Will Cobb for Ward 6

November 7 - Election Day

2006-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my hard-working volunteers on November 7. Thank you to EVERYONE for your help! We couldn't have done it without you!

November 3, 2006 - Campaign Volunteers and Esprit de Corps

2006-11-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

A political campaign is an experience like none other. As I look back on past experiences and memories, I often reflect on both personal and team accomplishments. In 1992, with a nagging knee injury, I would not have finished the JFK 50-Mile Ultramarathon if I had not been able to lean on the shoulder of my friend and roommate, Charles Meyer. In 2000, suffering from altitude sickness and temperatures 35 degrees below zero, I would have had extreme difficulty reaching Uhuru Peak on top of Kilimanjaro if I had not been teamed with two business school friends. Throughout life, I have found that it takes the individual to stand up and make things happen. But, it is the team that rallies behind the cause to make it successful.

The Will Cobb for Ward 6 Campaign has been an experience like none other for me. The campaign started with a discussion amongst neighbors at La Lomita in January 2006. Over time, it has grown into a spirited cause and crusade for increased accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in Ward 6 and throughout the District of Columbia. More and more people have joined me in recognizing the importance of what this campaign stands for, and how their voice really can count in Ward 6. I have been honored and humbled to be supported by so many committed, hardworking and honorable neighbors and friends. I am proud of the reputation this campaign has built through its inclusiveness, through its desire to serve, and our ability to lead a dialogue on real issues affecting neighborhood-specific issues along with challenges facing the entire ward and our city.

This was an unbelievable week. We received significant press coverage (The Hill, Hill Rag, Washington Post, Voice of the Hill), yard signs rolled out at an unprecedented pace, and volunteers stopped by more and more frequently to distribute literature and spread the word. With an army of volunteers, it is clear that we are building an incredible amount of momentum across the Ward 6 as we get closer and closer to victory. This evening, volunteers and I returned from door-knocking to witness Campaign HQ in an unprecedented state of activity. With yard signs being assembled, cars being decorated, literature being sorted, and our diverse army poised for the final days of this campaign, I could not be more proud and inspired. It takes good people to make things happen. I am proud to say that I have some of the best people Ward 6 could muster. I look forward to having even more of Ward 6 onboard as we work together to raise the bar for all of Ward 6 and the District of Columbia.

Thank you to the many volunteers that have made the Will Cobb for Ward 6 campaign possible. I will be forever grateful for everything you have done to make this possible.

In Eternal Appreciation - Will

November 3, 2006 - Eastern High Homecoming

2006-11-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Eastern High School is also known as "The Pride of Capitol Hill." However, it has undergone so many years of neglect, that it will take years to resurrect it at as a school for which we can all be proud. Today, many students that constitute the future of our great city fall further and further behind as EHS students. As a community, we must rally around EHS to ensure that all residents of Ward 6 feel vested in the success of EHS and its students. You can expect EHS and several measurements surrounding community involvement and ownership to be incorporated into my Ward 6 Strategic Plan. I see EHS success as part of the foundation required for a safe and economically competitive Ward 6.

Today marked homecoming at EHS. After synching up with one of my EHS mentees, I had the good fortune of watching as students, alums and assorted community members participated in the Annual EHS Homecoming Parade.

Enjoying the parade with friends

Eastern High Marching Band

November 2 , 2006 - Community Building

2006-11-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the most enjoyable parts of my campaign has been witnessing and participating in community building all across Ward 6. All too often, our residents don't know their next-door neighbors. One way to solve this problem is through the use of block parties. I have had the good fortune to attend countless block parties across our Ward, from Kentucky Avenue, to A Street, SE, to 4th Street, NE to Canal Street, SW. I am always thrilled to see neighbors coming together with their families to unify their communities and enjoy each other's company. This is just one very important step in bringing our Ward together. I am interested in exploring ways that our city can support our neighborhood block parties, by encouraging participation and streamlining the application process.

Will at a recent block party on the 1300 block of F Street, NE. Other attendees included Adrian Fenty and Phil Mendelson.

October 31, 2006 - Amber Alert & Public Safety

2006-10-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

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

2006-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-10-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Announces Master Developer for SW Waterfront Project

2006-09-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, I spent the evening at the Hine Junior High Education Facilities Master Plan review. My staff attended the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation monthly public board meeting in Southwest, DC. The highlight of the meeting was the announcement that the AWC has chosen Hoffman-Struever Waterfront LLC as the Master Developer for the Southwest Waterfront project. Hoffman-Struever was chosen in part due to their experience with waterfront communities and their commitment to green buildings.

The plan for the Southwest Waterfront community incorporates 1,036,000 square feet of residential space, 230,000 square feet of retail space, 157,000 square feet of office space, and 150,000 square feet of space designated for cultural use. In additional to the effort to revitalize the Southwest Waterfront, this plan has numerous commendable goals. The project will include 300 affordable housing units (30% of the total number of units). This development will also be the first mixed-use LEED-Silver certified project in the city. Finally, 51% of the new jobs created by the project will be filled by DC residents, with preference given to residents of Wards 6, 7 and 8. The construction will begin in 2009 and the projected completion date is 2014.

I commend the board of the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation for their thoughtful and conscientious decision. I look forward to seeing the development along the waterfront in the coming years.

For further info, please press here to see today's Washington Post front page story.

Right to Serve - Ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell

2006-09-26T18:34:00.001-07:00

This morning, I had the opportunity to speak out publicly against our nation's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which has resulted in the discharge of more than 10,000 gay service members since the policy's inception more than 10 years ago.

The event was organized by Right to Serve, a campaign led by Soulforce, which was founded by the Rev. Mel White. We gathered at 10 o'clock outside the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station at 1099 14th Street, NW.

Across the U.S., the campaign is creating public awareness about the policy's damaging effects by joining with openly gay, lesbian and bisexual people who are qualified to serve our country and who are seeking to enlist.

I met the organizers, Adam Bink and Graham Murphy, and the two impressive local women who decided they would attempt to enlist today, Mandy Craig and Alexandra Douglas-Barrera. Ms. Craig's partner, Chance, told us of the numerous commendations and high honors she received before being discharged from duty. The event drew local NBC and Fox News, the Blade and MW. Even the crew for CNN's Paula Zahn Now was there.

For quite some time, I have been on record against the current Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. Today provided an excellent forum for relating my Coast Guard experiences at sea and the irrationality behind the discriminatory law currently enforced inconsistently across the Armed Forces.

I am proud of my military service and of the men and women with whom I served. In 1993, I graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where I served as the highest ranking cadet in my class. For my service, I was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Coast Guard Humanitarian Service Medal, and Letter of Commendation, and other honors.

Today, I recounted life-threatening circumstances from a nor'easter during my service. When people's lives are on the line, the last thing I cared about was whether my shipmate next to me was gay or straight. I cared about their patriotism and their performance. I cared about whether or not they were qualified to get the job done and help the unit get its mission accomplished safely.

Gay men and women across this country are doing great deeds of service in their communities everyday. How can we prevent them from serving in one of our most honored traditions, the call to arms, protecting our liberty, freedom, and our very way of life? How ironic that we have gay and lesbian Americans fighting to protect our liberties while being denied their own.

Israel integrates gays and lesbians in its armed forces, as do 23 other countries, including Great Britain. We're supposed to be the world's champion of freedom and liberty. We need every qualified sailor we can find to serve. We can't be concerning ourselves with people's sexual orientation. We should be focused on whether or not they're qualified to defend this country – period.

After we all spoke, Alexandra and Mandy went inside, attempting to enlist. The recruitment office was scheduled to be open. But as Right To Serve has experienced elsewhere, the office was shut down. The U.S. military placed a commitment to discrimination ahead of preparedness. If any straight American had come to the recruiting office this morning, they wouldn't have been able to enlist either. The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy is unacceptable and it does not advance our security interests.

Participating in today's event reminded me that freedom is not fully shared by DC residents in more ways than one. We are denied the right to be fully represented in Congress. Plus, if you're gay or lesbian, you can't openly serve your country in the military.

It was an honor to meet Alexandra and Mandy. It will be an even greater honor to meet them after they have enlisted.

