Councilmember Anita Bonds Update Sept. 13

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 09/13/2013 06:38 PM EDT

Friends,

Since my tenure on the Council, I have authored, co-introduced or sponsored over 50 pieces of legislation. Some are ceremonial that honor individuals and organizations that have benefitted the District while others are procedural measures to continue the funding of government. I am most proud of the bills I’ve supported that change public policy to assist people and communities. From promoting job training, protecting tenant and homeowner’s rights, implementing tax equity, and funding pre-school, I have carefully considered your best interest.

On Tuesday, the Council of the District of Columbia will reconvene from summer recess for their legislative session in Council period 20 and I expect a flurry of new legislation will accompany unfinished business from last session.

If I have not heard from you, I’m interested in your thoughts on the direction of the Council. Particularly, I’m interesting in hearing how you would like to see your representatives decide on these important issues:

The election of Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
The Large Retailer’s Accountability Act (LRAA)
Reform of the Property Tax Lien System
Decriminalization and or legalization of Marijuana
One million dollars to fund the District of Columbia’s Statehood Delegation

Please contact me to share your opinion at abonds@dccouncil.us or call my legislative team at 202-724-8064.

Sincerely,

Anita

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

WILSON HIGH AND JANNEY ELEMENTARY

Councilmember Anita Bonds and Councilmember Mary Cheh recently visited Woodrow Wilson High School and Janney Elementary.

At Wilson HS, the Councilmembers met with students who shared their great interest and satisfaction with the school’s academies classes, which about 55% of the students are enrolled in. Currently, Wilson HS offers students six academies to enroll in with plans for a Hospitality Academy next semester. Both Councilmembers share interest in working with Chancellor Kaya Henderson to replicate the academy model throughout the public school system.

The faculty pointed out the population of attending students growing annually, which has led to overcrowding. The remodeled school is formatted for 1500 students and Wilson’s current population is greater than 1800 students. Councilmember Bonds will work with Councilmember Cheh to address these concerns.

At Janney Elementary, the Councilmembers enjoyed meeting with the pre-school students and learning of their studies and activities. However, they were alarmed by the continuously failing air conditioning system on the 3rd floor and other maintenance needs of the newly renovated campus including plans to insulate the gym floor located over the library and the addition of six classrooms.

Photo- Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Anita Bonds at Janney Elementary

11TH STREET BRIDGE CELEBRATION

This past Saturday was a beautiful day to celebrate a new bridge that connects communities. Councilmember Bonds joined Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, and Federal and District officials in the dedication of the newly constructed and multimodal bridge that connects historic Navy Yard/Capitol Hill and historic Anacostia without having to utilize the freeway.

The new span includes overlook vistas that give pedestrians and bicyclist a stunning view up the Anacostia River towards Virginia.

The 11th Street Officer Kevin J. Welsh Memorial Bridge is dedicated to fallen police officer Kevin J. Welsh who died in the line of duty after attempting to assist a suicidal citizen there in 1986.

Photo- Councilmember Bonds and the Anacostia Ebony Dolls from the Academies at Anacostia High School

BENNING RIDGE CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Councilmember Anita Bonds was the featured guest at the Benning Ridge Civic Association’s September meeting. The Councilmember briefed the association on the Senior Property Tax relief Act, The Large Retailers Accountability Act, new vocational opportunities for youth through Career and Technical Education Academies (CTE’s).

More importantly, Councilmember Anita Bonds wanted to hear the issues and concerns of importance in their community. Many used the planning of Walter Reed as an example that there should be an advisory group (for development) in each Ward. Others mentioned placing DC Water under the authority of the District Government while most shared their concern with the lack of quality jobs.

Councilmember Bonds thanks President Sharon Shanklin-Brown, the officers and residents for a lively community engagement.

WE REMEMBER

Councilmember Anita Bonds joined her council colleagues and Fire/EMS Chief Kenneth Ellerbe in honoring our men and women in uniform on the 12th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the nation. The councilmembers visited the historic Engine Company No. 16/Truck Company No. 3 where they presented the “SEPTEMBER 11TH EMERGENCY AND FIRST RESPONDERS REMEMBRANCE AND RECOGNITION RESOLUTION OF 2013” to honor our brave firefighters.

Councilmember Bonds also remembers the school families in the District of Columbia who were also stricken by this great tragedy, Leckie Elementary, Ketcham Elementary, and Bertie Baccus Middle school.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

On Wednesday, Councilmember Anita Bonds attended the DC Office of Planning’s first community meeting to involve residents in creating a small area plan for the Southwest/Waterfront section of the District. The interactive meeting, which asked residents to provide ideas and feedback through several informational boards was led by Planning Director Harriet Tregoning with the participation of Ward 6 ANC Commissioners, civic associations, and Councilmember Tommy Wells and staff. The goal of the Southwest Neighborhood Plan (SWP) is to provide public and private stakeholders a land use and urban design framework that will guide development for the neighborhood.

Councilmember Bonds raised her family while living in the Southwest/Waterfront community and encourages those who were unable to attend the meeting to share their vision on the future of development in SW by visiting www.engage.swneighborhoodplan.org

17th Street Festival Sept 14th 12-6pm

The 17th Street Festival in Washington, DC is a free community even that celebrates the 17th Street Corridor from Riggs Place to P St NW. The 17th Street Festival will include musical performances throughout the afternoon, artist vendors, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.

The 17th Street Festival is planned by Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets and the Urban Neighborhood Alliance. Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2003 that focuses on promoting, retaining and attracting small and independent businesses to the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Northwest Washington, DC.

September 13 – October 6

Art4All DC is a festival of festivals. Spanning three weeks, DC comes alive with art in all four quadrants. Take in dance, theater, music, fashion, visual art, heritage tours and all that DC has to offer both inside and on the streets in neighborhoods across the District.

Art4All DC sparks collaboration, builds participation, creates accessible opportunities, and presents arts in unexpected places.

Facebook.com/ABB.Face1 Twitter.com/AnitaBondsDC

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW ~ Washington, DC 20004 ~ Suite 408

(202) 724-8064 office (202) 724-8071 fax www.dccouncil.us abonds@dccouncil.us

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