Kelly Mikel Williams
(Dem)
Biographical Information
Education
California State University - Hayward
Qualifications
I have 25years of experience comprising every level of government. I've served in the White House, USDA, and Farm Credit Administration. My experience also includes State Legislature and local government in two different jurisdictions; California and the District of Columbia Council. Today, I'm an elected official at what I call the grassroots level, as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Which I serve as Chairman. Each level of experience trained me to understand the legislative and political process and the division between politics, government, and public policy. I believe my quarter of a century of service coupled with my life experiences have prepared me and will guide me as the District of Columbia's next Congressional Representative.
Campaign Twitter Handle
Website
www.kellymikelfordc.com
How will you help DC have more control over our own affairs and give it more local power?
The GOP-controlled Congress is continuously threatening our local authority. I am determined to fight tirelessly against any effort that interferes with our local governance. Although we are not a state, we can still advocate to keep Congress out of our local affairs. I believe that we have an opportunity, with the majority to push the envelope through legislation, just as President Biden noted he would do to secure Roe v Wade. Any opportunity to gain more local authority is a chance to reduce the control Congress has over our autonomy. I will always fight and be open to negotiating with my colleagues to gain more authority and control over out local affairs.
What are your two top priorities and how will you make them happen?
Our priorities were captured by a think tank and aligned with District voters. The inter-relational impact stretches across multiple disciplines: homelessness, crime, jobs, affordable housing, etc. The most important is crime. But, we must address the root causes which is often poverty, lack of education, insecure housing, homelessness, and a lack of jobs or work experiences. Our approach is to ensure stable, affordable housing, and housing for our homeless. Then we can begin to address the poverty, education, and mental health issues that increase our crime statistics. My goal is to use the power of the pen to earmark programs and agencies that will address these concerns. It's vital that we provide for our young people and give them hope.
Should the Delegate be involved in the push for statehood? Why or why not?
In the establishment of the U.S. Representative and Shadow Senators, their primary focus is addressing statehood. Each of the representatives have done a great job in their respective positions, and continue to do so. I believe there is a role for the Delegate to play in supporting the District’s democracy. As the only full-time paid federal legislator, the Delegate, in partnership with the U.S. Representative and Shadow Senators, must join forces to fully lean on the U.S. Senate to pass statehood legislation. The Senates tacit support requires a full throated tactical approach to bring the Constitution to life to ensure the rights of all Americans are upheld; “No Taxation, without Representation."