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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1B-12
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2F-02
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2F-04
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2F-08
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2B-03
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ANC 2B-04
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There were six contested ANC races in the neighborhood on Tuesday. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Tom Hay. Questions for Tom? Send him an email at Tom[AT]borderstan.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Tomonswann.
For complete vote counts from Tuesday’s six contested ANC races, see Contested ANC Races: Some Clear Winners, Some Narrow Leads.
Now that the media buzz surrounding the national election has started to subside we can take a closer look at the six contested races in the Borderstan area for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner seats (ANC) to represent Single Member Districts (SMD).
ANC 1B (U Street)
SMD 1B-12 is a new, additional district for ANC 1B and includes blocks from 12th Street NW to 14th Street and from S to V Streets, plus a panhandle composed of the blocks on the north side of U and south of V Street from 14th to New Hampshire Avenue. (It was formed from 2B-02, where the population doubled between 2000 and 2010.) Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling has held the seat since a special election in October 2011, but declined to run for a full term in 2012.
The SMD includes two large residential developments which have been the subject of heated debate at community meetings. Specifically, an apartment building now under construction at 14th and Wallach Place, NW and a proposed apartment at 13th and U NW on the site of the Rite Aid drugstore.
In a city where ANC races often only have one candidate, it is testament to the issues facing the blocks around 14th and U, that four candidates were on the ballot. Zahra Jilani apparnently won the race with 36% of the vote and an 18 vote lead over the next closest candidate, John Green (provisional and absentee ballots have not yet been counted).
Site excavation is well underway at 14th and Wallach and the 13th and U project is moving closer to reality, yet the debate on development and the inevitable alcohol licensing battles are far from over. Safe to say, Jilani’s vote on issues before the ANC will be closely watched.
ANC 2B (Dupont Circle)
In ANC 2B there will be several new faces since long-time residents and Commissioners Bob Meehan (2B-03), Phil Carney (2B-07) and Victor Wexler (2B-05) decided not to run for re-election. However, Wexler withdrew after the ballots were printed and he technically won the race over a write-in candidate — the next steps to fill the seat in January are unclear at this point.
Two important events affecting the neighborhoods east of Connecticut Avenue in Dupont are the planned renovations to Stead Park on P Street, and the East Dupont Liquor License Moratorium, which comes up for renewal in 2013.
In the contested Dupont Circle races, Stephanie Maltz won the race in 2B-03 by a wide margin, with 77% of the vote. This SMD includes blocks along the east side of Connecticut Avenue from Dupont Circle to R Street then jogs over to include the S Street Dog Park to the north and the northwest corner of 17th and Q on the south.
The three-way race for Jacobson’s seat in 2B-04 was won by Kishan Putta who garnered 62% of the votes. Putta’s SMD is bounded by 15th and 17th Streets on the east and west, S Street to the north and Q Street on the south. Current Commissioner Jack Jacobson (2B-04) did not run again and was elected as Ward 2 Representative to the DC State Board of Education.
ANC 2F (Logan Circle)
ANC 2F grew from six to eight seats after the 2010 U.S. Census. The SMDs comprising Logan Circle’s ANC 2F are a diverse mix and include the condo lined 1400 block of Church Street, the historic townhouses surrounding Logan Circle and even a few blocks of office buildings south of Massachusetts Avenue. The agenda for 2F meetings are always heavy with issues relating to development, public safety, alcohol licensing and parking.
SMD 2F02, which runs from 15th Street to 13th Street NW and from Rhode Island Avenue on the south to Q Street on the north, had a three-way race for Commissioner. Walt Cain won the race with a comfortable margin over Adam Stempel and James Baker.
The race was a little tighter in SMD 2F-04 on the east side of Logan Circle. John Fanning, who had served on the ANC in the early 1990s, apparently defeated another long-time resident, Joel Heisey by 14 votes (absentee and provisional ballots still to be counted). In SMD 2F-08, incumbent Matt Connolly holds a comfortable lead over challenger Howard Marks.