Southwest Neighborhood Assembly - Waterside Mall Meeting

2006-09-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

On Monday Night, attendees at the monthly meeting of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) filled the sanctuary at St. Augustine’s on M Street, SW. The high attendance was due, in large part, to a presentation by Forrest City Developers on the proposed improvements to the Waterside Mall. The Mall has sat largely empty for over one year and residents are desperate to see some revitalization of the valuable metro-adjacent property.

The SWNA meeting represented the first opportunity for many residents to hear the full plan for the Waterside Mall site. This plan includes several substantial changes which were made after proposed tenant, Fannie Mae, decided against relocating to the site. As a result of Fannie Mae’s change of plans, the developers decided to triple the amount of residential space in the completed project. Four of the eight buildings that will inhabit the final site will be residential buildings. The two towers located on the far east and west edges of the current property will have their facades’ removed and will be re-faced as residential buildings. The new plans also reflect additional green space in between the buildings.

The developers have recognized the challenge of balancing the needs of the community with the expedient and efficient construction of the property. In order to meet the needs of the community, during construction, the CVS and the Bank of America will occupy temporary facilities that will be built on the southwest corner of the property (in the parking lot in front of the Bank of America). The Safeway will remain open through the entire construction process.

Demolition of the current structure will begin soon, starting with abatement procedures on the interior of the Mall. The north-south pathway through the mall will remain open in the coming months. Developers expect to deliver Phase 1 of the project (which includes two office buildings and two residential buildings) in 2012. Residents were dismayed to hear that the changes will not occur as quickly as many hoped; however, most Southwest residents are relieved that development is on track to begin on the underused site.

Concerns: I have great concerns on the financing behind the deal and whether or not the residents of SW, Ward 6, and the rest of DC are getting the best deal and functionality for this ideally situated property. I am also concerned about the small percentage of retail that is guaranteed with this development. We could feasibly end up with a mere 12,500 square feet of retail space (excluding 55,000 square feet for Safeway) which would severely limit the services available.

H Street - Coming of Age

2006-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Over the last week, H Street has passed a critical tipping point, marking the beginning of the return to the greatness of the late 50’s and early 60’s, when the corridor had more revenue per square foot than any other place in the District.

On Thursday, September 21, 2006, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund held the 2nd Annual Swing for the Green Jazz and Big Band Swing Gala. Most importantly, the event marked the grand arrival of the Atlas Performing Arts Center Theater, where many of the East Coast’s finest bands hit the stage. If I had not known better, I would have thought we were in one of New York’s finest theaters. As I left, I took a look at the presidential seal hanging from the balcony, marking the area reserved for former President Clinton, whose Secret Service agents were on hand for his arrival. Unfortunately, President Clinton was not able to make it. But, if he heard the word on the street, he will be sure to make next year’s event. A special thank you goes to Anwar Saleem, Jen DeMayo and WACIF. Your hospitality was exceptional and I know you are proud of the event – It was a smashing success!

On Saturday, September 23, 2006, merchants, vendors, performers and community members celebrated the renaissance of H Street at the annual H Street festival. The two block street festival boasted more than twice as many vendors as last year's festival, making this the most successful H Street festival yet. The intersections at H and 12th streets, and H and 14th streets each housed stages which hosted vibrant musical acts all day long. The event was very well attended by DC and Maryland residents alike. As usual, the Will Cobb for Ward 6 table was staffed by numerous energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, all of whom enjoyed the food, fun and friends. Everyone marveled at the changes that the H Street neighborhood has undergone.

A special thank you goes to Rafael Marshall, Anwar Saleem and Kwasi Frye. Like Thursday night’s event, this year’s H Street Festival was AWESOME! Congratulations!

A Typical Night In Ward 6

2006-09-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

My supporters and I are working hard to attend as many meetings across Ward 6 as possible every night. I am always amazed by how many community groups, organizations and committees meet on any given evening. Here is just a summary of the meetings my supporters and I attended on Thursday, September 21.

PSA 104

Thursday night, I attended the PSA 104 meeting at the River Park complex. Many residents from across Southwest DC were in attendance to discuss their public safety concerns, including their concerns about increased juvenile crime.

The residents of Southwest are served by officers that are committed to protecting their community; however, based on the complaints voiced at the PSA meeting, it is evident that the resources dedicated to the safety of the Southwest communities are insufficient. I had a chance to speak to the residents in attendance about my vision for public safety in Southwest and across Ward 6. As the DC Councilmember for Ward 6, I will continue to take a hands on approach to public safety throughout our ward.

PSA 107

Community members from PSA 107 met on Kentucky Avenue to discuss crime in parts of the Hill East Neighborhood. Neighbors expressed concern about the ongoing flower thefts throughout the neighborhood. An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department reported that the number of crimes, especially thefts, has gone up in PSA 107. Arrests have also gone up recently.

Residents should be aware of the following:
- Community members can register their bicycles at the 1D station or 1D1 substation, so that in the event that their bicycle is stolen and recovered, it can be easily identified and returned.
- On October 28, DPW and DCRA will host “Operation Fight Back” between the 1500 block of East Capitol to C Street and from 14th Street to 17th Street. Participants will identify abandoned cars and buildings in the designated area.
- Orange hat patrols continue on Friday nights at 7:30 beginning at the intersection of Kentucky and D Street.

Residents of Hill East may have noticed a larger amount of homeless in the area. This increase is due to the opening of two shelters at DC General. These shelters have been open for approximately a year, but most residents were never notified. It is shocking that this could happen without any notice or comment from residents.

Washington Canal Park Stakeholders Meeting:

Washington Canal Park, located on the strip of land along 2nd Street, SE between M Street and I Street, will be the first public park built as a part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. Thursday night, the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation gathered the community to discuss the current plans for the park and to receive feedback from the community.

The park, as planned, will be a model of rainwater recycling and storm water management that other parks and communities will be able to learn from and build upon. The aquatic gardens planned for the site will filter storm water collected from the park and potentially from nearby streets. The use of water throughout the site is not only an aesthetic asset, but it harkens back to the history of the site. This plot of land was once a canal used to transport produce downtown.

The park will consist of three blocks, divided by L Street and K Street. The northmost block, titled “Collect,” will contain a shallow, interactive water feature. The middle block, titled “Celebrate,” includes another interactive water feature, as well as an aquatic garden which will be used to filter rainwater. The final, southern-most block, titled “Convey” will contain an agricultural garden, an informal amphitheater and a plaza bordering along M Street, SE. A wide, tree-lined boardwalk will run along the western side of all three portions of the park.

The Anacostia Waterfront Corporation hopes to begin construction in Spring 2007 and open the site to pedestrians in Spring 2008. This will correspond to the opening of the new Nationals Ballpark. Ultimately, Canal Park will help link Capitol Hill with the new redeveloped ballpark community.

Visit the Gustafson Guthrie Nichol design page for more information: http://www.ggnltd.com/projects/Washington%20Canal%20Park/project%20sheet.htm

To follow this and other news in the Near Southeast Development visit “JD Land” - http://www.jdland.com/dc

Barracks Row Fest: Celebrating an Award Winning Community

2006-09-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we had a great turnout at the Barracks Row Fest. Barracks Row, the neighborhood along 8th Street, SE, from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Navy Yard, is an incredible example of a revitalized Main Street community. In 2005, this historic area won the Great American Main Street award, which is given to five communities each year. This award recognizes outstanding accomplishment in restoring America's historic and traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Anyone who has enjoyed the great restaurants and unique local shops along 8th Street will agree that Barracks Row is a rejuvenated thoroughfare, providing services to local residents as well as attracting shoppers from outside Ward 6.

Despite occasional showers, residents and visitors browsed, ate, shopped and enjoyed the festivities. An enthusiastic group of Will Cobb volunteers attended the festival, spreading the word that the race to represent Ward 6 did not end on September 12. Many voters who visited our table were excited to hear Will Cobb’s plans to deliver the results that our community and the city deserve.

Thanks to everyone who attended the festival and congratulations to the folks at Barracks Row Fest for putting on a wonderful event.

September 8, 2006 - Failing Schools in Ward 6

2006-09-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Interacting with teachers, reading the newspapers, and working with Ward 6 children reveals something that most Ward 6 residents have come to expect - OUR SCHOOLS ARE FAILING!

