Today 10.22.08

Lots of stuff going on now that we're getting closer and closer to the election...

On Monday night I helped organize and run a debate in which all seven candidates for the two at-large seats on the city council participated. I was the official timekeeper, though the credit for the success of the event goes to my fellow commissioners Bill Hewitt and Will Stephens as well as DCCA president Joel Lawson. Cm. Stephens and Mr. Lawson moderated the event.

The discussion was fairly reserved and very respectful. To me, the choice in two weeks was stark and clear: I have already endorsed Kwame Brown, who is a great leader in our city. He performed admirably, and I hope he is reelected to the council for another 4-year term.

Equally impressive was candidate Mark Long. He was thoughtful, deliberative, and exibited great leadership. He actually won me over by not completely agreeing with me. On a question of whether the city should build a new football or soccer stadium (something I am fiercely opposed to), he didn't stand with the myriad other candidates who adamantly said NO. He said that in a time of recession, we can't take any public works projects off the table. We would need to examine the benefits and drawbacks to the city, look at our budget carefully, and see what makes sense. I greatly respect his answer, and I will be voting for him in two weeks. I hope you will join me!

Finally I've been busy with campaign work. I'll be having a victory party with two of my fellow commissioners the evening of November 4 (email me for information: events@friendsofjack.com), and I'm working on getting street signs printed. Hopefully those will go up this weekend!

That's the big stuff for now. As always, call or email me with questions or concerns.