Winners of the races will take office in January 2013 when the new redistricting changes — necessitated by the 2010 Decennial Census results — take effect. Dupont Circle’s ANC 2B had no major changes in boundaries, ANC 1B will now have an additional SMD and ANC 2F will have two additional SMDs.
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Where do the ANC candidates stand on local issues? (Collage Luis Gomez Photos)
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.
Six of these 21 seats are being contested by at least two candidates. The contested races are as follows — in the Dupont area: ANC 2B-03 and ANC 2B-04; in the Logan Circle area: ANC 2F-02, ANC 2F-04, ANC 2F-08; and in the U Street area ANC 1B-12.
Earlier this fall, we ran candidate profiles and then posted Q&A interviews with candidates on specific issues related to their ANCs, with the last Q&A running Saturday. (On election night, you can get the results of ANC races on the DC Board of Elections and Ethics website.)
Here is your chance to compare the candidates’ stands on various issues. Candidates in all races were asked the same six questions. However, candidates in the 2B and 1B races were also asked special questions related to their areas. For example, 2B candidates were asked about the East Dupont Liquor License Morarirum (17th Street), ANC 2F candidates were asked about parking issues, and both ANC 2F and 1B were asked questions about development and a possible liquor license moratorium; the full is list is below the chart.
Compare the ANC Candidates’ Stand on the Issues |
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ANC 2B-03 / Dupont
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ANC 2B-04 / Dupont
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ANC 1B-12 / U Street
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ANC 2F-02 / Logan Circle
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ANC 2F-04 / Logan Circle
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ANC 2F-08 / Logan Circle
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Questions on the Issues
Candidates in all six races were asked these questions or a variation of them.
- What will be your first priority/new initiative if you are elected to the ANC?
- How will you engage your constituents on issues so that your decisions reflect that of the majority of your Single Member District?
- Do you believe the voluntary agreement process for liquor license applicants needs to be changed? If so, how?
- Do you believe that the police presence is adequate in your area?
- 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?
Special Questions for ANC 2B Candidates
- What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them?
- The East Dupont Liquor License Moratorium, which affects 17th Street NW, comes up for renewal in 2013, and ANC 2B will have an opportunity to weigh in by offering an advisory opinion to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board on its renewal. Do you support renewing the moratorium? If so, why? If not, why?
- How will you work to help bring process and transparency to decisions that impact the DuPont neighborhood, such as the renovations for Stead Park, so that the diversity of the community as a whole is reflected?
Special Questions for ANC 2F Candidates
- 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.
- 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?
- Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?
- 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?
Special Questions for ANC 1B Candidates
- What value do you think neighborhood associations provide, and how do you plan to interact with them?
- Becoming “the next Adams Morgan” is a consistent fear expressed in the neighborhood. Would you support a liquor license moratorium for the 14th and U corridor? If so, why? If not, why?
- 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?
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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.
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 [email protected] 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 14th 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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It’s election season in DC. (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.
The November 6 election is two weeks away, and while the nation’s eyes are on the presidential election, the nation’s capital is gearing up for several local elections.
If you’re a DC resident, here’s what will appear on your ballot this year:
- Electors of President and Vice President of the United States
- Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
- At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia (two to be elected)
- Ward 2, 4, 7 and 8 Members of the Council of the District of Columbia
- At-Large Member of the State Board of Education
- Ward 2, 4, 7 and 8 Members of the State Board of Education
- United States Senator (“Shaddow” Senator)
- United States Representative (“Shaddow Reprsentative)
- Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (296 to be elected citywide)
- Three proposed charter amendments
Early Voting
For those who may be out of town on election day, early voting began at One Judiciary Square (441 4th Street NW) on Monday, October 22 and will continue to Saturday, October 27. Hours of early voting are from 8:30 am until 7 pm. Beginning on Saturday, October 27, voters will be able to cast ballots at their choice of eight satellite locations (one in each Ward):
- Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard Street NW
- Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW
- Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Avenue NW
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE
- King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N Street SW
- Dorothy Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Road NE
- Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Avenue SE
For more information on voting, visit the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.