1. As reflected in the most recent Voice of the Hill (Click here to view the story), 2006 DCPS standardized test performance dropped significantly across Ward 6 and across the District of Columbia. DCPS elementary school math proficiency dropped from 58% to 26% (32% drop). Reading proficiency dropped from 51% to 37% (14% drop). As the Washington Post said on September 8, 2006 (Click here for the full story), the "situation requires massive intervention efforts to reverse." We now have 118 of 146 (81%) schools failing to make adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law. The Washington Post addressed these failures in a September 11th editorial ( Click here to read the full story ).

2. I have spoken with countless numbers of current and former DCPS teachers and faculty members. The stories of waste, fraud and abuse should be of the utmost concern to all DC residents. If a fraction of the stories I have heard are true, it should come as no surprise why we spend more than $15,000 per student while obtaining performance results comparable to Mississippi, the state whom we battle annually for 'worst in the nation.'

SOLUTION:

A. It is time to take drastic action. Other cities continue to leave us behind as we push more and more children down the correction system pipeline, whereby our youth regulary leave DCPS without the skills or attributes required to compete in today's increasingly competitive workforce. I again voice my strong support for increased accountability in the hands of the mayor through a more powerful superintendent. We must streamline the system so that we do not have 17 individuals, boards, or agencies controlling various components of the school system.

B. Given the lack of transparency and accountability our DCPS financial management, which is currently ranked the worst in the nation according to the U.S. Department of Education, we must radically overhaul ALL finance and accounting systems, while installing an inspector general to ensure all contracts are being competitively sourced and aggressively managed. A culture of accountability, supported by frequent and random audits, must be instilled ASAP!

C. Use of Best Practices - New York, Boston and other cities continue to leave us behind while we continue with our day-to-day finger pointing. With only 57,000 students, we should have a responsive system that rapidly adjusts to the marketplace, providing the latest skills and tools to ensure our graduates are ready for the world's best universities, while also providing a steady flow of vocational workers. As such, we should be on the cutting edge considering new and innovative approaches (click here). We should be making the often talked about Eastern H.S. to Washington Latin transition happen as quickly as possible, recognizing that we must have a robust transition plan to increase the current skill levels of Eastern's current and future student body. Rather than discussing how to tweak a broken, overstaffed bureaucratic mess, we should be fundamentally changing how we operate.

September 3, 2006 - Buzzards Point

2006-09-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have spent extensive time in James Creek and Buzzards Point. It was nice to spend another Sunday afternoon along the streets close to Coast Guard Headquarters. The visit revealed disturbing incidents that I thought should be shared for fellow Ward 6 residents that have not had the opportunity to spend significant time in and around James Creek. However, it also illustrated that we can all be inspired by some of our Buzzards Point residents that have chosen to call James Creek home in an attempt to positively influence and help many of our residents that are most in need.

Antenna Madness - Many residents were upset about a September 2nd spat of juvenile violence, as more than 20 youth spent the hours after curfew beating on Canal Street vehicles with broken antennas. After what residents called a slow response, many of the youth were detained after significant damage had been caused to a number of cars. The source of this problem, which was not unusual for this neighborhood, remains a cultural divide where large numbers of our Ward 6 residents are being left behind, without hope for gainful employment, without hope for enjoying the resources many of us take for granted, and without the basic skills needed to help solve our biggest challenges.

Ms. Martin - I had the good fortune of talking for quite some time with Ms. Phyllis Martin and her son Phillip. Ms. Martin claims to be the oldest resident in James Creek and she can tell stories and tales with the best of them. She is extremely uspet with the continued lack of representation and the impending upheaval that is bound to push most of her neighbors out of the community. While we cannot prevent the massive development surrounding James Creek and Syphax, we can work extremely hard as a community to ensure these residents will have a place to go in the years ahead. Our vision of inclusive development can happen with aggressive, proactive planning. Maybe I am missing something, but, I have not seen it yet.

Entertainment with a Cause - Mr. and Mrs. Mays live on Canal Street. They are both concerned about the youth in their neighborhood, and want nothing more than for their children and those around them to have a chance. Mrs. Mays is a musician. She was kind enough to give me a copy of her latest CD. She and I are looking forward to hosting an event together to benefit our youth in the months ahead. Stand by for some serious fun geared towards benefiting some of our most needy children.

U.S. Marine Corps Service Translates to SW - Martin Cook spent ten years on active duty with the Marines, and was a veteran of Desert Storm I. He now manages a division in one of our national health care advocacy groups that is based in D.C. He could have lived anywhere in the District. But, he chose to live next to Syphax, where he could positively influence local children that need a chance. Several came up to chat with Mr. Cook several times during our conversation. It is clear that he is an integral part of the community and he aims to make a difference. With neighbors like Mr. Cook, it is clear that the future for SW can be very, very bright.

August 24, 2006 - Environment Forum

2006-08-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

A special thank you goes out to the leadership of Friends of the Earth and Chris Weiss, for hosting today’s intimate forum for Ward 1 and Ward 6 candidates. The Friends of the Earth is an influential, international network of grassroots organizations dedicated to creating a more healthy and just world. I was the only Ward 6 candidate to attend this unique forum, discussing crucial issues that will directly impact the environment and our approach to development in Ward 6 and the rest of DC. This forum was attended by other candidates, most notably Jim Graham and Andy Miscuk, along with an array of notable DC residents, including the president of the DC League of Women Voters, the head of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, the head of DC Smart Schools, the head of the Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities (WRN), and representatives from the American Friends Service Committee and the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

I had the opportunity to discuss many interesting and cutting edge issues that we will face as we plan for development across Ward 6. Questions from the audience addressed reducing river pollution, recycling at RFK and at the new stadium, green schools, and proper planning as our city’s population grows.

Reducing river pollution in and along the Anacostia must be a top priority for Ward 6 and the rest of DC. In addition, the impending development must be done with an eye towards continually improving the Anacostia experience through increased green space and accessibility.

There is no reason that there should not be recycling at RFK or the new stadium in Southeast. Recycling should be more prevalent in our schools and our communities as well. Our city should be a model for the rest of the country, and our commitment to recycling is no exception. Our current citywide recycling rate of 15% is inexcusable.

I encourage everyone to read the 2006 Environmental Agenda for the District of Columbia. This agenda contains 140 recommendations to protect and defend the environment in our city. The Agenda is available on line at http://www.foe.org/res/pubs/pdf/DCEN.pdf It is a very well thought-out and well researched document that was drafted by 33 local organizations that all care about the future of our city and our environment. I especially recommend the section on green schools.

Finally, as I say at almost every event I attend, Ward 6 is facing a great deal of development in the near future. This needs to be achieved in a way that not only takes into consideration our citizens, but also our environment. The state of the environment in our city has stalled. The rivers are polluted, the water often contains lead and the number of trees has actually decreased. We need to keep these factors in mind as we move forward with developments across the Ward and the city.

August 21, 2006 - Penn East, Inc.

2006-08-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Monday night, I attended an open house on Pennsylvania Avenue, east of Capitol Hill, sponsored by Penn East, Inc. Penn East Inc. is a group of concerned citizens and merchants who want to ensure community involvement in the development of the eastern Pennsylvania Avenue corridor. On Monday, we walked the span of Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th Street to 15th Street, SE, guided by Matt Doherty and Jill Dowling. Matt and Jill provided expert insight on the history of the area, what businesses had previously been located on Pennsylvania and what businesses would return to benefit this neighborhood. From the old A&P (now CVS), to the old diner (now McDonalds) at Barney Circle, it is clear the area has undergone an amazing amount of transition. It is also very clear that the arrival of Harris Teeter and Jenkins Row will usher in a new era of prosperity for many along the corridor. As such, it is extremely encouraging to have so many residents and small business owners, led by Penn East Inc., coming together to ensure the development is inclusive and beneficial to as many folks as possible, while preserving the culture and neighborhood-feel that so many of us have come to know and love.

