Some Democrats Cross Party Lines Over Development
By Nikita Stewart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, November 4, 2006; Page B04
Some members of the Democratic Party are trying to influence future neighborhood development by backing the Republican candidate over Democrat Mary M. Cheh in Tuesday's election for the Ward 3 D.C. Council seat.
Cheh, a law professor at George Washington University, won the Democratic primary in September with 44 percent of the vote in a nine-way race. But in recent weeks, Republican Theresa Conroy has been endorsed by a group of Democrats who say they like her stance on development in the ward and fear that Cheh does not know enough about the community.
Mary Rowse, a former Advisory Neighborhood commissioner and a Democrat, said 42 Democrats signed a letter in support of Conroy that went out to more than 20,000 Democratic voters this week.
"We have met with Theresa and know that her vision much more closely mirrors ours than the Democratic candidate," the Oct. 30 letter reads. "Professor Cheh, while intelligent and articulate, has not shown that she has the community experience or the willingness to learn and listen that are the basic requirements for representing Ward 3."
The letter also says that "electing Mary Cheh will likely get us higher density development on all our major corridors."
Cheh, 56, said she has reached out to the community. "I think I counted that I had 50 house parties since I got into this in April," she said. "I've been on thousands of porches and in living rooms."
She also said she has not changed her views on development and still advocates "smart growth" around Metro stations -- a concept that some Tenleytown residents are opposing on Wisconsin Avenue NW.
On her campaign Web site, Conroy, 55, lists "unrestrained development in residential neighborhoods" as her first concern.
Despite the Democrats' letter of support, Conroy has an uphill battle against Cheh. About 63 percent of registered voters in Ward 3 are Democrats; Republicans account for 16 percent. In the primaries, Cheh received 6,642 votes; Conroy, who was unopposed, received 577 votes.
Still, Conroy, a teacher at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, is trying to run a competitive campaign with mailings, signs and automated phone calls this weekend.
Conroy said she knew that some Democrats were planning to back her but that she has been surprised at the level of support. She said she is fielding several calls a day from people who have received the letter. "I never dreamed that all these people would call me," Conroy said.
Cheh said that she remains confident of victory and that her views match those of the majority of Ward 3 voters. "I don't expect to get every Democratic vote, and she, as a lifelong Republican, won't get every Republican vote," she said. "I had Republicans tell me that they've already voted for me absentee."
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Cheh v Conroy: This sums it up
Tonight was the big, final showdown sponsored generally by the Conroy supporters. There are two episodes from the proceedings which symbolize the entire evening.
Episode 1: In her rebuttal question, Mary Cheh summarized the school modernization timetable of 2019 as unacceptable, and offered to speed the modernization for Ward 3 schools. She asked Conroy if she agreed with that premise, and if so, how would she pay for it? Response: Not with overdevelopment in Ward 3.
No substance on education, school modernization, budgetary issues. Nothing she could think of off the top of her head.
Episode 2: In her closing statement, Mary Cheh cited the City Paper analysis of Theresa Conroy as "the latest darling of the NIMBY crowd that opposes development in Tenleytown. Conroy is a bona fide anti-abortion Republican. Let her take the NIMBY case to the zoning commission". This drew cat calls from some of those in attendance. Why? In my opinion, because the democrats for Conroy do not want to face the pact they have made with this candidate. They are so focused on the single issue of development that everything else should be damned.
Episode 1: In her rebuttal question, Mary Cheh summarized the school modernization timetable of 2019 as unacceptable, and offered to speed the modernization for Ward 3 schools. She asked Conroy if she agreed with that premise, and if so, how would she pay for it? Response: Not with overdevelopment in Ward 3.
No substance on education, school modernization, budgetary issues. Nothing she could think of off the top of her head.
Episode 2: In her closing statement, Mary Cheh cited the City Paper analysis of Theresa Conroy as "the latest darling of the NIMBY crowd that opposes development in Tenleytown. Conroy is a bona fide anti-abortion Republican. Let her take the NIMBY case to the zoning commission". This drew cat calls from some of those in attendance. Why? In my opinion, because the democrats for Conroy do not want to face the pact they have made with this candidate. They are so focused on the single issue of development that everything else should be damned.
Lessons learned from the primary season
I would have thought that the level of complaint regarding anonymous robo-calls, phone polling and other intrusions into everyday life (Yard signs in piblic psaces, excessive mailings etc.) would have taught the candidates that voters will get their information as they see fit and do not want to be bothered in the precious spare time each of us enjoys.
I have had the pleasure of multiple robo-push polls from the Conroy camp over the last two days.
Thanks you very much, Ms. Conroy (calls to the Cheh campaign confirmed neither they, nor any of their supporters commissioned any such activity, and Google searches on the purported company behind the calls were fruitless).
I have had the pleasure of multiple robo-push polls from the Conroy camp over the last two days.
Thanks you very much, Ms. Conroy (calls to the Cheh campaign confirmed neither they, nor any of their supporters commissioned any such activity, and Google searches on the purported company behind the calls were fruitless).
Wash Times: Devlopment Drives Election
By Amy Doolittle
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 3, 2006
Development plans for Northwest neighborhoods have emerged as a key issue in the race for the Ward 3 seat on the D.C. Council between Democrat Mary M. Cheh and Republican Theresa Conroy.
In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 9-to-1, Mrs. Cheh has a clear advantage over Mrs. Conroy. However, she has drawn criticism for supporting a citywide development plan that calls for more housing near already dense Metro stops and major thoroughfares such as Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues.
Critics also say she supports bringing the plan before the council for hearings, instead of returning it to the community for further comment.
Her supporters say the council process will allow for community input, but opponents say testimony is not enough.
"The more I heard from Mary Cheh and the more I heard about her, the more alarmed I became," said Peter Espenchied, a Cleveland Park Democrat who now supports Mrs. Conroy. "In general, I'm a liberal, [but] I'm voting for Theresa because of this development issue."
The plan would be a map for citywide development over the next 20 years.
"I've said from the very beginning that I support transit-oriented development and increased activity along our corridors," Mrs. Cheh said. "I think there's going to be growth no matter what. So we need to grow smart. I want to preserve our neighborhood and at the same time have lively, walkable corridors."
Despite the overwhelming Democratic majority, Mrs. Conroy's supporters think she can win. They point to Democratic divisions from nine candidates in the September primary and say Mrs. Conroy can get votes from those who oppose the city's development plan.