Local ANC 1B-12 Candidate Meet and Greets
Here at Borderstan.com, we’ve introduced you to the local ANC candidates. Several of these candidates have participated in candidate forums, but a few candidates are hosting individual Meet and Greet sessions.
- ANC 1B-12 candidate, John Green, will host a meet and greet session on Friday, October 26 at Ulah Bistro (1214 U Street NW) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. At-Large Candidate for D.C. Council, David Grosso,will also attend. For more information, visit John Green’s website.
- ANC 1B-12 candidate, Zahra Jilani, will host a meet and greet on Sunday, October 28 from 2 to 3:30 pm at 1346 Wallach Place NW. For more information, view her online flier.
- ANC 1B-12 candidate, Erling Bailey, will host a meet and greet on Sunday, October 28 from 1 until 2:30 pm at 1335 T Street NW. For more information, visit Bailey’s website.
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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.
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, U Street and 9th Street corridors, is adequate, especially on weekends?
Bailey: No! Recent area shootings, petty crimes, robberies, and assaults are indicators supporting the fact. The police presence is inadequate and increased funding is needed to enhance neighborhood safety. I believe the most likely means of acquiring the needed resources is through establishing a neighborhood BID that would generate additional funding.
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?
Bailey: The commercial office building component is a segment of our community under represented as indicated by the issue of restaurants, service based and product based businesses having issues with acquiring enough weekday, daytime customers to cover their operational cost. Another indicator is the morning flight of residents from the community. I would like to see a commercial building or manufacturer bring day time vitality to our community. Our developers have adopted the practice of proposing mixed use buildings which include retail, market‐based and low‐income housing. I think the time is appropriate to challenge developers to incorporate a commercial-office component into their mixed use formula.
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?
Bailey: I believe the strength of a community is defined by its total offering, businesses being only one component. I’d like to consider all neighborhood offering in my response.
- Full Services Grocery Store – Negotiations to fulfill this need are in process with Trader Joe’s.
- Self Sustaining Manufacturing Business – An industry increasing community daytime population, employment, activity, revenue, and growth.
- Community Gardens – we currently have no Green Space component in our immediate or surrounding SMD’s. Utilizing the block of vacant land surrounded by U, T, 12th and 13th Streets to grow produce, which is attended by the youth and homeless, and is sold at our Saturday morning 14th and U Street Farm’s Market would be beneficial to all.
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ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. 1B-12 is in the southwest corner. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)
From Tom Hay. Questions for Tom? Send him an email at Tom[AT]borderstan.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tomonswann.
Candidates in the four-way race for Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B’s Single Member District (SMD) 1B-12 gathered for a forum last week to introduce themselves and give attendees a chance to ask questions. The forum was sponsored by the Shaw Dupont Citizens Alliance (SDCA) and the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association. (See New Citizens’ Organization Seeks Different Path for 14th and U about SDCA).
The four candidates are Erling Bailey, John Green, Zahra Jilani and Dan Wittels. Organizers also invited Noah Smith, the candidate from neighboring SMD 2B-09 (Dupont) which falls into the boundaries of the SDCA, and is running unopposed for the seat being vacated by 10-year incumbent Ramon Estrada.
New SMD
SMD 1B-12 is a new, additional district for ANC 1B and includes blocks from 12th Street NW to 14th Street and from S to V Streets, plus a panhandle composed of the blocks on the north side of U and south of V Street from 14th to New Hampshire Avenue. Due to a large growth in population in the U Street corridor, ANC 1B-02 was essentially split into two parts to create the new SMD 12. Incumbent Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling is not seeking a full term in ANC 1B-02.
