Dupont Circle’s ANC 2B is getting ready for a special election.
Residents Holly Biglow and John Kupcinski have entered into a race for former commissioner Justine Underhill’s 2B-07 seat, which was vacated last month when Underhill moved to New York City. Now, here’s your chance to hear from one of them.
We spoke with Kupcinski about some of the local issues he feels strongly about:
Borderstan: Tell me a little bit about why you decided to run for the 2B-07 seat.
John Kupcinski: I’ve been involved in neighborhood politics, I purchased my property about a year and a half ago or so. I made a fairly big investment. It’s the biggest purchase I’ll probably ever make in my entire life So I wanted to make a big investment in the community as well. I got involved with Church Street Neighbors. Meeting the people who are my neighbors, I’m a proponent of trying to make things better. I felt like this is one of the ways I could contribute to the community.
If you are elected, what will be one of your first priorities?
First and foremost, … I’d like to try to [figure out] how the construction is going to happen [at the St. Thomas’ Parish], how the operations will work, how the pre-construction, construction will work. Just make sure there aren’t any misunderstandings. It’s going to be one of the biggest developments happening in 2B-07.
How do you plan to interact with other neighborhood associations, if elected?
It’s important to have people’s voices heard. One of the things we’re blessed with in 2B-07 is that we have a lot of very active and engaged community members who have decided to participate in the political process. So that, I think, is a fantastic benefit and also something that can help whoever the ANC commissioner is in October. I would see those organizations as a conduit for ideas and to help out with initiatives and to be able to provide communication back and forth between constituent groups within the neighborhood.
Is there anything you’d want to change in the way ANC 2B operates?
This is kind of a non-answer, but my perception has been on the other side of the microphone. So, I would need to get in and see the workings of how things are happening. I don’t know yet. But I am looking forward to working with everybody. I think that everybody in the ANC has a significant amount to give and contribute. They’ve made the neighborhood a better place to live in. I’m excited about working with everybody.
You said previously that, even if you don’t win the election, you’ll still be involved in the community. Are there specific things you’d undertake?
I’ve been very fortunate to, through this process, to meet a number of the different neighbors and develop a lot of close friendships. I would get involved in [Dupont Circle Citizens Association] or Church Street Neighbors or even work with a message board that people are active on within the community.
How will you use social media to engage with your potential future constituents?
My Twitter is very professional. Mostly articles that I think are interesting with respect to information security. One of the things that I would like to do is find a way to engage people on social media, whether that be on Twitter, create a 2B-07 media account. Using other blogs. I know the ANC has a blog. But I’d try to find as many ways to reach out to people.
Residents of the 2B-07 single member district can cast their ballots next month at the Brookings Institution on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Click here for more information regarding voter eligibility and the voting process.
From David McAuley. Email at david[AT]borderstan.com.
Dito Sevilla and his dog. Sevilla is a candidate for the ANC 2B-05 seat. (Courtesy of Sevilla)
Full disclosure: Sevilla is a Borderstan contributor.
Dito Sevilla is running against Abigail Nichols in a special election to fill a vacant seat on Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2B. The District 05 seat became vacant when former Commissioner Victor Wexler resigned.
The election is Wednesday, March 13, from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm at the ANC 2B/Dupont monthly meeting at the Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW. You must be aregistered voter in ANC 2B Single Member District (SMD) 05 to vote.
Sevilla’s full name is Eduardo Sevilla Jr. His father and grandfather were both Nicaraguan ambassadors to the United States. He has been bar manager at Floriana Restaurant, on 17th Street NW since 2004. Before that, he owned a small business.
Borderstan: Where can potential voters go to find out more information about you?
As a DC native and 17th Street resident for more than nine years I hope I have been able to forge lasting relationships with many potential voters. If anyone, voter or not, needs further information, they are encouraged email me questions or concerns and I will personally reply to each of them.
Click for a larger map of ANC 2B-05. (DC Citizen Atlas)
Borderstan: What motivated you to run for this position?
Sevilla: As they say, all politics is local. One can only live in a place for so long before one must do what is required to better it. I love this neighborhood, and I love my neighbors.
I think the residents of 2B-05 have made terrific brand ambassadors for the kind of culturally diverse, economically sound, young and not-so-young area in which we live. Washington offers so much to potential new residents, and 2B-05 has many of those on display.