"The development is a big issue," Mrs. Conroy said. "I testified before city council about that. Many of the neighbors want to be able to give input. ... People support me because of my development stance."
The city's Republican Party has organized fundraisers for Mrs. Conroy's campaign. Records filed Oct. 10 with the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance show that she has $26,394 on hand, compared with $92,394 for Mrs. Cheh.
Mrs. Cheh teaches at George Washington University, one of the biggest developers in some sections of Northwest, but she said her support for the comprehensive plan and ties to school do not make her pro-development.
"There are now, and there have been for some time, for some reason, a very tiny but loud group of people who don't want to see any change," Mrs. Cheh said. "I understand on some level that they're afraid of change. And I understand on some level that they're afraid of what the city must do. But I'm hoping we can sit down and figure out how to fix that part of the corridor without the sort of shrill hysterics that they attach to me. I think it's quite reasonable and it's in the common good."
Susan Banta, a Cleveland Park resident who supports Mrs. Cheh, said she is surprised that the debate has become so heated.
"She's not calling for massive development," Mrs. Banta said. "I think that's misinformation."
Mrs. Cheh has the support of current Ward 3 Council member Kathy Patterson, a Democrat who did not run for re-election.
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 3, 2006
Development plans for Northwest neighborhoods have emerged as a key issue in the race for the Ward 3 seat on the D.C. Council between Democrat Mary M. Cheh and Republican Theresa Conroy.
In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 9-to-1, Mrs. Cheh has a clear advantage over Mrs. Conroy. However, she has drawn criticism for supporting a citywide development plan that calls for more housing near already dense Metro stops and major thoroughfares such as Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues.
Critics also say she supports bringing the plan before the council for hearings, instead of returning it to the community for further comment.
Her supporters say the council process will allow for community input, but opponents say testimony is not enough.
"The more I heard from Mary Cheh and the more I heard about her, the more alarmed I became," said Peter Espenchied, a Cleveland Park Democrat who now supports Mrs. Conroy. "In general, I'm a liberal, [but] I'm voting for Theresa because of this development issue."
The plan would be a map for citywide development over the next 20 years.
"I've said from the very beginning that I support transit-oriented development and increased activity along our corridors," Mrs. Cheh said. "I think there's going to be growth no matter what. So we need to grow smart. I want to preserve our neighborhood and at the same time have lively, walkable corridors."
Despite the overwhelming Democratic majority, Mrs. Conroy's supporters think she can win. They point to Democratic divisions from nine candidates in the September primary and say Mrs. Conroy can get votes from those who oppose the city's development plan.
"The development is a big issue," Mrs. Conroy said. "I testified before city council about that. Many of the neighbors want to be able to give input. ... People support me because of my development stance."
The city's Republican Party has organized fundraisers for Mrs. Conroy's campaign. Records filed Oct. 10 with the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance show that she has $26,394 on hand, compared with $92,394 for Mrs. Cheh.
Mrs. Cheh teaches at George Washington University, one of the biggest developers in some sections of Northwest, but she said her support for the comprehensive plan and ties to school do not make her pro-development.
"There are now, and there have been for some time, for some reason, a very tiny but loud group of people who don't want to see any change," Mrs. Cheh said. "I understand on some level that they're afraid of change. And I understand on some level that they're afraid of what the city must do. But I'm hoping we can sit down and figure out how to fix that part of the corridor without the sort of shrill hysterics that they attach to me. I think it's quite reasonable and it's in the common good."
Susan Banta, a Cleveland Park resident who supports Mrs. Cheh, said she is surprised that the debate has become so heated.
"She's not calling for massive development," Mrs. Banta said. "I think that's misinformation."
Mrs. Cheh has the support of current Ward 3 Council member Kathy Patterson, a Democrat who did not run for re-election.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The problem with the ANC System
In reviewing the list of candidates for the various Ward 3 ANC seats, I am struck by how many open seats and uncontested races exist.
Out of 42 seats up for election from ANC 3B to ANC 3/4G (some of the seats are technically in other Wards, but I am including them all for this purpose):
9 are open seats with no candidates on the ballot
27 are uncontested, generally incumbants
6 have more than one candidate
A whopping 14% of the seats have contested races. There is simply little interest in this volunteer job, and generally the people willing to do it have the time, and some sort of agenda. The agenda in question may, or may not be in the best interests of the broader community.
Out of 42 seats up for election from ANC 3B to ANC 3/4G (some of the seats are technically in other Wards, but I am including them all for this purpose):
9 are open seats with no candidates on the ballot
27 are uncontested, generally incumbants
6 have more than one candidate
A whopping 14% of the seats have contested races. There is simply little interest in this volunteer job, and generally the people willing to do it have the time, and some sort of agenda. The agenda in question may, or may not be in the best interests of the broader community.
City Paper General Election Endorsements
Ward 3 D.C. Council
For some reason, the political chatterers want to make a race of the contest between Republican Theresa Conroy and Democrat Mary Cheh, mostly because Conroy is the latest darling of the NIMBY crowd that opposes development in Tenleytown. Conroy is a bona fide anti-abortion Republican. Let her take the NIMBY case to the zoning commission. Stick with Cheh.
For some reason, the political chatterers want to make a race of the contest between Republican Theresa Conroy and Democrat Mary Cheh, mostly because Conroy is the latest darling of the NIMBY crowd that opposes development in Tenleytown. Conroy is a bona fide anti-abortion Republican. Let her take the NIMBY case to the zoning commission. Stick with Cheh.
Wash Times latest on the Ward 3 race
(Note, Yard signs in public spaces are illegal, among other issues of inaccuracies in this un-bylined article)
Republican Theresa Conroy has five days left to persuade the overwhelmingly blue voters of Ward 3 that she offers a viable alternative to the developer-friendly Mary Cheh, the Democratic nominee heavily favored to earn a seat on the D.C. Council.
Mrs. Conroy and Ms. Cheh will debate one last time tomorrow night, starting at 7 at the Washington International Church on River Road.
Mrs. Conroy also plans to walk the neighborhoods of Ward 3 in the coming days and talk the talk of a candidate who has felt a sense of momentum in her previously improbable bid to upset a Democratic candidate in what is essentially a one-party city.
