GGW’s voter guide is a great resource for DC residents looking to learn more about candidates in any neighborhood. Below, you will see their detailed questions and my responses.
| What hopes and/or concerns do you have for 14th Street NW? Would you support bus lanes on 14th Street NW? |
| I hope that 14th street can continue to be a vital center of cultural, commercial and residential activity in DC. My concerns for 14th Street would be that its growth and popularity cause an increase in prices which would, in turn, put pressure on local businesses and existing residents. I hope that the building stock grows, so that 14th Street can continue to host a diverse set of businesses and residents. As more people flock to the corridor, and as its residential population increases, non-car transportation solutions aren’t just preferable – they are essential to mitigate congestion and increase safety. 14th Street is also an important north-south commuting route. For both of these groups, bus lanes would meet an important transportation need. I’d also support a more holistic evaluation of the transportation needs of the corridor, including separated bike lanes and additional facilities for bike(/scooter) parking. |
| As U Street continues to become a destination site for DC, what hopes and/or concerns do you have for the corridor? How will you work to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean and inviting, and how will you support residents most at risk of both physical and social/cultural displacement in the neighborhood? |
| Let’s be clear: U Street has a long history as a destination in DC, from the “Black Broadway” era to today. I hope that this incomparable legacy continues, and grows even stronger in the years to come. My biggest concern would be that development could cause us to lose some of what makes this place special. That includes residents who are at risk of displacement. But I don’t think that outcome is assured — in fact, I think that growth is needed to preserve and strengthen U Street. I’ll address this by proactively engaging with the community and the city on new development projects. We have two very large publicly-owned parcels in 1B12, at 14th and S, and at the Reeves Center. These represent tremendous opportunities for affordable housing, for arts, for public spaces, and for economic growth. I’ll help convene a group of residents to provide input to DMPED on both of these developments. This ensures better outcomes, and also helps increase awareness about changes to our community. Similarly, regarding public space – I believe in proactive engagement with the groups that can help address these problems. Perhaps businesses could sponsor larger solar-powered trash receptacles; or the District’s Clean Team could optimize its schedule to address the times when trash accumulates most rapidly in public space. |
| What hopes and/or concerns do you have for new homeless shelter? |
| I think the new shelter is a huge opportunity to continue to strengthen the broader Ward 1 community. (I’m not aware of plans to locate a shelter in 1B12.) 1B12, and many other SMDs, are vibrant because of the concentration of so many different kinds of activity. Twenty-somethings, families with children, and senior citizens all reside in the same area. A homeless shelter is simply another source of activity in a neighborhood. Of course, it’s important that the city is prepared for possible challenges. But right now, I’m more concerned that these facilities, if not designed properly, could disrupt neighborhoods — for example with auto-centric planning, or excessive barriers (e.g. fencing) that would prevent them from integrating into their surroundings. |
| How would you handle negotiating a settlement agreement for a controversial bar/restaurant in your single member district? |
| Generally speaking, I believe most business owners are good actors, and that restaurants and bars strengthen the communities where they operate. With that in mind, I’d handle settlement agreements like I handle negotiations in my day job: transparently, with clearly-defined desired outcomes, a detailed understanding of all issues, and above all a focus on facts. I understand business planning and operations, and I have experience writing and negotiating contracts of a variety of sizes. I’ll apply this knowledge to achieve a realistic balance between community interests and business interests. I’d bring a clearly-defined set of community concerns, and respectfully engage with the business owners to find a solution agreeable to all sides. |
| What will you do as commissioner to address crime and public safety concerns in your community? What is your opinion of the NEAR Act, and how will you engage with it as a commissioner? |
| We need systemic solutions to complex problems like crime and public safety. Traditional “tough on crime” policies haven’t proven to be effective, and they alienate the communities they are intended to protect. I strongly support the NEAR Act’s approach to crime as a public health problem. Whether it’s providing anti-bias training to police officers or creating an office focused on engaging vulnerable citizens, I’m glad DC has begun to recognize that the most effective way to prevent crime is to support strong communities. That’s how I’ll address crime and public safety concerns in my neighborhood. I’ve already met with our DCPD District Commander, who shared his thoughts on how we could work together. As Commissioner, I’ll make sure I am connected with all resources available to promote public safety, from DCPD to MOCRs and all else. Through my listserve and through my efforts to increase attendance at ANC meetings, I’ll help residents understand the resources available, beyond 911 and 311. Public safety challenges stretch across ANC, Ward and even city boundaries. I will also seek to collaborate with other Commissioners and officials from other impacted jurisdictions, to support citywide solutions. |
| If there were a way to improve bus transit or bike infrastructure in your neighborhood, but it required removing on-street parking, how would you approach the situation? Give a specific example if possible. |
| First, I’d want to understand the general arguments in favor of the new infrastructure. I’m a supporter of buses and bikes, but I’m also a supporter of pedestrians. It’s possible that wider sidewalks could be a better use of public space. Generally speaking, I’d attempt to build consensus in support of the bus/bike infrastructure improvements. Assuming that bus/bike improvements are the optimal outcome, I’d take a few steps to accurately understand what my constituents are thinking about the possible changes. This is a very important topic, so it’s worth spending time. At a minimum, I’d put out an online survey to a neighborhood listserve, I’d have a public meeting to solicit feedback, and I’d even go door-to-door for a few hours. Much of the time, I think the loudest voices come from the handful of residents who stand to lose almost-free use of a public resource, the street. My approach is aimed at capturing the opinion of a representative cross-section of residents, and also helping people understand the rationale behind transportation improvements that might, at first, seem to be an inconvenience. In any case, I can think of very few situations where I’d vote against removal of on-street parking. (Curb cuts are the most obvious exception.) As I’ve already explained to prospective constituents, we may disagree but you’ll always understand why I’m voting the way I do. And to mitigate community opposition, I’d be glad to explore alternative solutions, perhaps leveraging the ample residential garage parking in 1B12. |
