We are in the final stretch before the DC Council votes on the redistricting plan on Tues., June 7, and I am optimistic that our voices are being heard. But we need to continue the push over the next two days.
Last Friday, ANC 6B Chairman Neil Glick, myself and a few Hill East residents went around to Councilmembers offices at the Wilson Building. During our meeting with Council Chairman Kwame Brown, he said he was well aware of our opposition to the proposed map and said he had watched a good portion of last Wednesday’s public hearing. He also said he had concerns with the proposed map and was aware that the Subcommittee on Redistricting was making some changes.
Councilmember Jack Evans, co-chair of the redistricting subcommittee, also confirmed that the subcommittee was making changes on Friday’s Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU. Evans said a revised map would be released today (Mon., June 6). Kudos to Commissioner Francis Campbell for asking Councilmember Evans why the subcommittee did not just move the DC Jail to make up for the population shortfall in Ward 7.
Our Friday meetings and Councilmember Evans’ comments confirm that DC Councilmembers are hearing us. We need to continue to call, e-mail and visit all the DC Councilmembers until the vote on Tuesday. In particular, keep calling the three redistricting subcommittee members – Councilmembers Michael Brown, Jack Evans and Phil Mendelson – and our At-Large Councilmembers – Chairman Kwame Brown and Councilmembers David Catania and Vincent Orange. All of these offices were receptive to our message on Friday. My DC Council Contact Information page includes all Councilmember phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
Thanks again for all the calls, e-mails, meetings, etc. Keep up the pressure!
Brian Flahaven 