"I would say my campaign has continued to generate a lot of excitement," she said yesterday by telephone. "People are calling wanting signs to put up in their yards, and they want literature that highlights my positions. Nothing has dampened the enthusiasm, except the occasional person who says I can't win because of the registration numbers." Those numbers are fairly stark for a Republican candidate. Of the nearly 40,000 registered voters in Ward 3, 31,720 are registered Democrats and 8,230 are registered Republicans.
Mrs. Conroy suspects those numbers are somewhat misleading because of the inclination of centrists to register as Democrats in order to have a vote in the party primary, which usually determines the winners in the general election.
If the turnout Tuesday is similar to 2002 -- when Democrat Kathy Patterson (who is not running for re-election) secured 17,045 votes to Eric Rojo's 4,642 -- Mrs. Conroy figures she needs to energize the Republican base and siphon off a considerable number of Democratic loyalists to claim victory.
Mrs. Conroy already has earned the backing of a group called the "Ward 3 Democrats for Conroy." The 42-member coalition mailed out a four-page letter to voters this week that touts her positions on growth, her decision to be a full-time member of the D.C. Council and her willingness to listen to the various advisory neighborhood commissions and civic associations.
The coalition also notes Ms. Cheh's plan to remain a professor at George Washington University while serving on the D.C. Council, which could pose a conflict of interest any time business concerning her principal employer comes before the 13-member body. If so, Ms. Cheh has promised to recuse herself, a gesture that would leave Ward 3 without representation.
Mrs. Conroy says that she has noticed a growing acceptance of her candidacy, a sense that her first political foray has advanced from distant hope to genuine. Her aides have planted her yellow political signs all across Ward 3 and continue to work the subway stops.
Mrs. Conroy is finding that voters recognize the benefits of a two-party system and the need to have opposing viewpoints.
"I've gotten those phone calls where the person says, 'I'm 62 years old, and I've never voted for a Republican candidate in my life,' " Mrs. Conroy said. "Then they ask: 'Can you bring me over three yard signs?' " Mrs. Conroy has been showered with animosity on occasion, as if this 55-year-old educator is somehow a misguided rebel who has no real stake in Ward 3 and the Cathedral Heights neighborhood she calls home.
Of course, being a Republican qualifies as being fiercely independent in a city that prays at the altar of the left.
Mrs. Conroy has been amused on occasion by those who have decided to ignore the group pressure of the left, if only in this election.
"People will come over to me, then kind of whisper, 'I'm going to vote for you in the election,' " she said.
Mrs. Conroy also has been amused by the attempt to link her to the national Republican Party and the war in Iraq, as if the D.C. Council works on Capitol Hill instead of in the Wilson Building.
"I don't yet have the feeling we're losing," she said. "There's excitement, even among Democrats." And Mrs. Conroy has five days left to orchestrate the unlikely.
Copyright © 2006 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Republican Theresa Conroy has five days left to persuade the overwhelmingly blue voters of Ward 3 that she offers a viable alternative to the developer-friendly Mary Cheh, the Democratic nominee heavily favored to earn a seat on the D.C. Council.
Mrs. Conroy and Ms. Cheh will debate one last time tomorrow night, starting at 7 at the Washington International Church on River Road.
Mrs. Conroy also plans to walk the neighborhoods of Ward 3 in the coming days and talk the talk of a candidate who has felt a sense of momentum in her previously improbable bid to upset a Democratic candidate in what is essentially a one-party city.
"I would say my campaign has continued to generate a lot of excitement," she said yesterday by telephone. "People are calling wanting signs to put up in their yards, and they want literature that highlights my positions. Nothing has dampened the enthusiasm, except the occasional person who says I can't win because of the registration numbers." Those numbers are fairly stark for a Republican candidate. Of the nearly 40,000 registered voters in Ward 3, 31,720 are registered Democrats and 8,230 are registered Republicans.
Mrs. Conroy suspects those numbers are somewhat misleading because of the inclination of centrists to register as Democrats in order to have a vote in the party primary, which usually determines the winners in the general election.
If the turnout Tuesday is similar to 2002 -- when Democrat Kathy Patterson (who is not running for re-election) secured 17,045 votes to Eric Rojo's 4,642 -- Mrs. Conroy figures she needs to energize the Republican base and siphon off a considerable number of Democratic loyalists to claim victory.
Mrs. Conroy already has earned the backing of a group called the "Ward 3 Democrats for Conroy." The 42-member coalition mailed out a four-page letter to voters this week that touts her positions on growth, her decision to be a full-time member of the D.C. Council and her willingness to listen to the various advisory neighborhood commissions and civic associations.
The coalition also notes Ms. Cheh's plan to remain a professor at George Washington University while serving on the D.C. Council, which could pose a conflict of interest any time business concerning her principal employer comes before the 13-member body. If so, Ms. Cheh has promised to recuse herself, a gesture that would leave Ward 3 without representation.
Mrs. Conroy says that she has noticed a growing acceptance of her candidacy, a sense that her first political foray has advanced from distant hope to genuine. Her aides have planted her yellow political signs all across Ward 3 and continue to work the subway stops.
Mrs. Conroy is finding that voters recognize the benefits of a two-party system and the need to have opposing viewpoints.
"I've gotten those phone calls where the person says, 'I'm 62 years old, and I've never voted for a Republican candidate in my life,' " Mrs. Conroy said. "Then they ask: 'Can you bring me over three yard signs?' " Mrs. Conroy has been showered with animosity on occasion, as if this 55-year-old educator is somehow a misguided rebel who has no real stake in Ward 3 and the Cathedral Heights neighborhood she calls home.
Of course, being a Republican qualifies as being fiercely independent in a city that prays at the altar of the left.
Mrs. Conroy has been amused on occasion by those who have decided to ignore the group pressure of the left, if only in this election.
"People will come over to me, then kind of whisper, 'I'm going to vote for you in the election,' " she said.
Mrs. Conroy also has been amused by the attempt to link her to the national Republican Party and the war in Iraq, as if the D.C. Council works on Capitol Hill instead of in the Wilson Building.
"I don't yet have the feeling we're losing," she said. "There's excitement, even among Democrats." And Mrs. Conroy has five days left to orchestrate the unlikely.
Copyright © 2006 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Whither the Uptown Theater?
In a recent blog entry Washington Post Columnist Marc Fisher opines about the state of the Uptown Theater, the grande dame of Cleveland Park, and district cinema houses.
Can the Uptown become an independent theater a la the Avalon?