August 21, 2006 - Comstock Development (Hill East in Transition)

2006-08-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

On Monday the Comstock Development group held a community meeting to discuss their planned development on the south side of East Capitol Street, between 17th and 18th Streets, SE. Local residents and members of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church were in attendance to interact with the developers while discussing the upcoming plans and permitting processes. The members of the church were concerned with potential vibrations from the project and the potential rodent infestations that could result from the demolition of the current buildings on the site. Comstock has hired an engineering company to measure and monitor the affect of the demolitions, excavation and construction on the neighboring buildings. They also distributed permission forms for the neighboring buildings to arrange for rattraps. Residents who live around the planned development voiced their concern about the height of the building and the setbacks from the neighboring structures.

These sort of community-feedback sessions are essential to well-thought out development. The representatives of Comstock openly admitted that the comments from the residents would be thoroughly considered and would not be ignored. Through community forums, such as this meeting at Mt. Moriah, we can ensure that our new developments take into account the cares and concerns of existing residents.

Another issue that was raised was the income levels that qualify for "affordable housing." The folks from Comstock stated, correctly, that they are bound by the affordable housing criteria delineated by the DC government. I think it is important that we evaluate these levels and be sure that they realistically include those that need the greatest help in finding affordable housing within our city. More importantly, we need a councilmember that will fight for our long-term residents to ensure we develop and implement aggressive plans and measures in Ward 6 and throughout the City, so that I will stop hearing about exceptions as to why so many developments include very few or no affordable housing units. I prefer to hear how impressive it is that so many units are being included in our new communities. This will result in a better distribution of units across the community, yielding a more evenly integrated mix of all forms of diversity across Ward 6.

August 19, 2006 - Neighborhood Connections

2006-08-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Like we have done on so many weekends this summer, my volunteers and I attended three very well attended Block Parties in Ward 6 this past Saturday. The first party was sponsored by Holy Name Church on 11th Street, NE. The Church opened its doors to members of the community and provided food, fellowship and great music. I spoke with members of Holy Name who grew up in the surrounding neighborhood, but were forced to move to Maryland when the housing became unaffordable. These folks expressed a genuine desire to return to the city, but lamented the lack of affordable housing options. I want the members of Holy Name to be able to live and worship in Ward 6, while enjoying the prosperity of the city along side of new residents.

The second block party was hosted by the Second Baptist Church on Canal Street, SW. We had a great time listening to the musical acts and chatting with the neighbors, many of whom are residents of the James Creek Community. These residents voiced concerns about the impending baseball development. Their message was one of concern that they would be forced to leave when the stadium was completed. These residents have lived in DC for generations and they fear that the new developments spurred on by the baseball stadium will push across South Capitol Street and make their homes a prime target for developers. Let's not kid ourselves. They will be forced to leave unless we proactively develop integrated, inclusive housing opportunities across the ward that will preserve affordable housing options for many of our longest tenured Ward 6 residents.

The third block party was at Sursum Corda. While the party was winding down at the time of our arrival, we managed to pass through the cooperative, talking with the residents about their thoughts on the recent council legislation granting the City the right to use eminent domain in executing their plans for the Northwest One New Community. While the legislation may have passed, the residents remain united behind David Chestnut and KSI in fighting to preserve their right to independently develop their land in conjunction with the City's Northwest One plan. I look forward to continued interaction with the community in the weeks and months ahead.

It is on behalf of all of these people that I spoke with across Ward 6 this weekend that I stand in support of affordable housing that will preserve the ability of long-term Ward 6 residents to remain as an integral part of our community. We must provide housing solutions that allow new citizens and long-term residents to live side-by-side, lifting each other up, and enjoying the best of what Ward 6 has to offer.

August 1, 2006 - National Night Out

2006-08-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, on July 2 of this year I witnessed a terrible act of violence in our community. Sadly, this was only one of many shootings and acts of violence that our hard working police must investigate each year. In July, the number of homicides in Ward 6 have gone up 13% from last year. The number of thefts in Ward 6 have gone up 26%. We need to work together and with our police to reduce these numbers.

As a sign of my support for our hard working public safety officers, I participated in this year's National Night Out. National Night Out is a nationwide series of events meant to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local police, and send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.

I attended the National Night Out events in Sherwood and at the 1D Substation in Southeast. I was especially pleased to see how well attended the event at Sherwood was, despite the fact that temperatures topped 100 degrees during the day! Even Mayor Williams attended the Sherwood event. As you can see in the picture, Mayor Williams and I had a chance to chat about the issues facing Ward 6.

While at these events I met with citizens who are passionate about taking back our streets and reducing crime. I met with parents who want to see their children grow up in drug-free communities. I met with our police officers who work hard every day to protect us. I want to bring the concerns of the citizens and the efforts of the police together to provide everyone with a safer community.

I have specific plans for how to make this community as safe as possible. I want to increase the number of police officers throughout the city. Response time to a 911 call should be reduced, and all citizens should be able to count on those whose job it is to protect them. It is my wish to get more police officers out of their patrol cars and onto the streets, walking our neighborhoods. It is one thing to know where the trouble areas are; it is another thing entirely to actually do something about it. With more police officers on the beat using varied transportation, this will be an attainable goal.

More police officers are not the only answer. Our safe communities start at home. We must remember to maintain our involvement with great community minded gatherings like PSAs, ANCs and neighborhood associations. I encourage all of you to attend your next PSA meeting so that your thoughts may be heard. I also want to hear your opinions. If you have any ideas or questions about public safety, please email me at will@willcobbforward6.com.

July 27, 2006 (SW Waterfront) and July 19, 2006 (RFK) - Major Ward 6 Development

2006-08-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

RFK Stadium Site Redevelopment: On July 19, 2006, Ward 6 residents were introduced to the National Capital Planning Commission's (NCPC) preliminary design concepts, as part of the RFK Stadium Site Redevelopment Study. The study area, which covers approximately 190 acres, is owned by the federal government, but it is leased to the District for carefully defined uses. With the Nationals heading to Near Southeast, the need for stadium use may be short-lived. Based on NCPC's Extending the Legacy Plan, this site is viewed as a dramatic gateway to the monumental core of the city, and provides opportunities for new monuments, museums, active recreation, open space, and new development. The study is aiming to involve the community and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2006. The city's decision of whether or not the site should be used as a stadium will trigger a host of activities culminating in the site's redevelopment. It is incumbent on us to actively participate and have our voices heard in the coming months. We must sound off together about our community's desire for adequate green space, recreational facilities, integrated housing that provides low-income, workforce and market rate units, and appropriate retail and services for the Hill East community. In the photo above, David Zaidain, the RFK Stadium Site Redevelopment Site Project Officer, shows preliminary illustrations of potential site partitions.

SW Waterfront On July 27, 2006, more than 200 SW residents and concerned citizens crammed into SEU's multi-purpose room to hear from the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation's (AWC) 5 development team finalists from the recent Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) competion between 17 initial respondents. The finalists are:
* EastBanc - LNR Waterfront Partners
* Madison/KSI Waterfront Partners
* PN Hoffman/Struever Brothers Eccles & Rouse
* SW Waterfront LLC (JBG)
* The John Buck Company
Each team discussed their qualifications and development strategies. JBG seemed to impress me the most because they openly stated that they had not put together a plan because they needed community input before creating their design. The John Buck Company was particulary impressive with their leadership in LEED design. Regardless of my thoughts, each team seems qualified and committed to community engagement and involvement throughout the design and development process.

In my mind, one of the Ward 6 Council Member's key roles over the next four years will be to fight on behalf of our existing residents to ensure the development is reflective of community needs and desires, while concurrently increasing the District's fiscal strength and financial independence.

July 22 - Alley Pride (& Caught in the Act)

2006-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

On June 3, 2006, I wrote about community ownership. Over the last few weeks, I have seen inspiring events and examples of our neighborhoods stepping up to improve the aesthetic appeal of our streets and alleys through cleanups and social gatherings.

This past weekend, I had the good fortune of joining the Rosedale Citizens Alliance in their cleanup of the streets and alleys surrounding 18th and D Streets, NE. With a turnout numbering close to 20 concerned residents, along with MPD and DPW, the Saturday morning cleanup crew piled up bags of discarded refuse that were gathered by both attendees and passersby that joined in to participate. A special note of appreciation is in order for Lance, Patrick, Ken, Stephanie, Monica, Kevin, Justin, and the many other volunteers that made the event so successful!

