March 29 Local Forum for Council Candidates
From left: Vincent Orange, Stanley Mayes, Joshua Lopez, Patrick Mara, Jacque Patterson, Sekou Biddle, Bryan Weaver and Alan Page. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Jana Petersen. She will be writing about a variety of news topics for Borderstan.
Mark your calendars, Borderstan readers, and fulfill a civic duty. On Tuesday, March 29 at 6 pm, Borderstan’s very own Tom Hay will be moderating the Dupont-Logan-Foggy Bottom City Council Candidate Forum. Tom writes about business and local government for Borderstan.
We will have the opportunity to hear from the contenders vying for Kwame Brown’s At-Large City Council position. Location is Church of the Holy City at 16th and Corcoran Streets NW. Confirmed participants include seven of the nine candidates on the April 26 ballot.
Two of the candidates are Ward 1 residents — Bryan Weaver and Patrick Mara — and they will be in attendance alongside Sekou Biddle (the interim appointee to the seat), Dorothy Douglas, Joshua Lopez, Vincent Orange and Alan Page.
Sponsoring organizations for the forum are Borderstan.com, Dupont Circle ANC 2B, Dupont Circle Citizens Association, Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals, Foggy Bottom Association, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, Logan Circle Community Association and Urban Neighborhood Alliance.
Amidst DC’s $230 million budget shortfall for 2012 and the central role that the Council serves as DC’s legislative body, the election of DC’s At-Large Council Member becomes even more critical. As community members — invested in job opportunities, safe streets, and vibrant communities — this event provides the medium to not only better understand each candidate’s priorities and plans, but to also voice the concerns of the area.
Following the event at the Church of the Holy City is a reception at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse at 17th and Corcoran Streets NW. There will be a cash bar and complimentary appetizers at Annie’s.
Read Michelle Lancaster’s interview with Mara: Patrick Mara: The Republican Who Did (Can He Win Again?)
Submit Questions, More Information
Questions you want to addressed at the forum? Please submit via email to Tom Hay at [email protected]. Questions about the forum? Please contact Jack Jacobson, ANC 2B04 commissioner, at [email protected].
About the DC Council and Special Election
The DC Council has 13 members: eight members from wards, four at-large members and the Council Chairman. In the Borderstan area, Ward 2 is represented by Jack Evans while the Ward 1 seat is held by Jim Graham; both are Democrats.
The April 26 special election will be conducted differently from regular contests in D.C. In a regular election season there is a September primary followed by a November general election. On April 26 all candidates from all political parties will be on the ballot. A majority is not required – the candidate who gets the most votes will fill the At-Large seat.
