October 31, 2006 - Amber Alert & Public Safety

On my platform page, I mention the need to implement the amber alert system in the District of Columbia. I just returned from spending the evening at Eastern Market for Halloween. With our community teeming with young children, it seemed appropriate to raise the visibility of my call for introducing the amber alert system within the District of Columbia. I find that most Ward 6 residents are surprised to hear that the system is not in place. And, most agree that it is something we need. So, let's get to it. While this will not be the first piece of legislation I write and sponsor, it is high on my list of priorities.

October 26, 2006 - US Coast Guard & CFC

Federal Government employees have the opportunity to contribute to charities of their choice through the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). While in the Coast Guard, I served as the CFC Officer for my ship, getting more than 98% of the ship to contribute. The CFC was an easy way to give and nearly everyone did it. In Ward 6, we have numerous charities working to better our community. They are to be commended for their outstanding effort and results.

However, there is no clearing house that facilitates easy and routing giving to provide many of our important charities with the dollars they need to sustain operations. Wouldn't it be nice if we were to add community giving measurements to the performance measures that we built into the Ward 6 Strategic Plan that we will use to guide our ward in the important years ahead? We could measure annual dollars along with the number of contributions, providing increased visibility to encourage others to contribute while allowing us to measure our success in lifting others from year to year.

While there are clear lines of demarcation between city government and charitable organizations, successful charities ease the demand for city services and can lessen city financial demands and obligations. Setting up a local charity clearinghouse could pay big dividends on a number of fronts; increased charity awareness, increased local giving, increased local involvement. This could be another way that Ward 6 could lead the way!

October 25, 2006 - Ward 6 at a Crossroads

In reviewing recent publications, one of my former strategic planning colleagues passed along an October 23, 2006 presentation by the Honorable David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States. It is extremely relevant to our community and speaks volumes to the leadership and financial crises looming for the Nation and this community.

I have often spoken about how we in Ward 6 must raise the bar. As Mr. Walker's report reads, "The greatest threat to America's future is not hiding in a cave in Afghanistan; it is right here at home. Despite contributing Bill Gates and Thomas Edison and countless other inventors to the world, we do not even rank in the Top 20 in math and science scores." Given that the District of Columbia has the worst science and math test scores in the country, we are not doing our part to lift the bar locally so that we can help nationally.

Mr. Walker also states that, "Real 21st century leaders need to focus on four key attributes: courage, integrity, creativity, and a commitment to stewardship." Throughout my career in the Coast Guard, in state government consulting, in education, I have regularly proven to be a pillar of each of those attributes. I am proud of my role as an independent democratic voice that cannot be compromised. I hope that you will join me and my volunteers as we issue in a new era of accountability, transparency and responsiveness in DC Government.

Please enjoy Mr. Walker's report in its entirety at http://www.willforthehill.com/Crossroads.pdf. I see it as a call to action, providing another validation point for my desire to develop a Ward 6 Strategic Plan, for our need to break free of the existing system, and our need to radically change course. The future of this ward and our nation depends on it.

October 24, 2006 - School Board Candidate Debate

I took advantage of the opportunity to see our school board candidates in action this evening at their H Street Playhouse debate. Over the last several months, I have had the good fortune of getting to know each of the candidates and I am confident that each is more than capable of representing our interests on the School Board. The photograph above is of me and Robert Vinson Brannum, the only candidate from Ward 5. The photo was taken immediately after this evening's event. Brannum offered a pointed contrast to the tenure of school board member Tommy Wells. "He has neglected Ward 5. That will not be my legacy." His comments during the debate served as another validation of what I hear day-in and day-out when out in the ward. Our schools have not had the representation they need and deserve from their elected representative. This is especially true as you get further and further away from Capitol Hill.

Congratulations to each of the candidates for putting in a good show. Also, a special thank you goes to VOTH for presenting our voters with another opportunity to judge and compare our School Board District 3 candidates.

October 23, 2006 - School Libraries Project

It was an honor to attend this morning's grand opening of the newly renovated Stuart-Hobson Middle School Library. While an incredible amount of work lies ahead in overhauling the other seven libraries scheduled for renewal (Brent, Ludlow-Taylor, Maury, Payne, Peabody, Tyler and Watkins), this morning's event stands as a testimony to what motivated and determined parents and concerned citizens can accomplish. Of special note are the efforts of the School Libraries Project co-chairs, Todd Cymrot and Suzanne Wells. I should point out that all Ward 6 residents should be extremely proud of what the Capitol Hill Community Foundation has been able to accomplish through this effort. However, it is difficult to understand why DCPS must rely on public/private partnerships to provide basic libary services currently available in most public schools around the country. At $15,040 annual spending per student, we should be able to sustain school libraries.

