The Home Rule Charter for the District of Columbia created the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to provide the micro-grass roots voice for citizens of the city. Each ANC is comprised of several Single Member Districts (SMD) each representing around 2000 residents. The ANC's pass resolutions which go to city agencies such as DDOT, DCRA, DC Parks and Recreation to affect policy. The Executive Branch and City Council are supposed to give "Great Weight" to the voice of the ANCs. The ANCs provide voices on issues of street construction/traffic policy, commercial licenses (ABC), planning and the comprehenisve plan, etc.
Currently in Ward 3, most of the incumbant commissioners are running unopposed for this volunteer elective position. Several seats are currently void of any candidate at all:
3C-07 (Cathedral Heights)
3D-07 (American University)
3D-08 (Spring Valley, New Mexico, Sutton Place/ Mass Ave)
3E-02 (Spring Valley, Brandywine/Western and 44th Street)
3F-01 (North Cleveland Park around International Drive)
3F-03 (Forest Hills between Audobon Terrace and Broad Branch and Nebraska)
3F-06 (North Cleveland Park, Upton/Reno Road/Nebraska Ave)
These open seats are great opportunities to engage the community, get involved and provide new voices to the City Government. A write-in campaign can do wonders to energize a neighborhood.
No comments:
Post a Comment