ANC 3/4G-05 Updates, Veteran’s Day
Good neighbors of the ANC,
Today is Veteran's Day. In Washington D.C. and we give special thanks to those veterans who risked their lives but still have no voice in Congress. Take a look at the resolution advanced by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.
We are the only democratic country in the world that disenfranchises the citizens of it's capital and the veterans that happen to live here. Generations of Washingtonians have sacrificed and served for the greater good in every conflict and theatre around the world but are still not afforded the complete rights of an American citizen.
We owe it to fellow Washingtonian veterans to fight for D.C. Statehood.
This past week members of Congress sought to interfere in our laws by taking away speed cameras and right hand turns. If they meddle with simple traffic laws, what laws and rights won't they try to take away? None. Check out the latest Washington Post coverage.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, a feature of Home Rule, is a system of government we have been granted. Representatives from far flung states have entertained the idea of taking it away. If you engage with the ANC, appreciate having a voice through your Council and the Mayor, take a stand for DC Statehood—it is the best way to ensure your rights.
Why does this matter on your doorstep?
Just this week neighbors reached out to me about how rightly upset and frightened they are due to daytime robberies and car thefts. Their cleaners are scared to come to their homes. Police response time was inadequate. One report was that there was an hour wait. There's no doubt MPD has an enormous responsibility in this ward and the city. Could they be discouraged from tracking down and arresting criminals who end up not being prosecuted? Maybe. The United States Attorney's Office for DC, who is responsible for those prosecutions, is unaccountable to the citizens of the District. This is a result of statelessness.
Who pays the price? All of us, but also working class cleaners trying to carve out a piece of the American dream serving you in your homes.
For veterans, for the working class, for all of us, it's time we demand Statehood a little more loudly than we have. I am more than happy to help.
More immediately in regards to crime, Captain Darren Haskis of MPD's Second District has scheduled a meet and greet on Wednesday Nov. 15th, 4-5pm, outside the Starbucks on Livingston Street and Connecticut Ave. Please attend if interested.
Other ANC News:
-The 12th is the last day to take the Chevy Chase Civic Core survey.
-ANC 3/4G meets in person at the Community Center and virtually on Monday at 7pm. I have offered two resolutions for the meeting.
The first encourages DCPS to engage with the Washington Teachers Union in contract negotiations. As a union teacher myself I know that when educators are supported and compensated appropriately they are better able to serve our kids.
The second resolution encourages the city to purchase the former Intelsat/Whittle building for the benefit of our ward and the city. This complements resolutions passed by several Ward 3 ANCs three and a proposal from Councilmember Frumin.
The ANC meeting will also address...
-Bioretention beds across the ANC
-The recent Office of Planning Zoning
...and more
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out any time.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend,
Peter