Submission to the Washington Post Election Guide 2008 by D. Schwartzman
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
Almost one third of our children live in poverty. We must create 21st Century green collar jobs for our residents, especially youth with comprehensive apprenticeship programs in our public schools. We can generate the needed revenue with tax fairness; reduce the tax rate for the working class majority, raise it for DC millionaires. Provide truly affordable housing for our majority, raise TANF benefits to above poverty, fully fund child care, job training, substance abuse programs. Curb the childhood asthma epidemic, carbon emissions driving global warming. Lower Metro fares, students ride free with congestion charge for commuters. More democracy, not less!
Why should voters elect you?
I will empower DC 's working and middle class majority, creating a more just and healthful environment for all residents, especially for DC's children.
How do you rate Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee's performance with the District schools so far, and what is one thing that you would recommend that she improve upon?
Poor. Any proposed change in our school governance system should have been subject to referendum instead of going directly to Congress for amendment of our Home Rule Charter. The closure of neighborhood public schools in working class wards is unacceptable and should be reversed. The root cause of poor student performance is the high poverty rate, especially in Wards 7 and 8. Therefore a comprehensive poverty reduction program should implemented, with social work support in school facilities serving low income families. I oppose privatization of public education and acceptance of the depopulation of DC driven by gentrification.
Do you think the District is doing enough to hold accountable developers who receive public funding or public financing when it comes to affordable housing and jobs for District residents? If not, tell us one thing you would recommend regarding affordable housing and one thing you would recommend regarding jobs for District residents.
No. Immediate implementation of inclusionary zoning requiring fully enforced employment of DC residents is a priority coupled with greatly expanded locally funded tenants assistance program with vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination policies based on race, gender and income status. We must create 21st Century green collar jobs for our residents, especially youth with comprehensive apprenticeship programs in our public schools. This approach will go far in realizing the potential of the DIstrict's Green Collar Jobs Initiative and The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008. Solarizing the District's energy sources is imperative.
How do you think the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the District's handgun ban will affect the city? Is there anything that could or should be done to restrict gun owners, such as requiring trigger locks?
This decision will have no effect in curbing gun violence, rather it will likely increase the rate of injuries and deaths resulting from gun use in the home associated with domestic violence. The most restrictive legislation is justified to keep handgun use to a minimum. Elimination of poverty will effectively address the root causes of violent crime. We need community police partnerships and a Civilian Review Board. The Bill of Rights must be respected by the District government and police. The District government should not be an accomplice in erosion of civil liberties and rights instigated by this current administration.
~Washington Post Election Guide by David Schwartzman