The SMD is home to some high-profile restaurants and landmarks including Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Black Cat, Busboys & Poets, Cafe Saint-Ex and the Lincoln Theater. The area also includes two large residential development; a apartment building currently under construction at 14th and Wallach Place, NW and a proposed apartment at 13th and U on the site of the Rite Aid drugstore.
Forum Topics
Doug Johnson, an SDCA Board Member, moderated the evening and had three pre-arranged questions for the candidates. At the start of the forum Johnson pointed out that candidate Dan Wittels is also a Board Member of the SDCA, but was removed from planning for the forum. Johnson also allowed attendees to ask questions of the candidates.
Questions during the evening covered topics such as experience with DC agencies, communication strategies and views on business development. Responses to questions on business development brought up the topic of the liquor licences and diversity of commerce in the area and highlighted the differing viewpoints of the candidates. The SMD includes the much discussed 14th and Wallach residential building and the JBG hotel-turned-apartment project on the Rite-Aid site at 13th and U Streets, NW.
Borderstan will be sending the candidates additional questions which will be published in the weeks leading up to the election.
The general election is Tuesday, November 6. Check with the DC Board of Election and Ethics for information on registering to vote and voting locations.
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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.
Click for a larger map: 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for the 2012 election.)
With just eight weeks until the November 6 ANC election, the Shaw Dupont Citizens Alliance (SDCA) will host a Candidate Forum on Thursday, September 20, for the four candidates running for ANC1B’s newest single member district, 1B-12.
The Forum will start at 7 pm at the Thurgood Marshall Center (1816 12th Street NW). Candidates Erling Bailey, John Green, Zahra Jilani (see Borderstan’s candidate profiles) and Dan Wittels will attend and introduce themselves and their ideas to the community. In addition, attendees will be able to ask the candidates questions and provide input to the candidates.
Noah Smith (the ANC 2B-09 candidate whose district falls within the SDCA boundaries) will also address the public to introduce himself, his agenda and take any questions from attendees.
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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 the ANC 1B-12 this fall. (Photo courtesy of John Green)
The deadline for filing to run for a seat on DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission is past, and election time is right around the corner.
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.
So now it is time to meet your candidates. Here at Borderstan.com, we will introduce you to your neighbors, campaigning to represent you on the local ANCs. Closer to the election, we will provide follow-up interviews with the candidates on specific issues related to their areas.
John Green is running for ANC commissioner in 1B-12, a new seat that was carved out of SMD 1B-02, due to rapid population growth in the area in the last decade. A total of four candidates are running for this seat, including Erling Bailey, Zahra Jilani and Dan Wittels and Green.
This seat is currently held by Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling who won a special election late in 2011 after Aaron Spencer resigned. Lewin-Zwerdling is not seeking a full term. The SMD includes the much discussed 14th and Wallach residential building and the JBG hotel-turned-apartment project on the Rite-Aid site at 13th and U Streets, NW.
Borderstan: Why did you decide to run in your neighborhood’s ANC race this year? Also, have you run before and/or been an ANC commissioner before?
Green: My motivation is simple: I am passionate about our community and I believe I can be an effective public servant who can help improve and make the 1B-12 neighborhood even greater than it is today. I offer solid leadership, new ideas and relentless advocacy for everyone who has a stake in our neighborhood. I’ve held numerous leadership roles throughout my life. This is my first time running for ANC commissioner and I bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to this race. I was the first candidate to file my intent, and enlisted at least one resident from every street in my single-member district to sign a petition nominating me. I am grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received and humbled by how strongly my neighbors care about the issues our community faces.
Borderstan: How many years have you lived in your [ANC] neighborhood? How long have you been in DC?
Green: The U Street NW Corridor has been my home for almost three years. Before that, I lived in the nearby Shaw neighborhood for more than five years. The DC metro area has nurtured me since I was a toddler. It defines me today. Hail to the Redskins!
