Ward 6 Member of the Council · District of Columbia

Is protecting the safety, rights and access to city services for immigrant communities the responsibility of elected officials? Why or why not?

Yes. I’ll always show up and speak out - and encourage my fellow elected officials to do the same. I led bills through the Council to assure sanctuary status and voting rights for immigrant residents and I will fight to protect them. I’ve walked the halls of Congress, testified before congressional committees, met with leadership, partnered with groups like Free DC, and educated our fellow Americans through the national media. I believe courage is contagious, and we have to stand up for DC values and our autonomy without fail. This can look like using the power of speaking up, conducting oversight, bringing strategic litigation, or passing our own laws to fill in potential gaps, like in preventing law enforcement collaboration with ICE.

Do you have further thoughts on the Justice System?

I’ve consistently supported redefining public safety as inclusive of - and not exclusive to - law enforcement responses. From behavioral health to noise complaints to violence prevention, the District must do much more to ensure social challenges are addressed holistically within government, which often does include MPD. I pushed both the legislative and executive branches to consider public safety more broadly using this both/and framing and not either/or. With this in mind, the three policies I will prioritize to support this vision of public safety are ensuring adequate funding of poverty reduction and public education, fully and strategically staffing MPD, and pushing to implement a citywide, comprehensive gun violence reduction plan.

What are the two most important things Council should do and how will you make them happen?

1. Improve cost of living and affordability - Too many candidates will use the rhetoric of affordability, but I have been focused on results. Ward 6 has led the city with new affordable homes built and I have three bills currently before the Council to lower utility bills for DC residents – lowering costs and cutting red tape to connect to the grid; improving transparency in costs; & auto-enrolling eligible residents in utility discount programs. 2. Continue gains in public safety - We need to continue to improve hiring and retention at MPD while maintaining high standards. Overtime spending is a big challenge for the District, and it also burns officers out. I am proud to have helped dramatically expand our Cadet program, which MPD leaders credit as creating a homegrown pipeline of DC high school students into a career at MPD, from 15 cadets per year to 150 cadets per year today.

How will you use this job to protect our rights and keep Congress and the President out of our local government business?

As a current elected official, I use my position to speak loudly against any and all congressional attempts to overturn DC laws and encourage residents to make their voices heard. I have defended the District’s laws and local control. Not every DC elected official has shown up when it mattered, but I have. I’ve worked strategically to push the Council to bring on advocacy capacity, lobby members of Congress, partner with advocacy efforts like Free DC, and use the power of my office to speak in press, public appearances, and directly to my constituents about why action must be taken to defend the District of Columbia.

Should DC be a state? Yes or No? If yes, what are the two most important steps you would take to make statehood happen? If no, what is your plan for achieving full voting rights for DC?

Yes. I have consistently and fiercely defended DC Statehood for years. I have worked to develop relationships with members of Congress to help educate them about the importance of DC Statehood. I will also continue to be active in resident actions at the Capitol and elsewhere to join grassroots movements fighting for DC Statehood. And when Home Rule or DC laws are threatened, I won’t stay silent or sit out the fight. As I have demonstrated, I will speak out and show up to declare clearly and loudly why DC Statehood is needed now more than ever. I try to never miss an opportunity to advocate for DC Statehood. Whether it’s addressing a convention of out-of-town visitors or elected colleagues, or sitting down with our local Scouts or school.

DC is required under Law 24-176 to reduce harmful gas emissions resulting from DC government activities. What are two measures you would take to comply with this law?

The District is well behind in in meeting its climate goals. One of the most important actions the Council can take is to reverse the devastating cuts the Mayor is proposing to environmental and energy programs in the District, especially those aimed at lowering costs for seniors and working families on fixed incomes. Another key action is to build a sustainable DC Green Bank that is investing in sustainable and efficient improvements to buildings and homes that reduces emissions and lower costs. The District must also build, modernize, and manage DC properities to a clear Net Zero standard to significantly reduce gas emissions.

Record

I’ve been proud to fight for great public schools parents trust and students thrive in. I’ve pushed to have Ward 6 lead the way in delivering more new affordable housing than anywhere else in our city. I’ve championed our small businesses and leveling the playing field against large companies trying to force them out.

Local focus

I'm not involved in national politics. I just want to focus on local issues and making the city more accountable.