Caught in the Act: I should also note that two of the Will Cobb for Ward 6 volunteers participating in the event, Sondra Gilbert and Charles Fisher, stepped up and took matters into their own hands when confronted with an individual caught in the act of illegal dumping. Specifically, a contractor driving a car with Maryland tags was caught emptying his trunk of solidified refuse concrete in the alley just south of E Street, NE. Sondra confronted the individual and stepped around the back of his car to record his license plate. He drove off in a hurry upon recognizing Sondra's intent to ensure his illegal deed did not go unpunished. MPD and DPW, engaged in the cleanup, were called to the scene, with MPD quickly running a trace on the license plate. The vehicle was a rental that had been picked up in Maryland earlier that morning. Both MPD and DPW wrote citations, one for $500 and one for $1000 respectively, which were to be waiting with the rental agent upon the vehicle's return. A hats off to Sondra and Charles for stepping in to ensure this contractor will think twice before using Ward 6 alleys as a free dumping ground.

Current State: Having engaged in alley cleanups throughout Ward 6, having raced through the alleys north of H Street in pursuit of a criminal, and having made a point of walking alleys with residents in some of our neglected neighborhoods, one thing is clear. The current state of many Ward 6 alleys is extremely discouraging. As a haven for illicit activity, as a flood nuisance during heavy rain, and as often-neglected resident passageways, we must:

Ensure all alleys are paved (a large percentage of alleys off of Capitol Hill remain unpaved)
Equip our alleys for water runoff and drainage (many residents are blocked in by significant accumulating water during heavy rains)
Increase alley pride - they are an extension of our streets and they should reflect the same level of cleanliness that we are striving to achieve on our streets.

July 10, 2006 - WashPost Letter to the Editor (Sursum Corda Eminent Domain)

2006-07-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am outraged to think of what could happen to the residents of Sursum Corda, a private collaborative, if the City Council’s proposed bill 16-551, is passed on Tuesday, July 11. Sursum Corda has aggressively moved forward with a private developer to enable the collaborative to redevelop their land in conjunction with the District’s Northwest One initiative. However, the District is trying to take over the entire redevelopment of Northwest One, guaranteeing the existing residents a ‘right to return’ upon construction completion in 5-7 years. We all know that we will see very few of these proud residents in the District after they are scattered to Maryland, Virginia and beyond in the ensuing upheaval.

In my view, eminent domain should only be used for the public good when there really are no other options. In this case, we are bypassing the best option of all, where the residents of Sursum Corda come together with a private developer to lift themselves and their entire community up, yielding a fully integrated, more prosperous community, of which today’s residents will be a key component. Sursum Corda and their joint venture could be a role model for the rest of the District and the rest of the country. This should be viewed as an opportunity that would enable our longtime residents to lift themselves and their neighbors up by increasing their accountability and ownership in the community. I have knocked on every door in the community and their message is clear. Sursum Corda residents have the heart and spirit to see this through and I am confident that their increased stake and accountability will yield powerful results that will benefit all of Northwest One, Ward 6, and the District.

Respectfully,

Will Cobb

Democratic Candidate for Ward 6 City Council

July 2, 2006 - Streets in Distress

2006-07-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Public safety has been a top priority of mine long before I entered this race. Far too many of us have seen or been victimized by criminals in our neighborhoods. This afternoon, as I spoke with a resident of 12th Street, NE, I had the extreme displeasure of witnessing another Ward 6 shooting.

The victim was a customer of Horace and Dickey’s. He was struck once in the leg as he exited the store. In checking with the MPD 1st District a short time ago, the victim is reported to be recovering well. I will continue to stay abreast of his progress through the MPD and will work with the U.S. Attorney's office to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.

As the shooter fled the scene, a tense moment occurred as he and I crossed paths. My immediate focus, of course, was on the injured man. After ensuring the victim was stable, I immediately contacted the authorities and ended up combing the alleyways with our First District force in search of gunman. The pursuit went on only for so long, until the two officers I was with were pulled off the search for another reported shooting. Sadly, some days with MPD are just that way...

It is clear that many of our Ward 6 neighborhoods remain in crisis; my door-knocking and meeting attendance tells me that everyday. We must get the rest of our population engaged because it impacts each of us, whether we choose to confront it or not. The problem is that the longer the majority of our residents ignore it, the more of us will be affected as it invades our neighborhoods. It should not take each Ward 6 resident to be an eyewitness to our day-to-day street violence to realize we must attack this together. While education remains my key focal point, and will provide long-term solutions to this problem, we must attack our public safety in :

1. Increased officer presence through more resources
2. Increased access to youth-to-work and youth recreational facilities and programs
3. More community engagement to improve citizen awareness and responsiveness - we must capitalize on the efforts of our citizen activists (e.g., Stephanie Nixon, Vanessa Ruffin, Mark Dixon, David Sobelsohn, Al Coles, and so many more) to share the burden and jointly combat this Ward 6 crisis.

June 21, 2006 - Capitol Hill Transportation Study Public Meeting (& Notes on ANCs)

2006-06-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Overview: On June 21, 2006, Capitol Hill residents had the opportunity to see and hear the latest updates on the massive Capitol Hill Transportation Study that is currently underway. Between now and September 2006, residents should be reviewing the study {CLICK HERE to see the study}. The study is being updated to reflect the recommended improvements presented at the June 21, 2006 meeting.

Call to Action: I hear routinely about the traffic problems experienced throughout Ward 6. From the impending baseball stadium construction, to the challenges faced by pedestrians navigating Capitol Hill, to the pros and cons of making major thoroughfares (e.g., 17th and 19th Streets) two-way to slow down traffic flow, we clearly can improve transportation conditions to make navigation safer and more conducive to pedestrian-friendly living. To make sure our next round of transportation decisions have your input, I ask our Capitol Hill residents to;
1. Review the Study: I strongly encourage all Capitol Hill residents to thoroughly review the website hyperlink above to see how the current study and its recommendations may improve your neighborhood traffic conditions.
2. Get Involved:
2.A. If you are part of ANC6A, I encourage you to contact Omar Mahmud. Omar chairs the ANC6A Transportation Committee. He and his committee are aggressively reviewing the current recommendations being considered to improve their neighborhood conditions. They intend to provide Chris Delfs with their thoughts and concerns in August, for consideration prior to the presentation of draft final findings and recommendations in September 2006.
2.B. If you are not part of ANC6A, you can submit recommendations directly to Mr. Delfs and his staff.
2.C. You can also pass your recommendations directly to me as I intend to provide a consolidated list of recommendations to Mr. Delfs. I would be happy to include your recommendation in my submission. My submission will also include the petition, drafted and routed by Amy Searight, voicing Barney Circle resident's concerns about making the 700-900 block of Kentucky Avenue two-way. In speaking with Mr. Delfs, that idea has been shelved given the significant changes currently underway in the Penn East corridor. It will be revisited at a later date.
3. Own Your Community: The District Department of Transportation is going out of its way to involve the citizens it serves. Between now and September, it is incumbent on us, the benefactors of DDOT efforts, to review their work to date, and ensure the study and its recommendations reflect our needs. While this study does not address all concerns, it is a major step forward. Now is the time to speak up to make the study event better, ensuring DDOT addresses as many of our concerns and recommendations as possible during the project's rapidly approaching implementation phase.

In the Future - ANC Utilization: I referenced the Transportation Committee from ANC6A in 2.A. above.
1. Baseline Committees: Under my watch, I intend to aggressively promote active committees across each of our ANCs. At a minimum, I would like ANC committees to include transportation, planning and zoning, alcohol/beverage, and public safety.
2. Ad hoc Committees Addressing Neighborhood-Specific Needs: I envision other ad hoc committees to exist to address specific community needs and concerns across our diverse ward.
3. Sharing the Burden: Most importantly, I envision increased sharing of lessons learned, operating procedures and an increased distribution of workload across an ever-increasing involved citizen corps determined to hold our government accountable and emblazoned by a passion to improve our community. We can do better and working inclusively across the entire ward will prove it.