Borderstan: How are you currently involved in your community?
Green: One way I’ve been involved in my community is through volunteering and raising money for a local non-profit that assists children living with HIV/AIDS. I find this kind of hands-on helping extremely rewarding and beneficial. As your next ANC commissioner, I would work to promote volunteering opportunities and make sure everyone has a chance to participate in activities that improve peoples’ lives and strengthen our community.
Borderstan: If elected to the ANC, what will be your main areas of focus/concern – and why?
Green: An effective ANC commissioner must hear the concerns of the residents in our district – not political elites and developers, or the loudest voice in the room. U Street is going through a period of unprecedented economic growth. My candidacy supports a growth strategy that balances the needs of our growing city and the aspirations of businesses, while respecting the integrity of our community and the desires of the people who live and work in our neighborhood. It will be my goal to make U Street the best place in the city to live, raise a family, work and be entertained.
Click for a larger map: ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for 2012 election)
Borderstan: What do you hope to contribute to your community while on the ANC?
Green: I will work to reduce violent crime and property damage, ensuring that U Street is a safe and enjoyable environment for for all. I also support initiatives to improve the appearance of our streets and will aggressively hold the city’s sanitation and maintenance authorities accountable. Furthermore, I will look for ways to bring more public art and green space to our neighborhood for us to enjoy. Together we can do better.
Borderstan: What do you think gives you an edge over other candidate(s) running in your district?
Green: I am uniquely qualified to represent the needs of the diverse constituency that calls U Street home. I hold a master’s degree in public policy, with a focus on regional economic development, which helps me understand and navigate the zoning, commercial and legislative issues facing our residents and businesses.
I have also worked as an Equal Opportunity Employment specialist for five years and am sensitive to the plight of our community members who struggle to find an equal voice and fair representation in government. Most importantly, from being an active, attentive and outgoing member of the neighborhood, I understand the specific challenges and concerns of the community. Together, we made this a thriving place to live and work, and we need to make sure that community participation always shapes the decisions affecting us.
Borderstan: What is your day job and is there a connection to how your day job would assist you in being a commissioner?
Green: I work for American Bridge 21st Century as a political content manager. The knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my professional and academic careers, along with my passion for community involvement in the democratic system, make me a strong candidate to serve as our next ANC commissioner. I will do so with know-how, dignity and an open ear.
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Erling Bailey is one of four candidates running for the ANC 1B-12 seat. (Courtesy of Erling Bailey)
The deadline for filing to run for a seat on DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is past, and election time is right around the corner.
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.
So now it is time to meet your candidates. Here at Borderstan.com, we will introduce you to your neighbors who are campaigning to represent you on the local ANCs. Closer to the election, we will provide follow-up interviews with the candidates on specific issues related to their areas.
Erling Bailey is running for ANC commissioner in 1B-12, a new seat that was carved out of SMD 1B-02, due to rapid population growth in the area in the last decade. A total of four candidates are running for this seat, including John Carlos Green, Zahra Jilani, Dan Wittels and Bailey.
This seat is currently held by Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling who won a special election late in 2011 after Aaron Spencer resigned. Lewin-Zwerdling is not seeking a full term. The SMD includes the much discussed 14th Street and Wallach Place NW residential building and the JBG hotel-turned-apartment project on the Rite-Aid site at 13th and U Streets.
Borderstan: Why did you decide to run in your neighborhood’s ANC race this year? Also, have you run before and/or been an ANC commissioner before?
Bailey: I am participating in Election 2012 because I feel that with my knowledge and abilities, I can make a positive difference in my neighborhood’s growth and development. I possess the vision, capabilities, life experiences and time required to drive growth in compliance with the neighborhood’s desired path for the future. As a longtime resident, I have a considerable interest in the impact of government policies, public programs and urban development as they relate to economic growth and residents’ quality of life.
