Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  I know there's been a lot of back and forth about the DC tax drama, and I've heard from many of you that it is confusing to keep track of all the developments. Here's a quick timeline of the facts and an update on where things stand (the short version: you can…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  The annual Ward 5 Awards Ceremony is coming up on April 1, but before we get there, we need you to submit nominations! If you haven't yet, please take a moment to think about a remarkable community member who makes Ward 5 a better place. If you know someone who has gone out of their way to…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  The region is facing what is being called one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history with the failure of the Potomac Interceptor in Maryland. Neighbors are rightly concerned about how this will impact our environmental goals and public health. Early this week, the Council received a briefing with the opportunity to ask questions…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  What is the role of government? Some might say it's to ensure there are paved streets. Still others may add that the government's role is to enforce the law, regulate businesses, and pick up trash (more on that below!).  I believe it is those things. But I believe it also to ensure that neighbors'…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  First things first: I'm just as frustrated as you are. The city's response to both snow removal and trash collection has been unacceptable over the past several weeks. I want you to know that my team has worked around the clock for weeks escalating every address and block we know still needs trash…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  It may feel like déjà vu, but Congress is yet again interfering in our local affairs and threatening to upend our budget. On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn DC's decision to separate our local tax code from the federal tax code. The bill now heads to the Senate, where many…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Sunday's snowstorm has presented challenges across the city all week long. Broken plows, unsafe sidewalks, poor communication, and limited assistance have understandably left many neighbors feeling frustrated and ignored.  Neighbors are right to ask for answers and solutions. My team and I have worked around the clock every day this week escalating streets…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Today is a sad day as we mourn the loss of a pillar of our community: Pierpont Mobley. Pierpont grew up in DC, was a long-time Ward 5 neighbor, and was a champion of civil rights as an equal employment opportunity advocate and public servant. His career spanned four federal administrations as he worked for the…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Next Tuesday, the Council will appoint a new, interim at-large councilmember to fill the vacant seat created by former Councilmember McDuffie's resignation in December. Per the Home Rule Act, when there is a vacant Independent seat, the Council is to appoint an interim until such as a time as a Special Election can…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  It has been a tumultuous start to the new year. Abroad, the federal administration's military operations in Venezeula skirt international law and break with decades of precedent. Closer to home, neighbors are grieving and organizing in response to the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis, MN. In DC, staff of the Washington…