We need Transformational Leadership not a Celebrity! It would be a challenge to persuade the elders of Ward 8 to vote differently – but I’m willing to get out there and get the message across to everyone that Ward 8 needs a new and proactive representation on the city council.
This is not about Mr. Barry, it's about making Ward 8 the better Ward! A Leader in Community Transformation.
I for one am not a fan of the City Council’s current members. I once supported Vince Gray, as a Republican – but I regret ever doing that. If I had to choose between a Democratic Mayor, my choice would be Adrian Fenty, over and over again!
As a Council member I would be a vibrant and proactive voice and face in the introduction of Ward 8 catered Legislation. Roughly I would commit to the following: (with much needed edits of course)
New Public Housing Regulations that would subject residents to pass new requirements to ensure that all public properties are Drug Free Zones and clean, safe, friendly environments. We would enforce initiatives to help all residents obtain their education, long-term employment and permanent housing. Residents would also learn good Homeowner and Community practices - so that their tenure in public housing is as short as possible and the next family in need can be quickly provided the same great services.
Youth catered development services that would ensure that all youngsters are attending an educational institution during regular school hours, off the streets after school - rather at home or on a supervised job site. Empower troubled youth to use their skills to earn an honest living and education - in order to prevent new and repeated offenders. We would also enforce a improved Ward 8 Curfew practice that would protect all youngsters and keep them in their own communities on their on block within a certain time frame before the citywide curfew goes into effect each night. A curfew based on your age group.- Offering Community Service options to redeem your ill-standing or to boost your creditability. Positions in their local community.
Increased Community Involvement & Awareness - regularly held State of the Ward Town Hall meetings and allow as many community members to speak directly to their Council member and neighbors.
Encourage Local Economic Development - Make local D.C. based businesses a priority over outside businesses. If an outside business were to open in Ward 8 - local residents should be hired before non-Ward 8 residents.
ANC's - I would hold each and every Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and Commission to its obligation to take ACCOUNTABILITY for their community. We would meet regularly to discuss what is needed, wanted and not desired in Ward 8. ANC's would serve as my local Advisory staff.Ward 7 has made some great developments! Ward 8 needs to join the bandwagon. I’ve held a Reshape Ward 8 meeting and I will continue to do so. In fact the next Reshape Ward 8 meeting will be at the top of the New Year 2011.
Yes! Some things may need to be stated more clearly, or better explained but I think the message is very clear here - I have good intentions for Ward 8 and everyone who lives and works here!
Telephone: 202.230.4187 Official Site: http://www.LarryPretlow2.org/
