Dear Residents,

A few thoughts on Monday morning’s drive-by shooting of 13 individuals in front of Tyler House on North Capitol Street. I can not place blame upon the residents, the emerging neighborhood, or the night club because realistically, this kind of violence happens everywhere--whether at a fast food restaurant, a movie theater, sports competition, or night club. What’s the solution?

I am experienced at working with community members, leadership, and stakeholders for needed change of situations that foster violence and harm to our youth and for bringing amenities to our communities. Acts of violence amongst our youth are prime examples of why the District of Columbia needs an infusion of resources to address the root causes of youth violence.  

The City-Wide Coordinating Council of Youth Violence Prevention (CCCYVP), the Weed and Seed Program, and the Roving Leaders Program are successful programs that have engaged young people and communities in strategies to create safe and livable neighborhoods. These programs have expired or are set to expire while the Roving Leaders Program’s annual budget has steadily been decreasing. This continues to exacerbate the problem. I support continuing an adequate amount of funding so that these programs can provide the targeted support systems that will increase public safety and provide wrap-around services that many of our youth do without.

All of our citizens are valuable. With proper direction and guidance, a youth’s future is unlimited. I am deeply committed to ensuring that individuals and families can reside in safe neighborhoods.  

Warm regards,

Anita 

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Addressing the 6% Rate Increase Pepco Briefing Councilwoman Anita Bonds met with officials from Pepco to discuss their proposed 6% rate increase. This increase would add $5.89 to the average monthly residential bill. Councilwoman Bonds has encouraged Pepco to conduct a more robust community outreach effort to inform citizens about the rationale behind the rate increase and what they can expect in terms of improved services as a result. Many constituents have shared their concerns as to how it would impact their average monthly bill. We would like to hear more of your thoughts. Please email abonds@dccouncil.us or call 202-724-8064 to voice your opinion.

Right-sizing and Re-branding the University of the District of Columbia  Councilwoman Bonds met with Dr. Elaine Crider, Chair of the Board for the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The general discussion included the re-branding of UDC, its proposed enrollment plans and an overview of its right-sizing process. Dr. Crider also shared plans regarding the Community College of the District of Columbia (UDC-CC), the curriculum and job training efforts. Dr. Crider informed that they expect to officially announce Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr. as interim president for the University on March 20th. The Councilwoman will continue to remain engaged in UDC's right-sizing and enrollment plans, as well as, analyzing budgetary conditions related to the University. Access to an affordable post-secondary education is a top priority we can all agree on.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Join Councilmember Bonds in celebrating at Shaw's Tavern's First Annual ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL on Sunday, March 17th from 11:00AM – 5:00PM. Come out for a great day of fun with live music, great food and drinks, activities for the kids, as well as booths filled with community partners. The celebration will be held on 6th Street between Florida Avenue NW and S St. NW.

RECENT LEGISLATION CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS

"Homestead Deduction Equity Act of 2013"  

This bill will allow eligible homeowners who apply for the homestead (senior, disabled, or regular) deduction in the second half of the tax year to receive the benefit for the entire year. In addition, the bill would allow those who have erroneously, but in good faith, benefitted from a homestead deduction (senior, disabled, or regular) to have at least a year to pay back the tax credit. 

"Community Renewables Energy Act of 2012" 

This bill allows the creation of community based renewable energy facilities. Subscribers who participate with these facilities are eligible for credits towards their electric bills. This legislation serves the community by providing an alternative energy use option and allows opportunities to benefit eligible Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program recipients.

Additional Bills Co-Introduced or Co-Sponsored (Please Note: the list is not exhaustive)

• Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013
• Teachers’ Retirement Amendment Act of 2013
• Reading Development and Grade 3 Retention Act of 2013
• Residential Real Property Tax Relief Act of 2013
• Long-Time Homeowner Incentive and Economic Diversity Act of 2013
• District of Columbia Fire and Casualty Amendment Act of 2013
• Office of the Chief Financial Officer Audit Report Transparency Act of 2013
• Domestic Violence Hotline Establishment Act of 2013
• Temporary and Small Business Entrepreneurship Amendment Act of 2013

In Celebration of Women’s History Month

On March 7th, Councilmember Anita Bonds (At-large) joined Councilmembers, Mary M. Cheh (Ward 3), Muriel Bowser (Ward 4) and Yvette Alexander (Ward 7) in hosting a Women’s History Month Celebration honoring outstanding “Women who have shaped the District’s past and are leading its future.” Former elected officials Hon. Betty Ann Kane, Hon. Kathleen Patterson, Hon. Sandra Allen, and Hon. Carol Schwartz were also in attendence.  The four female elected officials recognized individual women who have made positive contributions to their communities and the District. Councilmember Bonds honored Denise Rolark-Barnes, publisher of the Washington Informer and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Albrette “Gigi” Ransom (ANC 5A06).  “We celebrate the contributions of women in the District because often a woman’s good deeds are taken for granted,” stated Councilmember Anita Bonds, adding that “Denise Rolark-Barnes and Gigi Ransom remain exemplary examples of the power of women and how we have shaped society and crafted public policy.”  Top photo- current and former councilwomen present a resolution honoring the centennial of the passing of Harriett Tubman.       Right photo- Albrette “Gigi” Ransom receives her award.

The Links Incorporated Annual Legislation Day  Councilmember Anita Bonds joined members of The Links, Inc. on March 13th for their Annual Legislation Day. The Links, Incorporated founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. To learn more of their programs and initiatives, visit www.linksinc.org