The problem is, the art deco structure is landmarked both for its architecture and it use, meaning as I understand it, it always will need to be a theater. What happens if there are no takers?
This, on the heels of the NW Current reporting that the AMC Theater at 4000 Wisconsin Avenue is slated to close soon.
Can the Uptown become an independent theater a la the Avalon?
The problem is, the art deco structure is landmarked both for its architecture and it use, meaning as I understand it, it always will need to be a theater. What happens if there are no takers?
This, on the heels of the NW Current reporting that the AMC Theater at 4000 Wisconsin Avenue is slated to close soon.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Ward 3 Dems for Conroy
I received a 4 page letter (return address did not indicate the sender, but was simply from Morrison Street, NW). I had actually thrown it away and had to retrieve it when a friend emailed me and asked if I had received a long-winded letter of support from the "Ward 3 Democrats for Conroy".
It is filled with most of the same stuff present on various Ward 3 Yahoo Groups, such as:
They claim that "Professor Cheh has not shown that she has the community experience or willingness to learn or listen that are basic requirements of representing Ward 3". That is interesting because Mary Cheh has knocked on hundreds, if not thousands of doors during the campaign. She has attended scores of community forums, meet and greets, etc. and listened to thousands of Ward 3 voices.
They make the claim that electing Mary Cheh will result in higher density development for all of the Ward 3 corridors, with no regard for overtaxed roads and schools or the impact on the struggling EMS, fire and police services. Actually, Cheh entered the race because of the outrage over the tragic death of a colleague of her husband, which was preventable had a competent police and EMS response happened in Washington DC. This is actually a top priority of Mary Cheh, yet this group is solely focused on the development angle, without any regard to the bigger priorities in Cheh's platform.
They make the claim that Theresa Conroy is beholden to no one but the voters. I am not sure who they claim Mary Cheh is beholden to. As noted earlier on a local Yahoo Group, Mary Cheh raised the most money of any of the Ward 3 candidates from within the Ward. Her money came primarily from individual donors from all corners of the Ward. To suggest that she is not beholden to the scores of supporters who donated time and money to her campaign is an insult. Further, who is Theresa Conroy beholden to? In the summer, her website and campaign brochures included the following passage:
...carefully examine development proposals whether in the Connecticut Avenue corridor, on Wisconsin Avenue, or elsewhere in Ward 3. Allow reasonable development (smart growth) that incorporates off street parking and contributes to the tax base, while ensuring that our existing residential neighborhoods remain peaceful and quiet with green areas for recreation...
Who is this group fooling when Theresa Conroy, the republican candidate, does contortions of epic proportions in changing her position on development in the ward to suit the whims of this group? This is the most outrageous effort I have seen in 35 years of DC politics, particularly when her original platform was identical to Cheh's.
This group also raises the issue of the Comprehensive Plan, and Conroys willingness to flush years of effort and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars down the commode in tossing or delaying the proposed comprehensive plan. I am not sure what this group thinks they will gain by delaying the adoption of the plan, but if Tersh Boasberg, the chair of the DC Historic Preservation Review Board thinks the plan is ok, then it is good enough for me.
They also beat the dead horse of the connection between GWU and Mary Cheh. That has been addressed on countless occasions, including in a letter to the NW Current by Stephen Tractenberg. She is teaching at most, one class per semester, and the fact she has tenure mitigates any hold that the institution would have over her employment status (she led an intensive deposition of GW during her pro-bono service to the City Council. The concept of having to recuse herself is silly. After all, Linda Cropp never had to recuse herself from Council proceedings where GWU is concerned, and her husband is the Vice President of the university.
In short, the Ward 3 Democrats for Conroy try to rehash the same tired arguments against Mary Cheh, but offer little positive for the pro-life, anti-human rights republican candidate, Theresa Conroy, who offers nary more than a safe haven for those who feel chilled by the prospects of a Councilperson Cheh. Has it occurred to these people that the broader Ward 3 community feels chilled by the antics that the ANCs and Community Associations have foisted on the rest of us who want better retail and a new approach to issues in the Ward?
With respect to the signers of the document, it is generally the regular cast of "no development" Ward 3 activists. I note 4 people on the list:
Lars Hydle is a republican
Disclosure: I am a Republican, but there is no Republican candidate for this position in the general election
So I am not sure why he is even signing or supporting this letter.
Alma Gates, Bruce Beckner and Deborah Jane Lindeman are all ANC Commissioners. All three are being challenged in the general election. I hope each of their seats becomes a proxy on this issue. I would note also that Bruce Beckner was the leading torch bearer against the NCRC preschool, and even led the fight against new sidewalks in Cleveland Park, in an effort to fight the pre-school (of which he lives next door). The tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of wasted DC taxpayer money caused by Mr. Beckner (via delays he instigated in the project) should send a red flag to anyone considering supporting him or Conroy on November 7th. This was not good use of taxpayer dollars or community time. If the kind of activism embodied by these three commissioners is indicative of a Conroy Council tenure, then it is very telling.
It is filled with most of the same stuff present on various Ward 3 Yahoo Groups, such as:
They claim that "Professor Cheh has not shown that she has the community experience or willingness to learn or listen that are basic requirements of representing Ward 3". That is interesting because Mary Cheh has knocked on hundreds, if not thousands of doors during the campaign. She has attended scores of community forums, meet and greets, etc. and listened to thousands of Ward 3 voices.
They make the claim that electing Mary Cheh will result in higher density development for all of the Ward 3 corridors, with no regard for overtaxed roads and schools or the impact on the struggling EMS, fire and police services. Actually, Cheh entered the race because of the outrage over the tragic death of a colleague of her husband, which was preventable had a competent police and EMS response happened in Washington DC. This is actually a top priority of Mary Cheh, yet this group is solely focused on the development angle, without any regard to the bigger priorities in Cheh's platform.
They make the claim that Theresa Conroy is beholden to no one but the voters. I am not sure who they claim Mary Cheh is beholden to. As noted earlier on a local Yahoo Group, Mary Cheh raised the most money of any of the Ward 3 candidates from within the Ward. Her money came primarily from individual donors from all corners of the Ward. To suggest that she is not beholden to the scores of supporters who donated time and money to her campaign is an insult. Further, who is Theresa Conroy beholden to? In the summer, her website and campaign brochures included the following passage:
...carefully examine development proposals whether in the Connecticut Avenue corridor, on Wisconsin Avenue, or elsewhere in Ward 3. Allow reasonable development (smart growth) that incorporates off street parking and contributes to the tax base, while ensuring that our existing residential neighborhoods remain peaceful and quiet with green areas for recreation...