A vibrant restaurant scene, a good amount of retail and just enough nightlife offerings coupled with safe, clean, well cared for streets allow home prices to soar. To maximize that appeal is probably the most important factor in my decision to seek the burdens of office.
Borderstan: What sets you apart from the other candidate?
Sevilla: What doesn’t. She knits during meetings, and I don’t attend them. I suppose whichever of us wins, our habits will have to change.
Borderstan: Why should people vote for you?
Sevilla: Essentially, voters will choose between the past and the present, between the status quo and progress, between moving forward, or standing still. I am a candidate who is able to balance the concerns of our residents and our commercial neighbors. I understand that we must work together to fortify our community and forge common sense plans to continue improving the way of life of our residents without hindering the growth and vitality of our business community.
Borderstan: What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
Sevilla: To pick one would be a disservice to another. What’s not to like? The joys of a quiet Sunday morning, a long walk along one of our clean, safe streets, my neighbors — these are all reasons to smile, but it is the variety of architectural and historical landmarks that truly have my heart. I’m a preservationist at heart and it pleases me deeply to see our community band together to respect the architectural masterpieces of centuries’ past.
Borderstan: What is one thing that you would like to change about the neighborhood?
Sevilla: To pick one would be a disservice to so many others! In all seriousness, trash collection has become a comedy of errors in our community. The congestion caused by the collection of a myriad of different receptacles from both private and commercial locations needs to be streamlined, and efficient schedules should be created. There is simply no need for an area as small as ours to use over a dozen different companies with over a dozen different trucks clogging our streets to collect garbage seven days — and in some cases nights — of the week.
Borderstan: What is your opinion, generally speaking, about liquor moratoriums?
Sevilla: Generally, I don’t speak about liquor moratoriums.
Borderstan: What, if anything, should be changed concerning on-street parking for residents in your district?
Sevilla: The rules and requirements found on the back of “EMERGENCY NO PARKING” signs used by residents to move, or during times of construction should be enforced. Not a day goes by that they are not used improperly. They are found attached to trees, left up long after expiration, edited by residents… it is a mess, and it causes congestion and creates unnecessary hassles for residents looking for parking spaces.
I believe that parking spaces are first and foremost the benefit of the residents of the neighborhood in which they are located. Visitors to our businesses are encouraged to utilize public transportation, including of course the Metro, which is within walking distance of all parts of 2B-05.
Borderstan: How many ANC2B meetings have you attended since January 1, 2012?
Sevilla: None.
Borderstan: Where were you on the evening of February 13, when the last ANC2B meeting was held? Why?
Sevilla: Unfortunately, for the purposes of attending evening meetings I can offer no quarter. Until I am elected, my current work schedule will overlap meeting times.
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From David McAuley. Email at david[AT]borderstan.com.
Abigail Nichols is running against Dito Sevilla in a special election to fill a vacant seat on Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2B. The District 05 seat became vacant when former Commissioner Victor Wexler resigned.
Click for a larger map of ANC 2B-05. (DC Citizen Atlas)
The election is Wednesday, March 13, from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm at the ANC 2B/Dupont monthly meeting at the Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW. You must be a registered voter in ANC 2B Single Member District (SMD) 05 to vote.
Nichols has lived on 18th Street NW in Dupont Circle for 33 years. She is on the ANC 2B Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) Policy Committee. Nichols earned a Ph.D. in Economics and Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley and worked for 20 years as a policy analyst and manager at the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Nichols is treasurer of the DC chapter of the League of Women Voters and the co-founder of the Alcohol Sanity Coalition DC.
Borderstan: Why is this election important?
Nichols: The Advisory Neighborhood Commission advises the District government and the Council on many issues. These include traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor license, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation, and trash collection. In many cases there is a formal process for requesting this advice, but the ANC can lobby the government on any subject.
Abigail Nichols is running for ANC 2B-05. (Courtesy of Nichols)
In my experience most residents benefit from the work of the ANC but do not get directly involved. I was in that position until alcohol businesses moved in directly across from our condominium for the first time. That experience working with the ANC’s and several excellent commissioners made it very clear to me how important it is that the right person be in the job when you need him or her. Residents should not take who their commissioners are for granted. Paying attention now can help later when they need help.