Our neighborhood is fortunate to be in the midst of powerful growth and development, as evidenced by increasing property values, vigorous development activity and an influx of new businesses. While this situation is good for businesses and developers, I stand with my neighbors in being concerned that these changes may have a long term negative impact on the community that compromises the quality of life our current residents appreciate. I aspire to ensure that current and future change initiatives are aligned with the desires of, and seen as beneficial to, our community. Realizing this aspiration of community growth aligned with neighborhood desire will require transforming residents into a unified entity that will collaboratively steer and manage neighborhood growth. I have never run for nor held an ANC position or any public office.
Borderstan: How many years have you lived in your [ANC] neighborhood? How long have you been in DC?
Bailey: This month I celebrate my 20th year of owning and living in my T Street neighborhood home. I moved to DC from Norfolk, VA in 1989, which makes me a DC resident for 23 years.
Borderstan: How are you currently involved in your community?
Bailey: I believe that a safe and clean community is fundamental to having residents feel comfortable in their homes and demonstrate a sense of pride in their property. Therefore, throughout 20 years of residing in the 1B-12 neighborhood, I have consistently focused on enhancing the neighborhood’s safety and cleanliness. During multiple daily dog walks, I take note of Department of Public Works related safety issues in order to notify the agency of problems to address. My daily walks and long time residency have resulted in a keen sense of awareness; I know what is normal and quickly notice irregularities. I report and track concerns such as malfunctioning street lights, pot holes, buckling sidewalks, bulk trash and fallen trees. My lengthy DC residency has resulted in a wealth of knowledge concerning DC bureaucracy and related processes, procedures and points of contacts.
Click for a larger map: ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor. (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for 2012 election)
Borderstan: If elected to the ANC, what will be your main areas of focus/concern – and why?
Bailey: As commissioner, my main focus will be to facilitate growth. I will work with all sectors of the community to maintain a high quality of life and facilitate sustainable growth for a vibrant, greener, and safe neighborhood. Facilitating growth is my primary area of focus because the rapid pace of neighborhood growth is drastically impacting our resident’s quality of life. We need to increase our involvement to ensure our interests are heard, addressed and incorporated into community change.
Borderstan: What do you hope to contribute to your community while on the ANC?
Bailey: I have a vision of a 1B-12 neighborhood with well informed residences, a profitable diverse business base and a nurturing assortment of community services and facilities. I envision a “Transformational 1B-12 Resident Group,” organized and acting as a single entity, governing growth on behalf of the best interests of 1B-12 residents. This unified entity will spearhead the direction of our neighborhood growth and change.
I also hope to foster a diverse group of businesses that provide services needed within the community. These businesses will operate utilizing a Business Improvement District-type infrastructure to augment specific community requirements not provided within the city budget. And finally, sustainability.
Borderstan: What do you think gives you an edge over other candidate(s) running in your district?
Bailey: I am a long-term resident in the 1B-12 neighborhood. I know the people within the community and understand the residents’ issues and concerns. Also, as a manager within a top-tier government contracting company, I’ve lead various Department of Defense projects, have implemented corporate best practices and have been assigned various leadership roles throughout the life cycle of numerous projects (23 years). I earned a Master’s in Business Administration from George Mason University; a Masters in Science Information Systems from American University and a Certificate of Completion from Darden Executive Education Leadership. I’ve also had exposure to urban revitalization. Through my family’s business in Southern Virginia, I’ve had experience as a developer and contractor, I’ve managed several restoration projects in my personal portfolio of properties and, as a DC resident since 1989, I’ve lived in the midst of constant changes in DC’s Adams Morgan, Petworth and U Street Cardozo neighborhoods.
Borderstan: What is your day job and is there a connection to how your day job would assist you in being a commissioner?
