WARD 7 CONCERNED CITIZENS COALITION PURPOSE OF COALITION

The Ward 7 Concerned Citizens Coalition was formed to provide a forum for residents of Ward 7 the opportunity to come together to examine and discuss the political state of the Ward. W are convinced that the conditions of Ward 7 in regard to effective and ethical Council leadership for Ward 7 has suffered; and, as a result, accountability, constituent services, economic development, public safety, employment opportunities and public education advancement in the Ward has not significantly improved for the residents, since the 2006 election of the Ward 7 Councilmember. Our goal is not to pre-select a person to seek the Council seat, it is to solicit and examine a field of candidates, who meet specific criteria for the position. This will be conducted through surveys, straw polls and debates. Thus, in our view this is the most democratic and transparent way to select the best candidate-for the-Ward 7-CDuncilme.mb~LPosition. Past high profile political endorsements for the Ward Councilmember have hampered citizen's ability to choose the best leadership for Ward 7. The most recent example of poor leadership was the debacle with the 2010 Census Redistricting of Ward 7, more proof that little or no community engagement was exercised by the Councilmember to give the residents of Ward 7 a voice in the process. As a result of this lack ofleadership Ward 7 lost the Fairlawn neighborhood and Marbury Plaza, both much valued communities; and, gained the "DC Jail and Reservation 13", entities, which are social service providers for the entire city. These entities, while worthy bring no voting strength to the Ward.

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WARD 7 CONCERNED CITIZENS COALITION Ward 7 Councilmember Leadership and Performance Criteria
Ward 7 is seeking a candidate who has been committed to community service for ~t least 3 years and lived in Ward 7 for at least 4 years and is willing to: I. Lead the community in stating its mission to address short, intermediate and long term issues, needs and concerns facing the Ward in all of its neighborhoods to set goals and priorities;' 2. Communicate frequently, meet with, listen to, and provide outreach to all Ward 7 residents, neighborhoods, communities and business entities on a regularly scheduled basis, in different community settings and using multiple media outlets--newsletter, radio, television, forums, talk shows, web sites, webcast, twitter, blogosphere and other emerging media technology; 3. Respond to and follow-up with resident's issues, concerns and inquiries in _~ !~I?e}y,profe~sional, ~_0UI!~o~s ~nd ~~fici~~ manner;_~~~ 4. EXhibit the highest personal integrity, ethics, conduct and standards in all relationships with constituents, and the general public; 5. Demonstrate an effective record of accomplishments in serving diverse communities and constituents; 6. Within 60 days of taking office present an annual Ward 7 Plan with accompanying strategy to Ward 7 citizens so they know what the Ward 7 Councilmember is trying to achieve, provide specifics on how to support the plan, and submit evaluation criteria to assess its impact and effectiveness in meeting communities needs; 7. Take positions and votes on legislative issues, policies, initiatives and community concerns after meetings with diverse Ward 7 residents so that their needs, priorities and desires are accurately reflected in the voting record;
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8. Adhere to transparency at all levels of the legislative process; 9. Motivate, inspire and actively encourage all citizens and residents to take an active role in public and civic life; 10. Regularly inform, recommend, and support Ward 7 residents for boards, panels, task forces and, commissions; 11. Establish coalitions, partnerships and working arrangements with individuals, groups and organizations inside and outside the Ward 7 community; 12. Employ qualified Ward 7 residents for all positions on the council staff; 13. Within 90 days after taking office the councilperson will develop a strategic plan working with key stakeholders to promote, sponsor and advocate for Ward 7 Community Based Organizations and businesses for all activities to include affordable housing, economic development and education. 14. Promote the training through workforce development programs and hiring of Ward 7 residents in all area businesses that are conducted in the District of Columbia and greater Washington, DC. 15. Ensure that the constituent services fund provides for Ward 7 residents who have a temporary fmancial hardship on a one time annual basis. 16. Within 180 days after taking office, the Councilmember will sponsor specific legislation that will create Ward 7 central business districts (tax credits ... ) working with Community Development Organizations and businesses to encourage national chains to locate in Ward 7. 17. Promote and sponsor the stand-up ofa SBIC. SBIC's are privately owned and managed investment funds, licensed and regulated by SBA.

Ward 7 Concerned Citizens Coalition Listing of Previous Community Meetings

1. Wednesday, August 10,2011 East Washington Heights Baptist Church Branch and Alabama Avenues, S.E. Subject: To bring Ward 7 Citizens together to discuss the "Future Direction of the Ward" and "Ward 7 Councilmember Leadership and Performance Criteria" Wednesday, August 24,2011 ------Sixth District Police Station 42ndand Benning Road, N.E. Subject: "First Call to Candidates Seeking the Ward 7 Councilmember Position" and "The Lack of Economic Development"

II.

III. Wednesday, September 14,2011 Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church 25 - 53rd Street, N.E. Subject: "Current Ward 7 Political Environment" and "Jobs and Education Training"

Ward7 Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting Agenda Tuesday September 27, 2011
6:30 pm 6:35 pm Opening Prayer Opening Comments by Coalition Moderator and Coalition Members Brief History of the Coalition Purpose of Coalition (See handout) Leadership and Performance Criteria (See .Handout) Topics of Three Previous Coalition Meetings in Ward 7 (See handout) Discussions: "Ethical Conduct" What "Ethics" should mean to elected and appointed officials in DC Government Transparency at all levels of the Legislative Process Accessibility and Accountability of the Ward 7 Councilmember . Have large campaign contributions in DC Elections diminished the voting power of DC citizens? Close-out Prayer - Depart

6:50 pm

8:20 pm

Open to All Ward 7 Residents If there are questions, please call: 202 253-3812 or 202-812-5844