I’m Larry T. Pretlow II (born June 19, 1989), currently 21 years of age and residing in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8 community. In fall 2010 - by privilege of the democratic process – I appeared on the General Election ballot as a Candidate for the office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Single Member District 8C03. Now I’m considering placing my name in the mix for a seat on the Council of the District of Columbia – representing Ward 8.
I would like to take the Ward 8 seat on the council so that Ward 8 can begin its Transformation process. Right now our current Councilmember has limited powers and is not well-received by their colleagues – which is hurting Ward 8 a great deal.
While still interested in the ANC 8C03 seat in 2012, I would like to test the waters and see how much of Ward 8 wants something different and truly understands that it’s not being fairly represented or advocated for on the city council. How many would support a young Republican Candidate in the General Election?
Some of the issues I oppose or support are, but not limited to:
• I don’t support Gay Marriage, but I do support Civil Unions.
o I believe “Marriage” is between a Man and a Woman
o And that Child should be born in wedlock (I was).
o Civil Unions for couples wanting to adopt, obtain health insurance, etc.
• I support Don’t ask, don’t tell!
o Foolish to think that because this is in place, there are no Gays in the Armed forces. BUT I do understand that a person may oppose Gay culture or lifestyle and may not want to become exposed to such ways of life. Officers and Soldiers would have to be trained how to deal with this way of living in their barracks and interacting with openly gay.
• I don’t support the District’s recognition of Gay Marriages.
o But I don’t oppose to a person’s right to live their life how they wish in accordance with the fair Laws of the Land.
• I oppose Abortion, I support a Clean Lifestyle.
• I support Gun Control Laws
• I don’t support D.C. STATEHOOD
o D.C. is not ready for that, also this is a Federal territory – which is why we moved the white house and most Federal headquarters here. We would lose so much.
• I support Welfare and Public Assistance –
o For a limited time in which participants will be transitioned into working employees and homeowners within a set time frame.
In Ward 8, I face a great challenge as a Republican – a young republican at that. The District of Columbia has been under the one-party rule of the Democratic Party for so many years. Running as a Republican – you must never expect to win and do one hell of a great job if you do. As an ANC Candidate, my Democratic opponent used my Political Affiliation and low voter turnout to win re-election.
But I’m not afraid! Many people view me as an Immature and obnoxious young man with a misunderstanding about politics and community. Not a perception I’m happy with – but I can assure you once I began to really kick my campaigning into gear and really began to SPEAK, I will be heard, I will be understood and I will have a great deal of support.
Rather win or lose, I’m going to keep on fighting the fight for the people – for all of those who believe in making a good difference and allowing fresh new ideas to come into play – We already know what our Democratic Leaders can and will do for us! As a Republican I’m here to say and do what needs to be said and done! Letting Legends be legends and new Leadership & Advocacy rise!
I most likely wouldn’t “debate” Marion Barry at a public forum, but I would be proactive in explaining the campaign and my candidacy to anyone who would like to know my platform.
Don’t get it twisted, I respect Marion Barry for what he’s done for our city – so call him “Mayor for Life” - but how much longer do we continue to vote for Mr. Barry and Ms. Cuthbert? Like many others who are representing what’s been classified as the worst Ward in the city – while they’ve been in office.
Each election year they block CHANGE in the community!
Mr. Barry is busy rebuilding a reputation rather then turning around Ward 8 and allowing that to rebuild is image and commitment.
All my life I’ve heard about his troubles but that he’s never hurt the people! – Sadly, Ward 8 has become a victim of old-time friendships – voting for officials who did the best of their work many years ago.
I’ve held a RESHAPE Ward 8 meeting and will continue to hold these meetings to hear just what it is that Ward 8 residents want, need and don’t want or need – I will also visit local ANC meetings and PSA meetings. – So that I can strive in my best efforts to become EDUCATED and to make our ward the better Ward and a strong Voice in our city’s future!
I’m the Transformational Leadership we need! Don’t let the YouTube videos fool you. I’m not the “Immature” “Dumb N-word” some say I am or have called me to my face.
Just making it to the 2012 Primary for the Council seat will be a great accomplishment! I’m more eager for a win in 2012 as an ANC Commissioner – heard it’s a great place to start.
MORE ABOUT ME -
As a Born-Native of the District of Columbia - I was born at the Columbia Hospital for Women and I went home to the River Terrace community located in the North East quadrant of the city (Ward 7). I never attended school in D.C. – although my mother was a veteran DCPS school teacher. My parents married years before my birth and remain married today. I am the youngest of their seven children. I stayed out of trouble as a juvenile thanks to a talk with my Dad in my early days.
I never had time to get into trouble, I was always playing school, writing songs, singing, acting, playing football, teaching myself how to type and operate a computer or reading a book.
I’m a 4.0 student at Strayer University. I previously attended Prince George’s Community College. I began my music career with a positive hip-hop band “Profound Intent” in 2006 and I’m known throughout the professional recording industry as LaPret.
As a budding ASCAP songwriting and Recording Artist, I wish to use my creative talents to make a good difference in the lives of young persons and all of those who sometimes feel troubled within themselves. I would also like to keep everyone who’s got it together – together.
I’m recording my first professional solo recording project backed by South Capitol Recordings and my own indie imprint LaPret World Music.
My life has its downfalls and lonely moments but GOD picks me up and keeps me here through all the chaos I sometimes encounter. Sticks and stones may hurt me, but WORDS will never break my spirit. I’ve once second thought my existence, but now I know I’m here for a greater purpose than I first thought.
I’m self motivated and community driven. Take the time to get to know me, before you allow someone else to give you false impressions of me. Sometimes the most understanding person manages to be so misunderstanding of me.
I don’t know it all! There’s always something new to learn, especially when you’re working with others. However, I’ve learned that there are folks that refuse to allow a young man like me to come in and make a difference.
Be careful what you say about me, because you just might ENCOURAGE me to reach further and I just might get it that time around. One day, if not in 2012 - I’ll be ready to take a Public office.
pretlowontherise@gmail.com Official Site: http://www.LarryPretlow2.org/