October 22, 2006 - Ives Place Alley Cleanup

Michael Berger and Fatema Salaam created a fantastic opportunity for neighborhood bonding through this weekend's Ives Place alley cleanup and cookout. It was a blast to stop by, pick up some trash, and meet numerous fellow residents as everyone rolled up the sleeves to cleanup the Ives Place alley. There is nothing that I prefer more than joining in with the efforts of residents that are working hard to lift
the level of neighborhood cleanliness. Don Cheney commented that this was the first community alley cleanup in his 22 years in the neighborhood. As evidenced through this event and so many that we have been a part of throughout the campaign, residents really can make a difference. It is nice to see the Ives Place lifting the bar like so many of our other blocks and neighborhoods throughout the ward.

If you would like to join in a similar cleanup, please join Scott Christian's cleanup this Saturday (8AM) at 13th, Pennsylvania and G, SE.

Michael and Fatema - thank you for a great cleanup and BBQ.

October 20, 2006 - Running in Ward 6

I am a runner. I have been for a very long time. While my knee keeps me from the ultramarathons and marathons I enjoyed a few years ago, nothing beats getting out for a 5-6 mile jaunt around Ward 6. This morning, as I ran from 1840 Potomac Avenue around Lincoln Park and through the neighborhood, I couldn't help but look forward to the day when our trail along the Anacostia will finally provide the enchanting footpath we desperately need along this historic waterway. I look forward to aggressively pushing NCPC, AWC and other stakeholders to get this project done as quickly as possible. With a severe dearth of dog parks, running paths and other recreational areas in Ward 6, the Anacostia trail is something we need ASAP!

October 19, 2006 - Bad Deal - Institutionalize Competitive Sourcing

The Waterside Mall has been in a sorry state for quite some time. Marge Maceda has been on the "Save Waterside Mall" Committee since the mid-70's. Her statement provides an insightful perspective for a community that has regularly come together to outline their Waterside Mall requirements. With the days of the Waterside Mall bowling alley, movie theater, and Pizza Hut, fading further and further into the past, the time for action is now. However, we should not settle for a bad deal because it is better than nothing at all.

Having attended three community meetings on the Waterside Mall over the last month, I must applaud the efforts of each of the commissioners on ANC 6D. Over the last month, Andy Litsky, David Sobelsohn and Mary Williams consistently raised important points that call the entire Land Disposition and Development Agreement (LDDA) into question. Having worked across state governments and within the federal government for years, I am strongly opposed to sole source agreements that result in less value for taxpayers. In this particular case, I concur with several members of the ANC that prefer for the District to exercise eminent domain to terminate the existing lease at a fair market value for the public good. An accelerated RFP could then be developed and executed, enabling the community to witness an accelerated, transparent and competitive process that results in a product more in line with community needs and expectations. The contract would contain performance measures, incentives and service level agreement thresholds to monitor and influence performance throughout the development. Given the sense of urgency surrounding Waterside Mall, the contract would be laden with time-based requirements that speak to the community's need to get this project selected, planned, and underway. If we can build a massive baseball stadium in less than three years, we can certainly oversee and build a project that will increase city revenues, provide vital services, and enhance the overhall experience of Southwest living in the currently planned 10-year project timeline.

Our local government needs to institutionalize competitive sourcing across the vast array of procurements. A standard threshold must be developed and implemented across DC Government whereby anything greater than $2500 must have three bids before executing a purchase order. To borrow from the federal government, anything greater than $2500 that does not contain three bids would then require a sole source justification. This is a standard being used across government and it is something we should IMMEDIATELY adopt and aggressively enforce across DC Government.

October 17, 2006 - Capitol Hill Tower Forum Remarks

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to address residents of the new Capitol Hill Tower in Near Southeast in the company of Bob Siegel, the SMD's commissioner, and my opponents. As a follow up, I wrote the following to be posted on their community blog. Many of these issues are similar to those that face many other communities in Ward 6.

To: Capitol Hill Tower Residents
From: Will Cobb, Candidate for DC City Council, Ward 6

It was a pleasure meeting with many of you last week and I have enjoyed the ongoing dialogue I have established with several of your fellow residents and neighbors. As residents of Capitol Hill Tower you will be at the epicenter of a vibrant economic catalyst for Ward 6 and the entire District of Columbia. I would be honored to serve as your representative and advocate in the years ahead.