Who is this group fooling when Theresa Conroy, the republican candidate, does contortions of epic proportions in changing her position on development in the ward to suit the whims of this group? This is the most outrageous effort I have seen in 35 years of DC politics, particularly when her original platform was identical to Cheh's.
This group also raises the issue of the Comprehensive Plan, and Conroys willingness to flush years of effort and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars down the commode in tossing or delaying the proposed comprehensive plan. I am not sure what this group thinks they will gain by delaying the adoption of the plan, but if Tersh Boasberg, the chair of the DC Historic Preservation Review Board thinks the plan is ok, then it is good enough for me.
They also beat the dead horse of the connection between GWU and Mary Cheh. That has been addressed on countless occasions, including in a letter to the NW Current by Stephen Tractenberg. She is teaching at most, one class per semester, and the fact she has tenure mitigates any hold that the institution would have over her employment status (she led an intensive deposition of GW during her pro-bono service to the City Council. The concept of having to recuse herself is silly. After all, Linda Cropp never had to recuse herself from Council proceedings where GWU is concerned, and her husband is the Vice President of the university.
In short, the Ward 3 Democrats for Conroy try to rehash the same tired arguments against Mary Cheh, but offer little positive for the pro-life, anti-human rights republican candidate, Theresa Conroy, who offers nary more than a safe haven for those who feel chilled by the prospects of a Councilperson Cheh. Has it occurred to these people that the broader Ward 3 community feels chilled by the antics that the ANCs and Community Associations have foisted on the rest of us who want better retail and a new approach to issues in the Ward?
With respect to the signers of the document, it is generally the regular cast of "no development" Ward 3 activists. I note 4 people on the list:
Lars Hydle is a republican
Disclosure: I am a Republican, but there is no Republican candidate for this position in the general election
So I am not sure why he is even signing or supporting this letter.
Alma Gates, Bruce Beckner and Deborah Jane Lindeman are all ANC Commissioners. All three are being challenged in the general election. I hope each of their seats becomes a proxy on this issue. I would note also that Bruce Beckner was the leading torch bearer against the NCRC preschool, and even led the fight against new sidewalks in Cleveland Park, in an effort to fight the pre-school (of which he lives next door). The tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of wasted DC taxpayer money caused by Mr. Beckner (via delays he instigated in the project) should send a red flag to anyone considering supporting him or Conroy on November 7th. This was not good use of taxpayer dollars or community time. If the kind of activism embodied by these three commissioners is indicative of a Conroy Council tenure, then it is very telling.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Washington Post: Palisades Development
This is the classic preservation/status quo versus new development, except that the players are all influential in the grand scheme of things.
It seems like this would have been a good place to come to some compromise on the most efficient use of 3 and 1/2 acres of generally pristine land, rather than to cram so many "luxury" houses into the parcel.
It will be fun to see how this plays out.
It seems like this would have been a good place to come to some compromise on the most efficient use of 3 and 1/2 acres of generally pristine land, rather than to cram so many "luxury" houses into the parcel.
It will be fun to see how this plays out.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
City Paper: Unsightly Dirt finally removed
For five consecutive school years, a giant 25-foot-by-5 foot heap of dirt had sat on the playground of Oyster Bilingual Elementary School in Woodley Park. Finally, more than a year after City Paper first covered the story, the pile is gone, replaced with a climbing wall for kids.
The developer who built the school had used dirt mound to disguise a slab of unsightly concrete that was reinforcing the playground area. But the mound became the truly unsightly thing when it lost its grass and deteriorated into a pile of dirt and rocks. When parents first proposed transforming the mound into a climbing wall, according to ANC Commissioner Deborah Jane Lindeman, D.C. Public Schools wouldn't allow it.
“The powers that be were just stubborn as all get out.” Lindeman says. She says that DCPS argued that the climbing wall and wouldn't be fair to disabled/handicapped students, even though the parents’ plans also included an ADA-compliant climbable rock. Complaining to School Board Superintendent Clifford Janey didn't do any good.
When DCPS finally gave the Oyster Community Council permission to finish the climbling wall last year, parents went to the local advisory neighborhood commission for a $17,100 grant to make the improvements.
Lindeman says she doesn't understand why DCPS was so stubborn in the first place. “They kept claiming that it wasn't ADA-compliant,” she says. “But neither is a mound of dirt and rocks and exposed concrete.”
The developer who built the school had used dirt mound to disguise a slab of unsightly concrete that was reinforcing the playground area. But the mound became the truly unsightly thing when it lost its grass and deteriorated into a pile of dirt and rocks. When parents first proposed transforming the mound into a climbing wall, according to ANC Commissioner Deborah Jane Lindeman, D.C. Public Schools wouldn't allow it.
“The powers that be were just stubborn as all get out.” Lindeman says. She says that DCPS argued that the climbing wall and wouldn't be fair to disabled/handicapped students, even though the parents’ plans also included an ADA-compliant climbable rock. Complaining to School Board Superintendent Clifford Janey didn't do any good.
When DCPS finally gave the Oyster Community Council permission to finish the climbling wall last year, parents went to the local advisory neighborhood commission for a $17,100 grant to make the improvements.
Lindeman says she doesn't understand why DCPS was so stubborn in the first place. “They kept claiming that it wasn't ADA-compliant,” she says. “But neither is a mound of dirt and rocks and exposed concrete.”
Final Ward 3 Debate set
Please come to a Ward 3 Council Candidates' Forum on Friday evening, November 3, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Washington International Churc at River Road and Fessenden Street.
Candidates Mary Cheh (d) and Theresa Conroy (r) will be participating and the League of Women Voters will moderate. Co-sponsors include ANC3E, ANC3C, ANC3D, the Tenleytown Neighbors Association, the Friendship-Tenleytown Citizens Association, the Ft. Gaines Citizens Association, and the Woodley Park Community Association. Below is the format the candidates have agreed upon:
Five topics will be covered by the candidates:
Education
The Environment
Growth
Public Safety
Fiscal Management
Each topic will be given 10 minutes and will be broken down in the following way:
Candidate A. 3 minutes to discuss topic.
Candidate B. Asks one question on topic to candidate A.