June 20, 2006 - Jailbreak Thoughts and Next Steps

2006-06-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

On June 3, 2006, two individuals escaped from the DC Jail. Is an escape required to force the DC Department of Corrections into action to prevent further escapes? This seems to have been the catalyst for a broad suite of reforms and security enhancements designed to prevent further escapes. However, I find it downright shocking that a fence, increased security cameras, the siren that didn't function, the steel-cased windows, the strobe lights, the dogs, and a exterior roving security patrol had not been considered or were deemed unnecessary prior to June 3, 2006. As a resident not privy to the details of the DC Jail's day-to-day operations, this neighborhood trusted that the DC Jail knew what it was doing in protecting local residents, its correctional officers, and the inmates themselves during routine operations. Given the recent chain of events, that was a complete mistake.

1. Training: In the United States Coast Guard, we trained and drilled for every possible scenario routinely. Exercises were run daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually based on probability of occurrence and impact. Apparently, the DC Jail's operations prior to June 3, 2006, did not require any drills or training. How else can one explain the missing siren or the lack of awareness prior to the chase by the Corrections Officer who happened to be arriving as the departing inmates made their way to the Metrobus?

2. Trust: While the DC Jail aggressively pursues reform, the trust has been broken. Are we to trust that the DC Jail is prepared to deal with the many possible scenarios that could significantly impact the community? How will the community be impacted when the DC Jail is affected by another escape, a fire, a riot, a man/woman down, severe weather or power outage? The DC Department of Corrections efforts in communicating with the neighborhood at last night's event are greatly appreciated. However, many people in the community could not attend. As a good neighbor, the DC Jail needs to perform an outreach campaign to ensure that all residents living in close proximity to the facility are aware of the ongoing security improvements. Most importantly, they should not assume that nearby residents know what to do during possible scenarios. They should develop an information package and provide it to all nearby residents. Only by going above and beyond the call of duty will the DC Jail begin to regain the trust of the residents.

As the Ward 6 City Councilmember, I will;
1. Require publication of drill type and frequency. For security reasons, I would not publish drill results. However, they will be made available to the City Council. As the Ward 6 City Council representative, I will personally witness a surprise 'escape' drill annually.
2. Ensure the DC Department of Corrections is in regular contact with every resident of every street in the quadrant bordered by 19th Street to the east, 16th Street to the west, G Street to the south, and Independence Avenue to the north. The Department of Corrections should provide a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) and key things about the jail that community members should know (e.g., when detainees are released, strobe light locations, what to do in case of, etc.)
3. Ensure the Department of Corrections satisfactorily completes the promises for security enhancements outlined by Devon Brown on June 19, 2006 at Payne Elementary School. Through neighborhood collaboration on the 1800 block of Potomac Avenue, we have a list of the items outlined by Devon Brown at Payne Elementary on June 19, 2006.
3.A. I have added an item to the original list requiring further review. Specifically, through the June 24, 2006, siren test, it is apparent that we need siren repeaters throughout the neighborhood. I positioned myself with neighbors in the Barney Circle neighborhood for the test, and it was barely audible. In questioning many residents along the 700-900 block of Kentucky Avenue, SE, immediately after the test, most did not hear it. The only people that heard it were on the porch of 737 Kentucky Avenue, SE. It would not have been heard if a plane had been overhead, or if any other competing noises had been present at the time of the test. Based on today's test, it is clear that an improved siren must be installed at the DC Jail, and repeaters must be placed in nearby neighborhoods to ensure all receive the audible alarm in case of emergency.
3.B. With respect to the test execution, residents were extremely appreciative of the event and now have a better understanding of how reverse-911 works after last night's calls to all local residents to further prepare residents for today's drill. This was a great step and as evidenced by the numerous online comments and today's street discussions, the residents of this community look forward to increased interaction with DOC and DC Jail officials in improving our dialogue, awareness, and understanding of DC Jail operations as improvements continue.
4. I will aggressively combat complacency at the DC Jail and in our community. We cannot afford to assume government is ready to respond with the resources to protect our citizens. If Katrina and my time in the Coast Guard taught me anything, it is that neighborhoods and communities must plan for the worst. We cannot assume that government will have things under control when the unexpected takes place. DC's public servants are aggressively trying to do their jobs above and beyond the call of duty. However, they are often shortchanged with inadequate leadership or constrained resources that inhibit their ability to serve the public to the utmost of their ability. Your City Councilmember must insist on effective leadership and adequate funding, and he or she must be ready to take drastic action when the forces of complacency work to maintain the status quo.
5. I will challenge Ward 6 residents to work with me to demand increased tranparency in government operations. I will be in the trenches encouraging residents and leaders to step forward to receive training as emergency certified volunteers, prepared to act as emergency responders with the knowledge and awareness to help in times of distress. My shipmates and I succeeded on the high seas under the mantra of 'Semper Paratus - Always Ready.' As an Eagle Scout, I was taught to 'Be Prepared.' Our government and its citizens need to operate under similar mantras if we are to be ready the next time the government drops the ball. As your City Councilmember, I will be doing everything in my power to ensure the ball is never dropped. Concurrently, I will be putting forth an extreme amount of energy into preparing this community for when the unexpected happens or when our emergency resources are simply overextended due to an unprecedented emergency. The current state is unacceptable and everyone knows it. It is up to us to come together and do something about it. To me, the '06 jailbreak is the latest wake-up call of our overarching lack of preparedness. How many more wakeup calls will we get before it is too late? With me as your City Councilmember, you can expect a major call to action. I will accept nothing less!

June 17, 2006 - MoTH; As parents, should we stay or should we go?

2006-06-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am often asked why I am running to be the next Ward 6 City Councilmember. Over the months, the answer has continued to evolve as I have developed a deeper and deeper understanding of the biggest challenges facing Ward 6.

As I initially embarked on this journey of service, I was inspired by the daunting figures reflected in the ongoing exodus of parents, friends, and neighbors with children facing the challenge of obtaining placement in effective, reasonably priced schools. More often than not, my friends and neighbors have moved to Stafford, Annapolis, Vienna, Frederick, or elsewhere.

The biggest issue holding Ward 6 back is our inability to adequately address the educational challenge. For this reason, I am all for increasing accountability, raising performance, and fundamentally shifting how DCPS operates. As your Ward 6 City Councilmember, I will;

A. Be a strong voice for increased mayoral oversight and control. As I look at the success stories around the world, and especially in NYC, I will support adoption of their model of mayoral control and neighborhood advisory councils comprised mostly of concerned parents.

B. Be a strong voice for fiscal accountability, performance measures, and regular review. We continue to throw money at DCPS without better results. If we are not getting the performance our children and parents expect, I will be a strong voice for quickly finding someone who can meet our needs.

C. Be a 'watchdog' as we embark on a major modernization of our schools - we must all be 'watchdogs.' Having proven that DCPS cannot adequately oversee large expenditures, we as a community must receive regular reports on progress to date with the schools undergoing construction or major modernization. We must know as soon as a project is offtrack so that corrective action can be taken before it is too late.

D. Be a strong proponent of increased communication and transparency in everything DC government and DCPS does. A prime example is Rightsizing - this is a painful, necessary step in improving our schools. However, as with my professional life to date, I am a strong proponent of planning. In my state and local government consulting experience, we strive for 60% of the work to take place during the planning phase(s). As a community, we have known for years that our schools have been underutilized, yet we didn't begin a real community dialogue on the subject until March 2006. This was way too late; improvements in communication must be made in order to create a better education system here in the District.

June 13, 2006 - SW Forum - Getting Together

2006-06-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

On June 13th all of the Democratic Ward 6 City Council candidates met for a debate at the Capitol Park Towers at 301 G Street, SW. It was a pleasure to engage the other candidates as well as hear the concerns of the residents. Everywhere I go, I get continued validation that people are looking for someone that will stand up and represent all of Ward 6. I am making it very clear that I am that candidate. The residents of SW have yet to be welcomed to Ward 6, having spent the first two-plus decades of home rule as part of Ward 2. While a bit late, I look forward to formally welcoming all of SW to Ward 6, ensuring the entire community recognizes that they finally have someone that will represent their interests; someone who will fight on their behalf at the Wilson Building. My actions and time spent in SW reflect my commitment to further understanding the issues dividing SW from the rest of Ward 6. You can bet that I will continue to spend a significant amount of time in SW throughout the campaign, and most importantly, each week after the election to ensure our Ward 6 representative is addressing the issues and challenges most adversely affecting this important Ward 6 community.