Public Safety: As a former law enforcement officer and instructor, I am committed to making our streets safer. I am a strong proponent of doing whatever it takes to get more officers onto our streets through varied patrol methods (e.g., walking, biking, traditional squad cars, and plain clothes).

Education: We are in the midst of an education emergency. A poor education is the root cause of our ongoing crime emergency. I will sponsor or co-sponsor the legislation required to transfer executive authority to the mayor so that we can stop making excuses for why we spend more per pupil than any other state and get the worst results on standardized tests in addition to having the nation’s worst education system financial management. As the nation’s capital, the status quo is unacceptable and I will not tolerate seeing more and more Ward 6 neighbors moving to Virginia and Maryland due to a dearth of public school options for their children.

Green Perspective: I went to the Coast Guard Academy because of the service’s role in the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. After graduation, I spent several years enforcing environmental laws at sea, before teaching enforcement at the Coast Guard’s law enforcement school. I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my MBA because of its top ranking in sustainable business development, where I focused my studies on balancing economic growth with social progress and environmental preservation. As the nation’s capital, we must set the bar with respect to green development. From green roofs, to an improved sewage backfill system, to an enforceable and punishable litter law, I will fight for a green Ward 6.

Development: In many ways, development will be our key to increasing District prosperity and opportunity in the years ahead. The residents of CHT are at the epicenter of that growth. I will fight for you and your interests to ensure you have access to the green space, neighborhood services, and cultural opportunities you expect from living between the Capitol and the Nationals baseball stadium. I will fight to minimize the impact of the massive development around you as your neighborhood undergoes a transition unlike any other in the District in the years ahead. As my career has shown, I operate through consensus-building, and it would be an honor to work with you as we guide your neighborhood development in the years ahead.

Respectfully,

Will Cobb
Candidate for DC Council, Ward 6
(202) 547-3574
www.WillCobbforWard6.com
Will@WillCobbforWard6.com

October 15, 2006 - Thefts Continue

Last week, I wrote about the high concentration of car thefts and break-ins along the 200 block of G Street in SW. At 11:15PM on the evening of October 15, 2006, my father and I called in a car theft in progress as we passed the intersection of 3rd Street and G Street, SW. The perpetrators used a slim jim to gain access to the vehicle. Upon gaining access, one individual jumped across the hood of the car before entering the passenger door. The man behind the wheel had the car started and underway within 30 seconds. My '911' call was handled promptly with suspect details and the car's direction relayed. A car was quickly assigned to the case as evidenced by the squad car speeding towards the 3rd and G intersection as we departed the scene. With my dad at the wheel and a bit uncomfortable under the circumstances, we did not stick around to see the case progress.

My campaign on the streets across Ward 6 continues to be up close in personal. From the fish fry I was able to participate in last Friday on the 200 block of 16th, NE, to the group home picnic on Half Street, to my day-to-day door knocking adventure, I am very aware of the lack of public safety experienced in many of our Ward 6 neighborhoods. I will continue to have the presence in these neighborhoods until they are getting the police protection they need and deserve. One day, the answer to the question, "When was the last time you saw an officer walk down your street" will be very different than it is today. My hat continues to go off to our officers that are working day-in and day-out to protect our communities. But, it is high time we gave them the resources and tools they needed to more effectively keep them safe.

If you hadn't seen last Friday's Washington Post, please check out the article on robberies Click Here. According to FBI statistics, we have the most robberies per capita than any other major city. Most notably, we have more than twice as many as New York City. In addition, the article cited the significant rise in juvenile crimes. This goes back to the message I have been hammering on since Day 1 of my campaign. We simply must respond aggressively to our education emergency. Based on what I continue to hear and see in the streets across Ward 6, I remain firmly committed to our new mayor's attempt to model our system after systems that work more effectively than ours. Please Click Here for coverage of Adrian Fenty's Monday trip to NYC. The risk of allowing more and more children to go through a broken DCPS is a risk that is simply to great to take. We must take bold action today!

October 11, 2006 - DCHA Swearing In Ceremony

On Wednesday afternoon, I had the honor of attending the swearing in for Aquarius Vann-Ghasri, who will serve as one of three elected representatives on the District of Columbia's Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. It is an honor to have a Ward 6 representative looking out for the interests of families currently residing in or participating in public housing programs throughout the City. Aquarius has been extremely active in the community for years, fighting on behalf of residents to ensure they have access to the housing they need. This is a fitting crown for this leader in the Potomac Gardens community and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead. Congratulations Aquarius!