Candidate A. 1 Minute response to question.
Candidate B. 3 minutes to discuss the same topic.
Candidate A. Asks one question on topic to candidate B.
Candidate B. 1 Minute response to question.
The Moderator selects one question from the audience to ask the candidates. Each candidate has one minute to answer the audience question.
Then the moderator moves candidates on to the next topic. Debate continues this way for all topics--alternating which candidate begins.
Questions from audience members will be written on cards and collected by volunteers. Moderator will review cards and select one question per topic to ask each candidate. As indicated above, questions from the audience will be incorporated into each "issue block."
Each candidate will have 2 minutes to make an opening statement at start of debate, and 2 minutes to make a closing statement at the end.
Candidates Mary Cheh (d) and Theresa Conroy (r) will be participating and the League of Women Voters will moderate. Co-sponsors include ANC3E, ANC3C, ANC3D, the Tenleytown Neighbors Association, the Friendship-Tenleytown Citizens Association, the Ft. Gaines Citizens Association, and the Woodley Park Community Association. Below is the format the candidates have agreed upon:
Five topics will be covered by the candidates:
Education
The Environment
Growth
Public Safety
Fiscal Management
Each topic will be given 10 minutes and will be broken down in the following way:
Candidate A. 3 minutes to discuss topic.
Candidate B. Asks one question on topic to candidate A.
Candidate A. 1 Minute response to question.
Candidate B. 3 minutes to discuss the same topic.
Candidate A. Asks one question on topic to candidate B.
Candidate B. 1 Minute response to question.
The Moderator selects one question from the audience to ask the candidates. Each candidate has one minute to answer the audience question.
Then the moderator moves candidates on to the next topic. Debate continues this way for all topics--alternating which candidate begins.
Questions from audience members will be written on cards and collected by volunteers. Moderator will review cards and select one question per topic to ask each candidate. As indicated above, questions from the audience will be incorporated into each "issue block."
Each candidate will have 2 minutes to make an opening statement at start of debate, and 2 minutes to make a closing statement at the end.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Cheh and Conroy face off on Kojo!
DC Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta
Mayor Anthony Williams on his final months in office -- and the next era in District leadership. Plus, the future of one of D.C.'s most prosperous areas. We hear from the candidates for the Ward 3 Council seat. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia.
Guests
Anthony Williams, Mayor, District of Columbia
Mary Cheh, Democratic Candidate, Ward 3, D.C. City Council
Theresa Conroy, Republican Candidate, Ward 3, D.C. City Council
Mayor Anthony Williams on his final months in office -- and the next era in District leadership. Plus, the future of one of D.C.'s most prosperous areas. We hear from the candidates for the Ward 3 Council seat. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia.
Guests
Anthony Williams, Mayor, District of Columbia
Mary Cheh, Democratic Candidate, Ward 3, D.C. City Council
Theresa Conroy, Republican Candidate, Ward 3, D.C. City Council
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
October 25th NW Current wrap up
A few items caught my eye in the October 25th NW Current:
- The headline, top fold article about the Comprehensive Plan is very interesting. The Office of Planning has added language to assuage the opponents of the passage of the Comp Plan this term. According to the article the amendments include additional protections for "historic neighborhoods" where Transit Oriented Development are concerned. In other words, Woodley Park and Cleveland Park and their historic designations are relatively safe from any new TOD plans. Of course, this also means that Tenleytown and Friendship Heights may still be ripe for development proposals, particularly on the 5220 Wisconsin Avenue, WMATA Garage and Pedas properties, this continuing the angst against the plan by "civic activists".
- Theresa Conroy, the Republican Ward 3 candidate has written a viewpoint parsing DC Law where Ward 3 Democratic nominee Mary Cheh's "association" with George Washington University may cause Cheh to recuse herself from Council proceedings where GWU is concerned. Of course, GWU officials and Council attorneys had weighed in on this prior to the Democratic Primary, but if Conroy wants to turn the dead horse into glue, that is her prerogative. In its endorsement of Mary Cheh, the Northwest Current states,
We doubt that analysis, given the outgoing D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp - whose husband is an official at George Washington University - has not faced similar problems. Nor have practicing attorneys such as sitting council member Jack Evans and former members Harold Brazil, Kevin Chavous and Bill Lightfoot, all of whom have chaired various council committees
At the Democratic State breakfast earlier this month, DC representative Eleanor Holmes Norton praised Cheh for her committment to education, noting that she too had such an appointment at a local university.
- Speaking of dead horses, there is an article by Staff Writer Julia O'Donoghue pointing out that Candidate Conroy is gaining traction with certain Ward 3 Voters who are in favor of delaying the implementation of the Comp Plan and who oppose new development (or overdevelopment) in the Ward. The irony here, of course, is that the "keep it as it is" voice was heard and largely ignored in the democratic primary, given the means by which the development critics raised the banner in the weeks prior to the election. It is funny, Theresa Conroy is quoted in the article as saying the retail options on upper Wisconsin Avenue are "adequate" given the shopping opportunities in Friendship Heights. I am glad the republican candidate is happy to have our retail dollars going to Maryland businesses.
I guess a "sensible growth", pro-life, anti-business republican candidate in Ward 3 makes a complex recipe. November 7th should be interesting.
- The headline, top fold article about the Comprehensive Plan is very interesting. The Office of Planning has added language to assuage the opponents of the passage of the Comp Plan this term. According to the article the amendments include additional protections for "historic neighborhoods" where Transit Oriented Development are concerned. In other words, Woodley Park and Cleveland Park and their historic designations are relatively safe from any new TOD plans. Of course, this also means that Tenleytown and Friendship Heights may still be ripe for development proposals, particularly on the 5220 Wisconsin Avenue, WMATA Garage and Pedas properties, this continuing the angst against the plan by "civic activists".
- Theresa Conroy, the Republican Ward 3 candidate has written a viewpoint parsing DC Law where Ward 3 Democratic nominee Mary Cheh's "association" with George Washington University may cause Cheh to recuse herself from Council proceedings where GWU is concerned. Of course, GWU officials and Council attorneys had weighed in on this prior to the Democratic Primary, but if Conroy wants to turn the dead horse into glue, that is her prerogative. In its endorsement of Mary Cheh, the Northwest Current states,
We doubt that analysis, given the outgoing D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp - whose husband is an official at George Washington University - has not faced similar problems. Nor have practicing attorneys such as sitting council member Jack Evans and former members Harold Brazil, Kevin Chavous and Bill Lightfoot, all of whom have chaired various council committees
At the Democratic State breakfast earlier this month, DC representative Eleanor Holmes Norton praised Cheh for her committment to education, noting that she too had such an appointment at a local university.