Bailey: I am an independent management consultant and personal investment manager. In my current role, I consistently use the knowledge gained during my previous senior management position, applying 28-plus years of work experience to my current business. New flexibly in my professional schedule as a result of becoming an independent consultant will greatly contribute to my ability to fulfill what I envision will be a time consuming role with the ANC. I expect that the skills I learned, developed and fine-tuned through my quality higher education and leadership of challenging projects as a senior manager with a government contracting company will be instrumental to my success as an ANC Commissioner. I will utilize my expertise in strategic planning, customer liaison and relationship building, business development, solicitation development, proposal writing, teaming agreements, team development, contract negotiations and project management in making a valuable contribution to the ANC.
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
The deadline for filing to run for a seat on DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission is past, and election time is right around the corner. 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.
So now, it is time to meet your candidates. Here at Borderstan.com, we will introduce you to your neighbors who are campaigning to represent you on the local ANCs. Closer to the election, we will have follow-up interviews with the candidates on specific issues related to their areas.
Zahra Jilani is running for ANC 1B-12. It is a new, additional district for ANC 1B. Due to a large growth in population in the U Street corridor, ANC 1B-02 was essentially split into two parts to create the new SMD 12. On November 6, Jilani will face three opponents: Erling Bailey, John Carlos Green and Dan Wittels.
Zahra Jilani running for the ANC 1B-12 seat.
Borderstan: Why did you decide to run in your neighborhood’s ANC race this year? Also, have you run before and/or been an ANC commissioner before?
Jilani: I believe I can provide a strong voice to the residents of 1B-12, something incredibly important in a district with so much growth and change. I can offer leadership, and will approach these challenges with transparency. I will emphasize open communication between residents, businesses and developers from day one, to ensure growth that benefits our community.
Borderstan: How many years have you lived in your [ANC] neighborhood? How long have you been in DC?
Jilani: I fell in love with DC after attending George Washington University. For four years I explored and observed different parts of the city, but was drawn to U Street because of its vibrancy and historic past. While working in community development abroad, I stayed closely connected to issues in the District and watched the way our area continued to thrive. I finally returned to settle in my current home in 1B-12, knowing I wanted to serve our community during this important time.
Borderstan: How are you currently involved in your community?
Jilani: I have been volunteering my time as an intern to ANC1B since February. Last month I created the inaugural publication of the ANC 1B newsletter, to foster better communication within ANC1B. I am currently working on our September edition – if you have any events or announcements that need posting, please email me at [email protected]. Communication is the key to a cohesive community, and I hope to continue open and transparent communication if elected.
Borderstan: If elected to the ANC, what will be your main areas of focus/concern?
Jilani: My first area of focus is smart development. There is so much happening in 1B-12 in 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 vivacity and culture.
I also plan to work closely with MPD to ensure they are aware of the day-to-day issues on U Street and that we all are in agreement on the most strategic use of police resources in our community.
Click for a larger image: ANC 1B includes most of the U Street corridor (ANC 1B website, with boundaries in effect for 2012 election)
Borderstan: What do you hope to contribute to your community while on the ANC?
Jilani: I will be a visible, responsive, engaged representative. Constituents will know that they can count on me when they are having an issue with city services, new construction, or other issues that inevitably arise when residents and businesses coexist. On the ANC I will strive to cast my vote in a way that not only takes into account the issues we have in 1B-12, but also a larger vision for U Street.
Borderstan: What do you think gives you an edge over other candidate(s) running in your district?
Jilani: Through my volunteer efforts with the ANC, I have become very familiar with the local political process. I have attended every ANC meeting since I moved to the district; I am familiar with the developments occurring in our area and can recognize productive discourse. I know that my experience and enthusiasm will allow me to make a positive difference in our neighborhood during this vital time.
Borderstan: What is your day job and is there a connection to how your day job would assist you in being a commissioner?
Jilani: I have a deep commitment to public service and work for the American Diabetes Association by day. I am the organizer of a million dollar event for diabetes research, advocacy and education and I love what I do. My experience advocating for people with diabetes has given me the tools I need to serve as commissioner of 1B-12 and represent the voice of our community.