June 11, 2006 - Complete Equality

2006-06-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

To me, Capital Pride symbolizes fairness. We currently have a large segment of our population that continues to deal with day-to-day discrimination because of sexual orientation. I believe that many of us are proud that our City is one of the most liberal in supporting our gay and lesbian residents in the pursuit of total equality. However, we have a long way to go. As the Ward 6 City Councilmember, I will fight to ensure all of our residents are treated equally and fairly. I will work with our GLBT community to ensure the District is on the leading edge in guaranteeing equality in all legislative respects.

It was an honor to join members of our GLBT community on Pennsylvania Avenue on June 11, 2006 and it has been a pleasure to meet so many members of the community during my door-to-door campaign. I also appreciate the support I am attracting from members of the GLBT community as they recognize that they have a sincere, honest candidate that is not afraid to stand up and fight for what is right for all members of our community, regardless of race, income, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.

June 6, 2006 - Eminent Domain - Inappropriate Use

2006-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

On June 6, Sharon Ambrose brought Proposed Bill 16-551 out of committee and before the entire City Council, with the hope of obtaining eminent domain authority for the City in redeveloping Northwest One. Given the current state of Northwest One and the proactive stance of the owners of Sursum Corda in redeveloping the property, I am strongly opposed to this action.

The residents of Sursum Corda have formed a joint venture with Virginia-based KSI. As such, Sursum Corda is in a position of overseeing the development of their property, and if given the opportunity, they could lift not only themselves from poverty, but could potentially provide assistance in lifting the residents of nearby Temple Courts and Golden Rule as well. Furthermore, a success story created by empowering KSI and Sursum Corda could serve as a role model for Washington, DC, and the rest of the country.

With 16-551, the City is guaranteeing a 'right of return' to residents currently calling the area now designated as Northwest One home. However, experience has taught us that once these residents are removed, they are unlikely to return. As a city, can we honestly look at the proposed use of eminent domain as appropriate when the residents have created a joint venture that would allow them to stay in Ward 6? We are on the verge of throwing away an opportunity that Washington, DC, and the rest of our nation, may not see again for quite some time. Let's empower the residents of Sursum Corda to lift themselves and prove that they can pull together to make their development a success. This will allow them to preserve their community, while introducing new housing that will facilitate housing integration with other income levels.

June 3, 2006 - Community Ownership

2006-06-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

At 309 Kentucky Avenue, SE, neighbors (e.g., Dinis Leal, Carl Ford, Lauren Hudacik, Josh Boots, Lisa Dixon, Spencer Nichols, Bill Flynn, Pam Cobb, Dan and Chris Ridge) gathered for another monthly cleanup this morning. Gathering nearly 15 full bags of DPW-approved yellow trashbags, the impact of the effort on the surrounding community was readily apparent through the litter-free streets that I proudly walked along later in the day. It became even more apparent as I spent the afternoon knocking on doors in other parts of Ward 6 that clearly had not been subject to any type of neighborhood cleanup (i.e., resident or government initiated) in quite some time. While I will push for increased results from our hard working public servants in DPW (Justin Ingea and Thomas Day; Thank-You for your continued effort!), I will also emphasize the importance of increased community ownership in ensuring their streets and communities are clean, reflecting the pride we all should feel as residents of one of our nation's most beloved and historic communities. While it is painful to see our neighbors or passersby leaving litter along our streets, we should all be proud when a fellow resident goes out of their way to pick up someone else's debris. It happens everyday in Rosedale when Perry Roots patrols 17th Street from E Street to Gales Street in NE. It happens everyday when Bill Flynn walks his dachtsunds up Kentucky Avenue, SE. It happens elsewhere throughout Ward 6. What we have to ask ourselves is whether we're doing our own little part to ensure Ward 6 is a bit cleaner after we pass?

June 1, 2006 - Increasing Chances of Success with Recovering Addicts

2006-06-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Near Northeast Citizens Against Crime and Drugs (NNCACD), in conjunction with Charles J. Moreland, JD, have made 300 copies of Mr. Moreland's latest book ("The Way To Freedom From Life's Many Addictions") available to Ward 6 residents working to put their lives together after extensive battles with addiction. The book will be published this fall. In advance of publication, Mr. Moreland has graciously offered the book in its pre-publication state to Lorre Murray and the NNCACD to aid ongoing efforts to support members of our community battling addiction. If interested in obtaining a copy of this insightly publication, please contact Mr. Moreland at cjmoreland@aol.com, or Lorre Murray at 202-547-9235. In my review, it was very apparent the book will serve as a great tool in reaching members of our community in need. Mr Moreland should be commended for donating so many copies for use by NNCACD to reach our neighbors currently in battle against addiction.

June 1, 2006 - Homeland Insecurity

2006-06-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

At the June 1st Near Northeast Citizens Against Crime and Drugs (NNCACD) meeting at Wilson Elementary, Jerald J. 'Crazy Horse' Woody, Sr., spoke about his efforts to raise awareness for citizen preparedness in Ward 6. It was encouraging to finally hear someone other than Mark Dixon and yours truly address the importance and urgency of ensuring our residents have taken necessary precautions in case our community is at the center of a natural or man-made disaster. There are many things we can do (and should be doing) today to ensure we are prepared for something bad tomorrow. Unfortunately, we are not doing them. You can bet that as the Ward 6 City Council Member, I will aggressively work with our ANCs to stress the importance of getting our families and individuals prepared to handle themselves in case of a disaster. In the Coast Guard, I was taught to live by a slogan - Semper Paratus (Always Ready). That mantra should apply to Ward 6. But, I regret to inform you that my door-to-door inquiries have revealed that we are far from ready. As your Ward 6 Councilmember, I will do everything in my power to ensure that changes.

Woody & Mark - Thank-you for your persistent effort in this area to make our citizens more aware and prepared in case of unexpected disasters.

May 23, 2006 - Where are our Stars?

2006-05-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today, a classmate of mine from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy completed his 18 weeks of training to become a special agent in the FBI. As he and his FBI classmates walked across the stage to receive their badges, I had to think, how come none of these new agents were from Washington, DC? I then thought back to my graduating classes from business school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Not once have I walked across the stage with a classmate that was originally from Washington, DC. One could say that it is because our population is so small. While that has something to do with it, I think it has more to do with our extremely high dropout rates, excessive truancy, and bottom of the ladder test scores. While we have stars that make us all proud as they go on to do great things, we have far too few of them. As a community, we simply must do a better job ensuring our graduates can compete and excel at all levels. Washington, DC, residents should be walking across stages everywhere representing us and our academic accomplishments as they prepare for lives of professional achievement and community contributions. We simply must break this cycle of substandard performance that produces illiterate graduates that cannot function effectively in society, much less aid in solving our most difficult challenges. Tough times lie ahead - we must prepare our youth. Anything less is a risk not worth taking.

May 22, 2006 - Barney Circle

2006-05-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Reuben Hameed, along with several other volunteers, has been working overtime to line things up to request that ANC6B support Barney Circle's residents in their bid for a Historic District designation. If this is successful, it could be very helpful in preserving the existing character and charm of today's Barney Circle. However, it will take time to put the designation into effect. The Barney Circle Neighborhood Association will be aggressively communicating key items with other residents, not in attendance at the May 22 meeting, before officially requesting that the ANC back their request. Upon obtaining ANC approval, it will take another 6 months, at a minimum to prepare the nomination. The Historic Preservation Office takes the nomination to the Historic Preservation Review Board, which takes another 3-4 months to schedule, with a decision and implementation most likely occurring at the Review Board's meeting. My thoughts - this is great for Barney Circle and should be embraced. It will be up to the Barney Circle Neighborhood Association to present the pros and cons to the neighbors to get widespread support for the action. They intend to get busy making that happen immediately. It is great to see neighborhoods rallying to improve our community!