- Speaking of dead horses, there is an article by Staff Writer Julia O'Donoghue pointing out that Candidate Conroy is gaining traction with certain Ward 3 Voters who are in favor of delaying the implementation of the Comp Plan and who oppose new development (or overdevelopment) in the Ward. The irony here, of course, is that the "keep it as it is" voice was heard and largely ignored in the democratic primary, given the means by which the development critics raised the banner in the weeks prior to the election. It is funny, Theresa Conroy is quoted in the article as saying the retail options on upper Wisconsin Avenue are "adequate" given the shopping opportunities in Friendship Heights. I am glad the republican candidate is happy to have our retail dollars going to Maryland businesses.
I guess a "sensible growth", pro-life, anti-business republican candidate in Ward 3 makes a complex recipe. November 7th should be interesting.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Military Road redux
The hot topic of Military Road has reemerged over the past week as the DC Department of Transportation concluded its "one year" study with restriping and center turn lanes.
The study came about as a result of Military Road residents complaining of speeding and lack of parking near their houses. As a result, DDOT implemented a one-lane in each direction approach to this Upper Northwest arterial roadway. The striping also includes center turn lanes.
The test was a disaster within a few days:
If you drive along Military Road in Northwest DC, you may have noticed longer backups. This is because 4 lanes of thru-traffic have been turned into 2 lanes. Some drivers tell 9News their morning commutes have increased by as much as 20 minutes due to the road changes. So, what happened to the other two lanes you ask? One of them is for turns only. The other one is for residential parking. While commuters may hate the new traffic pattern, most residents along this stretch of road love the changes. "People have been flying down Military Road for years using it as a highway," says long time resident Shelly Sconberger. In order to slow down the traffic, DCÂ’s Department of Transportation implemented the changes. Now they are studying the impact of all their work and they want to hear from you! If you have any pros or cons youÂ’d like DDOT to know about regarding this project, call 202-727-1000.
At the Octoberer 23, 2006 ANC 3/4G meeting, DDOT announced that they intend to maintain the 1 lane scheme on a permanent basis, except during rush-hour, when a second lane would be added (North lanes in the morning and south lanes for the PM). The ANC indicated a desire to simply revert the road scheme to the way it was before the study was conducted, while adding speed reduction schemes.
A community meeting for all interested will be held at the Chevy Chase Center on Wednesday, October 25th, 6:30.
The study came about as a result of Military Road residents complaining of speeding and lack of parking near their houses. As a result, DDOT implemented a one-lane in each direction approach to this Upper Northwest arterial roadway. The striping also includes center turn lanes.
The test was a disaster within a few days:
If you drive along Military Road in Northwest DC, you may have noticed longer backups. This is because 4 lanes of thru-traffic have been turned into 2 lanes. Some drivers tell 9News their morning commutes have increased by as much as 20 minutes due to the road changes. So, what happened to the other two lanes you ask? One of them is for turns only. The other one is for residential parking. While commuters may hate the new traffic pattern, most residents along this stretch of road love the changes. "People have been flying down Military Road for years using it as a highway," says long time resident Shelly Sconberger. In order to slow down the traffic, DCÂ’s Department of Transportation implemented the changes. Now they are studying the impact of all their work and they want to hear from you! If you have any pros or cons youÂ’d like DDOT to know about regarding this project, call 202-727-1000.
At the Octoberer 23, 2006 ANC 3/4G meeting, DDOT announced that they intend to maintain the 1 lane scheme on a permanent basis, except during rush-hour, when a second lane would be added (North lanes in the morning and south lanes for the PM). The ANC indicated a desire to simply revert the road scheme to the way it was before the study was conducted, while adding speed reduction schemes.
A community meeting for all interested will be held at the Chevy Chase Center on Wednesday, October 25th, 6:30.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Washington Post Endorsement Ward 3
IN LAST MONTH'S Democratic primary contests for D.C. Council seats in Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6, we endorsed Jim Graham , Mary Cheh , Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. and Tommy Wells , respectively. We repeat our endorsement of each of these candidates in the Nov. 7 general election.
. . .
Ward 3 Democratic nominee Mary Cheh has all the qualities to make a fine lawmaker in the mold of Kathy Patterson, who vacates that seat in January. But Theresa Conroy, carrying the Republican standard, has proven to be a smart opponent with a good feel for Ward 3 issues. She's not up to Ms. Cheh in experience and knowledge of city government, so Ward 3 voters ought to support the Democrat. Ms. Conroy, however, has a future in District politics, provided she remains involved with civic concerns.
. . .
Ward 3 Democratic nominee Mary Cheh has all the qualities to make a fine lawmaker in the mold of Kathy Patterson, who vacates that seat in January. But Theresa Conroy, carrying the Republican standard, has proven to be a smart opponent with a good feel for Ward 3 issues. She's not up to Ms. Cheh in experience and knowledge of city government, so Ward 3 voters ought to support the Democrat. Ms. Conroy, however, has a future in District politics, provided she remains involved with civic concerns.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Tenley Firehouse Reopens!!
After how many years of discussion? How many stops and starts? How much taxpayer money wasted?
The historic Tenleytown firehouse, Company 20 finally reopens . This is a releif to thousands of upper Northwest residents who have endured a patchwork (but hurculean and heroic) effort on the part of the DCFD to properly serve and protect the citizens.
From the article:
A historic Northwest firehouse is open again, after a renovation project took four times longer than expected and cost more than double what was budgeted.
"The main thing is, we're in," D.C. fire department Capt. Kenneth Crosswhite, who is stationed at the remodeled Engine 20 in Tenleytown, said yesterday. "And we've actually improved the service to the community."
Firefighters returned Oct. 14, four years and four months after what was slated to be a one-year project began in June 2002. Officials say the cost of renovating the 1901 firehouse ballooned from the $2.9 million that was originally budgeted to about $7 million.
Engine 20 is now a paramedic-engine company, meaning that one firefighter on each shift is a certified paramedic. It also is home to a ladder truck and an ambulance, and serves as the headquarters for the 5th battalion chief.