The first items she set out to tackle with her fellow commissioners were:
Resolution 06-26; To designate Triangle View as an elderly-only development
Resolution 06-27; To approve the DCHA consolidated operating budget for FY2007
Resolution 06-28; To approve the low-rent operating subsidy requests for CY2007 for the DCHA

October 9, 2006 - Fall Fair in SW

On this sunny October day, I had the pleasure of spending significant time in front of St. Augustine's Church as part of their annual Fall Fair. While talking to SW community leaders and hearing about area concerns around the SW Waterfront and Waterside Mall developments, or lack thereof, Thelma Jones suggested I go over and talk to a former long-time SW resident. Mrs. Thurgood Marshall was managing the cash at the bakesale. In talking with her extensively, I learned of the two houses she and her husband had occupied during the many years he served on the U.S. Supreme Court. While Mrs. Marshall now lives in Virginia, she said she is always looking for excusese to return to SW.

Our soon-to-be city administrator, Dan Tangherlini, was also in attendance. I was able to congratulate him in person on his acceptance of the job, conveying my thoughts on how positive it will be for the entire city to have him and his experience in that critical role. Our government needs to be run like a business, with aggressive, yet realistic performance measures, that allow both government officials and the citizenry to gauge agency performance and improvement. The implementation of a CitiStat-like tracking will be a very important component of our new mayor's attempt to significantly increase accountability and responsiveness. I look forward to providing both support and a critical eye in helping to make his efforts successful.

With the magnificent weather, the Fall Fair was a huge success. A hats off to both the organizers and the participants. I am already looking forward to next year's event.

October 7, 2006 - Another Day...

9AM - 1PM: With the winter-like rain from the unseasonal nor'easter keeping the tourists away, we spent the morning at Eastern Market, hearing resident concerns and spreading the good word about a new day in DC, where accountability, transparency and responsiveness become inherent to governmental operations.

This morning, I was particularly disturbed by the story I heard from a new resident of the 600 block of G Street, NE. His roommate is on a two-year fellowship as a teacher with DCPS. She started in June and has yet to receive a paycheck. I have consistently heard horror stories from current and past teachers about how DCPS cannot get this right and it is one of the most basic functions of any organization that employs workers. I know that many things factor into DCPS having the worst financial management in the country, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education. This is BASIC stuff. We need to run DCPS like a business because the way things are operating is clearly unacceptable.

Other notable happenings:
1. The DC Jail siren can now be heard at Eastern Market - the noon blast was a welcome surprise to Frank Zampatori and I as we stood at the corner of 7th and C, SE.
2. Elected officials should have to find parking like everyone else. One of our representatives pulled up and parked illegally at the corner of 7th and C. Why do our elected officials get to willfully break the law when everyone else gets ticketed or towed? Elected officials should adhere to the same rules and regulations as everyone else. It keeps them grounded and helps them better understand the frustrations and day-to-day experiences of the people they represent.

1-5PM: SW Collaborative Health Fair - I spent the afternoon at the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, discussing health concerns with residents of James Creek, Syphax, and other SW neighborhoods. Matt Levy (Georgetown University Hospital, Director of the KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic), and his countless volunteers, pulled together a fantastic event. While the weather may have hampered attendance, local residents had the opportunity to learn more about our Emergency Management Agency (EMA), DC Healthy Families health insurance, HIV testing, mobile dental clinic options, along with many other services. After years and years of community service, Nadine Winters was onhand to take advantage of another opportunity to interact with the many people she helps on a daily basis through her continued service with the Health Outreach Information Network, Inc. I am always honored to talk with her about the early days of the Council and how our unicameral legislative body can be used to effect change.

5-7PM: Capitol Hill Tower Forum - For the first time since the primary, I was able to meet up with my opponents to discuss issues facing our community, and Near Southeast in particular. Approximately 100 of the 300 units in the building are occupied, with about 50% sold to date. As I entered, two moving trucks were parked outside as new residents transported their belongings to their new homes. A special thank you goes to Kirsten Burgard for organizing the event. It was a great opportunity for many of our newest neighbors to hear our respective visions for Ward 6.