Borderstan: Where can potential voters go to find out more information about you?
Nichols: I have a website and you can write me at ACNforANC2B05[AT]hotmail.com
Borderstan: What motivated you to run for this position?
Nichols: It’s a natural progression in service to my community that began with protecting my large condominium from the excesses of club central. It’s fun to get to know the people living in my single member district and the issues related to government that interest them. The topics the Commission considers — zoning, historic preservation, schools, alcohol licensing, and community festivals interest me. ANC 2B has an excellent reputation and I want to join it.
Borderstan: What sets you apart from the other candidate?
Nichols: I don’t know Mr. Sevilla. I know I’d be an excellent representative, and it’s hard to believe he is better prepared. Voters should ask both of us about the positions we already hold and whether we have any conflicts of interest that might affect our ANC service. How would we handle such conflicts? One thing I’ve learned is that commissioners must be nonpartisan so I will have to drop active campaigning in party politics.
My preparation includes 1) successfully negotiating several settlement agreements with alcohol establishments, 2) several years’ experience with ANC procedures, 3) testimony and meetings at the DC Council, 4) selling the transferable development rights of my church in a million dollar business development deal and 5) education in economics including urban economics and a career in policy analysis.
Borderstan: Why should people vote for you?
Nichols: I am prepared, I will be able to devote time to service, and my instincts are to listen and gather facts before making decisions. I will be diligent in bringing forward and voting on ANC business and will help residents find the right place to go in DC government for other kinds of issues they face.
Borderstan: What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
Nichols: I love the fact that I can do so much by foot: post office, bank, library, church, groceries, restaurants, etc. Then, if I do need to go further afield, there is great transportation to other parts of the city and even to other cities. I love the old buildings. I like the people who live here; they like the neighborhood for the same reasons I so. I like remembering that my parents met each other in long-demolished rooming houses whose addresses are now in ANC 2B-05.
The single member district (SMD) for which I am running is not the typical DC SMD. The whole of the District of Columbia is divided into single member Advisory Neighborhood Commission districts that contain about 2,000 residents. Districts differ in the number of businesses they include.
Some SMD’s may have no businesses at all, but the ratio of businesses to residents in this SMD is huge. 2B-05 runs from 15th Street Northwest west to 17th with a bit of 18th Street NW and south from Q to Pennsylvania Avenue. We have museums, retail stores, bars and restaurants, churches, professional services, service facilities like the Jewish Community Center, and the YMCA, organization offices and parks.
Most residents have other near-by residences, but Presidential at 16th and L and the Palladium at 1325 18th Street NW, are apartment/condo buildings, which aren’t close to other residences and are surrounded by business. Other residents also live in apartment buildings like the Berkeley and the Richmond on 17th, 1 Scott Circle and 1500 Massachusetts Avenue. But the district also includes some townhouses and detached homes as well.
Borderstan: What is one thing that you would like to change about the neighborhood?
Nichols: I’m grateful to those who work to nurture trees. I’d love to see trees thriving again in all the areas where we’ve lost trees.
Borderstan: What is your opinion, generally speaking, about liquor moratoriums?
Nichols: I realize that a moratorium on 17th Street is expiring this fall, and that I will need to learn a lot about the history of the moratorium and how it currently affects business and residents. Voters can be confident that I will diligently study the issue and talk to residents before making any decisions. Interested residents should organize like-minded people to make sure their views are heard. Newcomers may not even know that this is an issue and will be surprised how concerned longtime residents will be about this.
Borderstan: What, if anything, should be changed concerning on-street parking for residents in your district?
Nichols: Good question. I haven’t thought about this because I live above a commercial garage and park there. I intend to represent the whole SMD so I will learn about parking and resident problems.
Borderstan: How many ANC 2B meetings have you attended since January 1, 2012?
Nichols: I’ve attended most meetings of the ANC for the last four years. Attendance is a good way to keep up on the neighborhood issues and activities.
Borderstan: Where were you on the evening of February 13, when the last ANC 2B meeting was held? Why?
Nichols: I was there. I attended the ANC meeting to hear the announcement of the special election in which I am running in and what was said about its logistics, to respond to the chairman’s invitation and make a short speech about my candidacy, and — because I was on the agenda — to discuss a new alcohol license application that affects residents.
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