Duties: Serves as a member of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). Commissioners represent the views of residents of their Single Member District (SMD). After deliberation and votes, the ANC Commission advises the Mayor, Council and executive agencies in local matters such as parking, zoning, traffic, liquor licenses, permits, etc.Deberes: Se desempeña como miembro de la “Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC)”. Los comisionados representan las opiniones de los residentes de su distrito miembro único “Single Member District(SMD)”. Después de la deliberación y las votaciones, la Comisión del ANC asesora al alcalde, al consejo y a las agencias ejecutivas en asuntos locales como estacionamiento, zonificación, tráfico, licencias de venta de bebidas alcohólicas, permisos, etc.
Qualifications
MPP (Master of Public Policy) the College of William & Mary ‘18. Professional public sector consultant.
Website
Aboagye.org
The most important issue affecting our SMD is vacancy— ground floor retail vacancy has become the persistent status quo for our end of H street, and we haven’t fully rebounded since Covid. Restaurants, bars and retail shops struggle to stay afloat while weed and alcohol retailers become increasingly over-concentrated. The lack of retail frontage gives residents little reason to spend time in the corridor. Empty streets lined with dark storefronts are more prone to crime, and in turn residents and visitors are further discouraged from going out, particularly at night when entertainment and nightlife businesses rely on foot traffic. The problem is made worse by the lack of housing production: a byproduct of disinvestment by developers who have lost confidence in the economic future of H st.
To win this seat would be a significant upset against an incumbent and two other challengers— if I voters give me the opportunity I will work tirelessly to listen, iterate and improve along the way so that every resident feels like they have a real say in the direction we take. My candidacy represents an opportunity to bring a new perspective to the table, and I plan to bring others like me into the process for the first time—residents that typically get left out of the conversation. My approach is to go to the constituent. If I don’t hear from you, you will hear from me. I don’t think it’s enough to collect complaints and react when something goes wrong— I want to hear from voices of every volume and vantage point. That means asking questions, seeking out data and getting to know you.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Qualifications
Current ANC 6a06 Commissioner
A key issue for our neighborhood is strengthening the H Street corridor as a focal point for restaurants, retail and the arts, and for communities from all across the city to come together.
I channel what I hear from neighbors and constituents in weighing in on applications to ABCA, participate in forums on the future of H Street development, advocate for more investment in public transportation along H Street and in plans to connect it to the RFK campus redevelopment, and to bring more mental health and other resources that can help community members in crisis.
I talk with neighbors and constituents every day and ask what to prioritize as their ANC commissioner. I try to listen more than I talk. Reading listserv emails and listening to others at community forums are also great opportunities to learn, and to share information and offer help when it’s relevant.
Providing constituent services is a top priority of mine. I’ve responded to more than 100 requests to get quicker and more impactful responses from city officials, and I follow up until they provide one.
Sending a monthly email update is another way I communicate about my work as ANC commissioner on issues affecting the broader community and on specific requests. These are a great way to generate emails, text messages and calls from constituents, and inform about the role of ANCs.
Qualifications
Economist by training, 13-year resident of ANC 6A06, former business owner, written about local DC issues in the Hill Rag, Washington Post, and Capital Commonsense blog
Website
https://kennedy6a06.org/
Lack of development on the east end of H Street. I plan to work with Nesso Plaza developers to quickly attract tenants, and with Charles Allen's office to address chronic challenges facing the 1400 block, including trash and other quality of life complaints that the city has ignored for far too long.
I plan to be in active communication with residents through email and quarterly, virtual office hours (in addition to ANC meetings). My email and phone are always available.