May 15, 2006 - Rosedale In Need

2006-05-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Folks that live close to the Rosedale Recreation Center see the numerous kids that take advantage of the recreational facility and the adjoining fields and courts for organized football, baseball and basketball. They also see that the hundreds of children that use Rosedale, are using a cramped, aged facility, that is in desperate need of renovation. To foster awareness within the City Council, the Rosedale Youth Institute, an organization of Rec Center parents and volunteers, and the Rosedale Citizens Alliance were able to get Kathy Patterson, the Chair of the Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, to visit the Rec Center for a discussion and tour. Clinton Sharp, president of the Institute, introduced the Councilmember at the meeting and outlined resident concerns. Also present were local ANC commissioners Gladys Mack and Mfon Ibangha; Frank Crawford, the Director of the Rec Center; Kevin Keegan, the new Police Inspector for PSA 103; the Hill Rag's Nancy Rosen; and yours truly. After hearing from members of the community, Ms. Patterson made remarks and toured the facility. She could not have walked away thinking anything other than that an overhauled, or entirely new, Rosedale Recreation Center should be a line item in next year's budget. The real question is how it wasn't in this year's budget, or last year's, or the previous year's, or........I'd say we need a city councilmember that will fight for our neighborhoods that have had a difficult time being heard in recent years. For the time being, a hearty thank-you should be going out to all those that do so much for so many children around Rosedale. A thank-you should also go to Clinton Sharp, Rick Uzes and the countless other long-term residents, parents and volunteers that are doing so much for the children of Rosedale on a daily basis, while aggressively promoting awareness for a new facility.

May 11, 2006 - Community Achievement

2006-05-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune of attending the 23rd Annual Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards. It was an honor to see the Capitol Hill Community Foundation in action. But, I must say that I was most impressed by Janice and Hal Gordon, two of the evening's award recipients. Janice and Hal lead the Community Action Group (CAG), which operates out of the gatehouse at the Old Naval Hospital at 9th and Pennsylvania. For nearly 20 years, they have had a major impact in helping some of our community's most needy. CAG has turned into a network of programs in our area, some of which receive federal assistance, and all of which positively contribute to aiding those battling to recover from addiction and homelessness. The night was capped with the CAG's fifty-voice choir reverberating throughout the Folger Shakespeare Library. It was magnificent and there could be no more fitting a tribute for these two 'retired' community servants that do so much for so many. If you get a chance, I'd recommend you stop by the Old Naval Hospital gatehouse, or the CAG Fellowship Hall on the 100 block of 15th Street. They're always looking for community volunteers.

May 10, 2006 - ANC6C - Firing on all Cylinders

2006-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

It is refreshing to see the commissioners of an ANC working together for the benefit of their respective neighborhoods. On May 10, 2006, ANC6C was particulary impressive as they rallied behind the residents of Golden Rule, Temple Courts, and Sursum Corda, by passing a motion demanding that the City Administrator (Robert Day), the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (Stanley Jackson), and the Northwest One Council be present at the next community forum to discuss the Northwest One Plan. No one from the city was present at the April 21, 2006 meeting, when the residents of Temple Courts were notified by Bush Construction that their leases were being terminated and that all 211 families would be asked to leave within 90 days. The ANC is standing behind its residents to do whatever it can to facilitate a compromise that will keep Temple Courts residents as members of the Ward 6 community. I look forward to the next community forum when the city will be a more active and hopefully, a more helpful part of the discussion. Mark Dixon, the ANC6C Chairman, is organizing the next forum.
Also, on May 10th, ANC6C had reason to celebrate. Commissioners Mike Sherman and Bill Sisolak successfully led a community effort to rezone the Medlink block to R-5-B. Through Mike and Bill, along with the efforts of many, many neighbors like Bobbie Krengel, the community made and won its case, ensuring that the future site of today's Medlink will be in line with the City's Master Plan. We, along with those that will follow us, will forever benefit from this coordinated effort by ANC6C. Mike, Bill and Crew, thank-you!

May 9, 2006 - Every Vote Counts

2006-05-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

"Every Vote Counts" - Attending all Ward 6 ANC meetings enables me to see our local democracy in action on a regular basis. At this evening's ANC6B meeting, it was especially apparent as SMD 6B01 had a special election to fill a recently vacated seat. Three distinguished candidates (Mark Waugh, Diane Branand, and Dave Garrison) for 6B01 Commissioner made presentations at the beginning of the meeting, with the polls opening immediately thereafter. Determining the winner literally came down to drawing lots as the top two candidates each received 42 votes. Upon swearing in by a DC Council Member, Dave Garrison will assume the duties of your next 6B01 Commissioner. Congratulations to Dave, as well as Diane and Mark for stepping up to serve!

April 28, 2006

2006-05-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

School Modernization Celebration: Marc Borbely pulled together one heck of an event with his school modernization celebration on April 27, 2006. With Jack Evans, David Catania, Kathy Patterson and so many key school players in attendance (e.g., Darlene Allen - President of DC PTAs, Nathan Saunders - General VP of the Washington Teachers Union, Iris Toyer - Chair of Parents United for the DCPS, Sarah Woodhead - former head of DCPS facilities, and many, many more), coupled with the recent passing of this year's school modernization bill, this was clearly a time for celebration. It was also a time for acknowledging the incredible amount of work that lies ahead as this impressive group of activists and concerned citizens transitions from applying legislative pressure to 'spending oversight' in ensuring this year's impressive bill truly benefits students throughout DC by providing the infrastructure support required for a world class education system. While we will all be watchdogs, it is incumbent on all of us to be abreast and involved in making sure the modernization effort is successful in the coming years (& decades).

April 26, 2006

2006-05-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Mark Dixon, the chairman of ANC 6C, pulled together many of the community’s heavyweights involved in executing (or supposedly executing) the Northwest One Redevelopment Plan. From 6-9 PM on April 26, Mark led a discussion at the DC Housing Authority, where members of the development community, city leaders, and residents of Temple Courts and Sursum Corda, along with one of our local athletic superstars, Darrell Green (http://www.darrellgreen.com/), came together to discuss plans for Northwest One. The meeting got off to a rocky start as Bush Construction announced the forthcoming closure of Temple Courts, which would turn more than 200 families out onto the street. While a heated and passionate debate followed, it became clear to all that a general lack of communication existed amongst all parties. After hours of discussion, key government players left committed to getting the answers required for Temple Courts residents to better understand their future. As covered in the Washington Post in the ensuing days, Mayor Williams and the Federal Government (through HUD) have pledged themselves to finding an alternative that will prevent the Temple Courts residents from being dispersed. We’ll see……what clearly should have happened is that the City should have moved forward on the Northwest One redevelopment plan immediately after it was completed. New construction in line with the Plan would have provided the best option for Temple Courts residents as the City and Federal Government work to replace Temple Courts with a better product that would combine families across income levels. Since the Northwest One Plan has been sitting on the shelf, everyone is left pointing fingers as the Federal government has made it clear that Temple Courts is no longer adequate to provide safe housing for its residents.

Lesson Learned –
1. Communication must be improved amongst all players involved in providing and supporting housing for our communities.
2. While Temple Courts is on life-support, we had better urgently address the plan of how to keep our Temple Courts residents in the community. I have been nothing but inspired by Temple Courts resident and ANC Commissioner Lela Brown, who represents all that we are trying to preserve. We cannot turn our back on her and all that she represents. However, we can commit ourselves to creating improved housing opportunities that integrate Ms. Brown and her neighbors into communities that we can all be proud of (e.g., the new Kentucky Courts in SE).

Please see the Washington Post articles on April 27, 28 and 29 to see how this story played out in the papers:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/28/AR2006042801929.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/27/AR2006042702185.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/26/AR2006042602824.html

Introduction

2006-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

As I attend meetings and events throughout Ward 6, I would like to share many of the recurring messages I am hearing from the community. Running a campaign is an experience like none other. Rarely does one have the good fortune of getting to interact with so many people that are trying to improve Ward 6. What is missing is the person that can tie it all together so that we are all working in concert to accomplish our goals – working together, I will be that person.

I will use this page to share my ongoing thoughts as I continue to interact with so many talented and inspiring individuals throughout the Ward. I am regularly humbled and inspired by the people I meet and work with and look forward to introducing you to these people and their organizations as they often form the foundation for so many good things happening in our community. I will also use this page, in conjunction with my “Platform” to share my thoughts on our most difficult challenges.