| Where would you like to see new bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or other infrastructure to make it safer for residents, families, and seniors to walk and bike? What are the top Vision Zero priorities for your community? |
| I have my own ideas, below, for specific improvements in my SMD. But I want to think bigger. I believe ANCs can help build support for Vision Zero in general, separate from specific improvements. When neighbors understand the overarching objectives, it helps reduce knee-jerk opposition to changes. Through committees, workshops, surveys and on-the-street interactions, I’d proactively engage 1B12 residents in Vision Zero-focused discussions and education. These would also be opportunities to generate ideas on specific infrastructure improvements. A few ideas immediately jump to mind based on my walks around the SMD. I’d love to see: * Bike lanes on U Street * Wider sidewalks on parts of V Street * Wider sidewalks by Dunbar Apartments on New Hampshire Ave. * Better procedures to increase safety of construction zones, especially on 14th and U Streets |
| What role do you think your ANC could play in addressing housing affordability challenges? How can your neighborhood contribute its fair share of the housing our growing city needs? |
| ANCs should help their constituents understand why we need more housing, not help amplify voices against it. In 1B12, many fights have already taken place. It wasn’t always easy, but there are now many more residents living around 14th and U streets. Yet there is still more that we can do. I mentioned above the DPR lot and the Reeves Center – two large publicly-owned development opportunities. If I’m on the ANC, I’ll work closely with DMPED, the Council, and whomever else to make sure that abundant and affordable housing is a component of both of these projects. I’ll convene a community process, and help make the case that more housing will strengthen our already-vibrant community. There are many ways to achieve that goal, whether they are condos/rowhomes for families, affordable apartments, market-rate condos — or so much else. There’s no right answer, or predetermined number of units for a specific project. My view is individuals should offer their opinions on how they’d like to see the neighborhood grow — but an ANC needs to make sure everyone knows that neighborhood growth creates a strong community, and a stronger city. |
| What is the biggest controversy in your neighborhood not already listed on this questionnaire, and what is your position on it? |
| Right now, there’s a small-but-important controversy winding its way through the ANC committees. A local business applied for a permit to store their trash on public space, after an expansion that included outdoor seating. Neighbors protested because of impacts on cleanliness, and the precedent that would be set by allowing a business to store trash on public space without demonstrating a hardship. The business’s position is that since the ABR committee agreed to a settlement agreement, pending compliance with all relevant laws, they should be able to put the trash in public space. My position is that the restaurant should not be able to put the trash in public space, because of the precedent it would set. We don’t want a situation where restaurants plan to utilize sidewalks for trash, so that they can monetize parts of their land intended for waste storage. If there’s a hardship, and there’s no space to store the trash, then an exception should be granted. But as a general rule, public space is for people, not business’ trash storage. |
| Why do you think you are the best person to represent your SMD? What’s your vision for your ANC in 2 years? |
| I’ve got a positive vision, deep knowledge of the community and urban policy, and a track record of leadership in complex situations. As an entrepreneur and as a business leader, I’ve worked with the DC Government, Metro and community groups to help launch complex transportation projects — in one case, 300 vehicles contracted to deliver MetroAccess service; and later, a rideshare company called Split. In my spare time, I read about urban policy and think about the gap between how things are and how they should be. Over the past few years, my leadership has been recognized: I’ve spoken on panels at places like the Aspen Institute’s Center for Urban Innovation; and I was selected to attend Next City’s Vanguard conference in New Orleans this fall. But more than anything, I love my neighborhood, where I’ve lived for seven years. It would be a great honor to serve this community in a small way. In a time of national political polarization, I can think of nothing more important than strengthening our local communities. That’s what I’ll do on the ANC. |
| Sometimes community members advocate for a position that is in their narrow interest, but is counter to broader city-wide interests and is highly problematic position if all communities across DC were to act that way. How will you lead in such a situation? Give a local example if possible. |
| I think this is the greatest challenge that faces Commissioners, and in fact I’ve already encountered it. Since I announced my candidacy in July, I’ve been going door-to-door. It turns out that a neighbor was part of a group that supported a liquor license moratorium, in the news a few years back. I am vehemently opposed to this but that didn’t change how I conversed with my neighbor. I listened carefully and explained that I could make a few promises: I’d always explain the rationale behind my decisions; I’d always be glad to speak in more detail with any constituent; and I’d always make the decision that I felt strengthened the community. That’s always my goal. My neighbor responded by saying that as long as the process was clear, they’d be more comfortable with the final outcome. This is how I’ll react if a community member is advocating for a position that’s not in the community or city’s best interest. I start with the question, does this make the community stronger? My conception of community starts with residents but encompasses visitors, other District residents, and even includes people who might be considering a move to the area. When a resident’s interests conflicts with the community’s interest, I’ll listen carefully to all points of view, and work to address the individual concerns in a way that doesn’t impact the desired outcome. Then, I’ll make a case for the correct course of action, building consensus among a broad group of stakeholders – including those who don’t go to ANC meetings, and those who don’t read GGW. |