The firehouse has at least 50 percent more space, with a larger kitchen and bathroom facilities. The most obvious addition is the two new drive-through bays with 13-foot doors. They replace doors originally designed for horse-drawn fire wagons through which only older, smaller vehicles could fit.
"Having the wider doors decreases response times because you're not slowing down as much," Capt. Crosswhite said.
However, some problems still exist.
Firefighters are sharing space with construction workers, who are completing the renovations at the station, on Warren Street Northwest. Some exterior work also remains, such as laying sod and a sidewalk and fixing a large crack in the building's facade.
"Everything that remains to be done now is superficial," said Alan Etter, a fire department spokesman. However, he acknowledged the project "took too long, no question about it."
The $2.9 million renovation contract was awarded in July 2002 to District-based HRGM Corp. A dispute was raised about construction issues, and city officials fired the company in July 2003, saying it had defaulted on the contract.
Officials rebid the contract and selected Garcete Construction Co. Inc., increasing the budget to $3.9 million. The work was supposed to be completed by last August, but the city granted an extension to the contractor.
An official rededication ceremony and open house is scheduled for Nov. 4. The event also will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the house's designation as Engine 20.
By Matthew Cella
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published October 21, 2006
The historic Tenleytown firehouse, Company 20 finally reopens . This is a releif to thousands of upper Northwest residents who have endured a patchwork (but hurculean and heroic) effort on the part of the DCFD to properly serve and protect the citizens.
From the article:
A historic Northwest firehouse is open again, after a renovation project took four times longer than expected and cost more than double what was budgeted.
"The main thing is, we're in," D.C. fire department Capt. Kenneth Crosswhite, who is stationed at the remodeled Engine 20 in Tenleytown, said yesterday. "And we've actually improved the service to the community."
Firefighters returned Oct. 14, four years and four months after what was slated to be a one-year project began in June 2002. Officials say the cost of renovating the 1901 firehouse ballooned from the $2.9 million that was originally budgeted to about $7 million.
Engine 20 is now a paramedic-engine company, meaning that one firefighter on each shift is a certified paramedic. It also is home to a ladder truck and an ambulance, and serves as the headquarters for the 5th battalion chief.
The firehouse has at least 50 percent more space, with a larger kitchen and bathroom facilities. The most obvious addition is the two new drive-through bays with 13-foot doors. They replace doors originally designed for horse-drawn fire wagons through which only older, smaller vehicles could fit.
"Having the wider doors decreases response times because you're not slowing down as much," Capt. Crosswhite said.
However, some problems still exist.
Firefighters are sharing space with construction workers, who are completing the renovations at the station, on Warren Street Northwest. Some exterior work also remains, such as laying sod and a sidewalk and fixing a large crack in the building's facade.
"Everything that remains to be done now is superficial," said Alan Etter, a fire department spokesman. However, he acknowledged the project "took too long, no question about it."
The $2.9 million renovation contract was awarded in July 2002 to District-based HRGM Corp. A dispute was raised about construction issues, and city officials fired the company in July 2003, saying it had defaulted on the contract.
Officials rebid the contract and selected Garcete Construction Co. Inc., increasing the budget to $3.9 million. The work was supposed to be completed by last August, but the city granted an extension to the contractor.
An official rededication ceremony and open house is scheduled for Nov. 4. The event also will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the house's designation as Engine 20.
By Matthew Cella
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published October 21, 2006
Tom Knott covers the Glover Park Alley
As discussed previously there is a little controversy in Glover Park. Tom Knott addresses it in the Washington Times.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Chevy Chase Candidates forum
This is a review of the recent Chevy Chase Citizens Association candidates forum. This was the second, of I believe two forums where the Ward 3 Council candidates will meet:
There was a good crowd at the meeting, in part because it included a forum for candidates for School Board president. Much of the dialogue between Cheh and Conroy covered very familiar ground: both candidates reiterated positions that can be found on their websites. Cheh spoke of her support for transit-oriented development on upper Wisconsin Avenue that focuses on pedestrian-friendly access to retail stores, while Conroy favored the status quo - saying that there are already plenty of retail and grocery stores there.
The only new issue addressed was the question of where each stood on a woman's right to choose and DC support for benefits for same-sex partners.
Conroy declared she was pro-life. While she doesn't support a woman's right to choose, she is endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, and would support laws on the books. As for the second part of the question, she said that she believed such matters should be left to states. Cheh said that she supports a woman's right to choose, and linked the issue to her commitment to fight for the District of Columbia right to self-determination. She noted that Congress has forbidden the DC government to pay for abortions for low-income women, and called it an intolerable situation. It was interesting that this was the only response of the night that drew applause from the audience.
There was a good crowd at the meeting, in part because it included a forum for candidates for School Board president. Much of the dialogue between Cheh and Conroy covered very familiar ground: both candidates reiterated positions that can be found on their websites. Cheh spoke of her support for transit-oriented development on upper Wisconsin Avenue that focuses on pedestrian-friendly access to retail stores, while Conroy favored the status quo - saying that there are already plenty of retail and grocery stores there.
The only new issue addressed was the question of where each stood on a woman's right to choose and DC support for benefits for same-sex partners.
Conroy declared she was pro-life. While she doesn't support a woman's right to choose, she is endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, and would support laws on the books. As for the second part of the question, she said that she believed such matters should be left to states. Cheh said that she supports a woman's right to choose, and linked the issue to her commitment to fight for the District of Columbia right to self-determination. She noted that Congress has forbidden the DC government to pay for abortions for low-income women, and called it an intolerable situation. It was interesting that this was the only response of the night that drew applause from the audience.
Ward3Vision website goes live
The DC Ward 3 Smart Growth Coalition changed its name in the Spring to reflect a broader vision for the future of Ward 3 where neighborhood serving retail, affordable housing and lively streetscape are concerned.
To encapsulate this "vision" the committee has launched its new website in order to attract new members and continue to build on the momentum it has achieved over the past year.
If you are interested in a revitalized Wisconsin Avenue corridor, enhanced regional environmental concerns, and affordable housing, particularly for city employees and first responders, then you should visit their website and sign up to the movement!
To encapsulate this "vision" the committee has launched its new website in order to attract new members and continue to build on the momentum it has achieved over the past year.
If you are interested in a revitalized Wisconsin Avenue corridor, enhanced regional environmental concerns, and affordable housing, particularly for city employees and first responders, then you should visit their website and sign up to the movement!
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