7-10PM: I am proud of my two years at the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Busines School. The ethos of community service pervades the school as evidenced by its high ranking in sustainable business development, and its continual recruitment of future community leaders. This evening, we had the good fortune of bringing many members of the UNC community together to celebrate the campaign and our ability to apply lessons from one of the world's best universities to improve local government. I would like to personally thank the many members the UNC community that have provided a portion of the support that has helped solidify my position in the Ward 6 Council race. Go Heels!

October 4, 2006 - International Walk to School Day

On Tuesday morning, neighborhood children gathered at Lincoln Park to participate in International Walk to School Day. Hundreds of students, parents, teachers and community members met at 7:30 am for the festivities, before departing to walk to Maury, Watkins, Peabody, Two Rivers or Stuart-Hobson.

The goals of International Walk to School Day are to encourage physical activity, raise awareness about the environment and the community, reduce crime, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage community leaders, parents and children to gather and spend time together. These goals were all achieved by this event which included spirited presentations by the cluster schools’ safety patrols and the Maury Elementary Cheerleaders. There was also an energetic stretching session designed to to prepare students for the march to their respective schools.

Events like International Walk to School Day are wonderful opportunities to celebrate the students and parents who work hard everyday mentoring their children to foster caring, educated and productive communities. As you can tell from my daily activities across Ward 6, I view these community events as opportunities to hear the day-to-day concerns of parents and neighbors. Thank you to the organizers of the event for a wonderful and informative morning.

October 2, 2006 - Lessons in Auto Theft - First District Citizens Advisory Council

The First District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday night. The officers that lead the first district’s stolen automobiles unit gave a fantastic presentation on the means used to steal cars. This demonstration was followed by a discussion of ways to prevent the car thefts and carjackings.

Car thefts are rampant throughout Ward 6. There have been 46 stolen cars on the 300 block of G Street, SW, alone since January. This block has the highest number of stolen cars in the first district. While several residents referenced car thefts this weekend, when I was out knocking on doors in this neighborhood, I had no idea it was so rampant. This illustrates how citizens must always be diligent and on the look out to prevent crime.

The officers showed attendees what they called the “universal door–opener” (a rock, or a brick) and the “universal car key” (a screwdriver). These tools are used in most every carjacking, to remove the ignition of the car and start the engine. The officers demonstrated this technique on a steering column.

The officers said that the biggest problem with recovering stolen automobiles is that the owners are not aware that their car was stolen. The sooner the police are made aware that a car is missing, the sooner they can begin to search for it. To expedite this search, car owners should memorize their license place number and have their VIN number and insurance number easily accessible (for example, a copy of these number should be kept in a place other than the glove box of the car). The officers also recommended that residents buy “The Club.” While they readily admit that The Club is easy to break, it still deters criminals from steeling your car.

Residents were reminded not to keep their car title IN their car. Drivers should NEVER leave their keys in their car, especially with their car is running, no matter how quickly they think they will return to the car. Criminals prey on cars that are left running on corners, in front of homes and at gas stations.

Commander Grooms also made the following announcements:
- In the wake of the current school shootings across the country, the police are in what the Commander described as “hyper-alert” in and around the schools. Officers are being very cautious about adults entering and loitering around schools.
- While PSAs 103 and 107 had monthly crime decreases, PSA 101 had a double-digit increase.
- The First District will have several Halloween events at 415 4th Street, SW. On Saturday, October 28 there will be pumpkin decorating from 1-3pm. There will be a haunted house on Sunday, October 29, Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31 from 6-8pm for kids ages 10 and over. On Tuesday, October 31 from 4-6pm there will be a Halloween party for kids ages 9 and under.

September 30, 2006 - The Guardian - Celebrating the New Coast Guard Movie

On Saturday, my supporters and several fellow Coast Guard servicemen and women attended a viewing of the new Coast Guard movie, The Guardian. The movie was thoroughly enjoyed by all of those in attendance. I am proud to have been a part of the Coast Guard and their tradition of excellence, and I am especially pleased that the service has received so much recognition through this blockbuster movie. It is also an honor to continue my service as the co-lead of the Coast Guard Academy's local alumni chapter and as a member of the Coast Guard Academy's Alumni Association Board of Directors.


After the movie, we returned to campaign headquarters for a rooftop BBQ. We were joined by many more friends and neighbors who all enjoyed the cool fall weather from the roof deck of my campaign headquarters. I would like to thank everyone that attended this event! I’m happy to say that, in addition to being a very enjoyable evening, this event was also a very successful fundraiser!