on business-related issues?
Gallagher: Andy Duffy, Duffys; Pedro Talavera, American & Foreign Car Service; Doug Shantz, Nellie’s; and Aster Tekle, Industrial Bank Branch Manager 11th & U St.
Borderstan: What is the most important thing voters should know about you prior to the election?
Gallagher: I want the best for U St. and will not let my ego get in the way of what is good for the neighborhood. I want us to grow and prosper in the future in a way that best complements our existing community.
