We sent a list of questions to candidates seeking to represent areas of the neighborhood on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. Gordon-Andrew Fletcher is a candidate for ANC 5A08, which includes parts of both North Michigan Park and Riggs Park (primarily Aventine Fort Totten, Art Place at Fort Totten development, and the Riggs Plaza apartments). The incumbent commissioner who is seeking reelection did not respond to the questionnaire. The general election is November 8, 2016. Early voting started at Judiciary Square on October 22. On October 28, early voting begins at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE).

1. Please provide a brief introduction of yourself to the community.

My name is Gordon-Andrew Fletcher. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in New York. I came to Washington, DC at the age of 17 to attend American University, where I graduated in 2006 with a degree in Political Science and an advanced degree in Leadership Studies from the School of Public Affairs. Thereafter, I attended Florida A & M University College of Law in Florida . I am licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland and my Bar Admission to DC is pending. I am a Washingtonian by choice, and have made Washington, D.C my home. I am currently pursuing a third degree at American University – Masters in Public Policy & Administration while serving as the Graduate Student Body President. Additionally, I work at the Department of Commerce and also teach Repeat Bar Exam Takers to successfully pass the Bar Exam. I have been involved in my community ever since moving to ANC 5A08 serving as Public Safety Co-Chair, Youth Committee Co-Chair, and Economic Development Task Force member of Lamond-Riggs Citizen Association (LRCA). I also serve as a committee member of the ANC 5A Economic Development Committee.

2. If elected, what will be your top priorities for your two-year term?

My top priorities follow:

• Enhance ANC5A’s transparency by releasing meeting material and minutes in 30-days or less; bringing current the ANC5A website and listserv; ensuring proper meeting notification is given; and strive to ensure public reports are clear, concise and complete (i.e., some financial report have been vague).
• Involve the community in ANC5A deliberations when possible by creating ad-hoc committees to provide research, gauge public sentiment and advice on ANC actions.
• Ensure that development complements and does not unduly changes the neighborhood character. This is accomplished by acting as a liaison between all parties until a compromise is reached.  My goal is to impose the will of the community, not the opposite, during all deliberations.
• Hold ANC 5A accountable to all residents within our neighborhood so that we can have the best community possible. I plan to be visible and accessible to all residents in 5A08. 

3. There is a lot of development happening in Lamond-Riggs. Please provide specific ways in which you will involve the community in shaping the development that is occurring.

ANC 5A08, which includes both the LRCA and the North Michigan Park Citizens Association (NMPCA), like many other communities, have been blessed with local development.  But, if unmanaged, the blessing can sully the neighborhood. I suggest the following:

• As a member of the community, I have my own sense of what is needed. However, I realize that I am part of many groups – young, old, black, white, Hispanic – who have dreams for this community.  I would solicit the common themes that we can agree upon through ad-hoc committees, community meetings and surveys.  Also, I will seek to engage existing organizations such as the LRCA, NMPCA, and other ANCs in this effort.
• I plan to meet the developers early in the process to understand their goals, comment on possible areas of agreement or contention, and clearly report to the community the results. This process will be repeated until all issues are resolved. Decisions that affect our community will never occur without hearing the voices of the community first and foremost.
• Lastly, I would ensure that agreed upon issues are met. Some of this can be accomplished through contract language – for example, no occupancy permit is issued until ‘X’ is completed.  The most important aspect is not the signing of a document, but monitoring the results.

4. In what ways do you believe that the development currently taking place is and/or is not compatible with the Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue Small Area Plan?

Overall, the goal of the South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Small Area Plan was the revitalization of this business corridor.  It has succeeded in attracting development.  But it has not delivered on all promises yet.

• According to the Small Area Plan, the elements of Access & Connectivity and Visual Identity are still outstanding. Access refers to building safe and well lighted paths within the retail corridor to the Metro.  Visual Identity encompasses the creation of safe, open, and green space for the community. The community must remain vigilant to ensure the realization of these items.

5. What specific steps would you propose taking to continue implementing the small area plan?

A thorough review of the small area plan is needed to gauge accomplishment, what is ongoing and what is to be reassessed.  Much of the actions I would take are already given in my response to question three (3).  However, before going forward the community must be informed of the project status, our future steps, and how we plan to implement them.

6. What responsibility do you believe the ANC has in formally responding to citywide proposals, such as Metro’s proposed permanent reduction in operating hours and DC’s Office of Planning proposal to update the Comprehensive Plan?

The ANC is charged with representing the will and aspiration of the citizens within the commissioner’s SMD.  So, the ANC must be ready to address all issue whether ‘grass roots’ or ‘top down’.  On city-wide issues, such as the Metro, the ANC must discern the community’s position, document it, and advice or consult city agencies, the Council or Mayor for a response.   In this case, one voice speaks for the city, but the ANC can share its ‘opinion’ with its constituency.

The comprehensive plan should be regularly updated.  First, it should be revised to reflect changes brought about through population growth, traffic patterns, and transportation improvements.  For example, imagine working with a comprehensive plan that did not account for Metro!  Secondly, the results of the many small area plans, inclusion zones, ‘Great Streets’ projects require inclusion.  Lastly, the most important work is now done.  The comprehensive plan is reviewed in terms of maintaining a viable, livable community.

For example, our green space is disappearing at an alarming rate.  I would propose a moratorium on the development of our city-owned, pocket parks.  This measure shields our green spaces from over-development.  Also, we need to work with and monitor the Office of Planning.  We need to ensure it does not relax existing provisions, thus giving developers new advantages.

7. For ANC 5A specifically, how do you propose to improve the representation provided by the commission for its residents?

First and foremost, I intend to regularly meet with the community whether there are outstanding issues or not.  I currently attend the monthly ANC5A meeting and participate in LCRA activities.  I am willing to rotate between LRCA, NMPCA and other organizations to reach my Single Member District (SMD) constituency.  I will respond to all inquiries within a reasonable time – like you, I have a job and social life.  Also, I will consider community events such as speaking engagements, mixers, etc.   Just please provide sufficient advance notice.

8. Why do you believe you are best prepared to represent the residents of ANC 5A08?

I am best prepared to represent the residents of ANC 5A08, because of my passion, determination, and background. I have the passion to be dedicated to the position of ANC Commissioner of 5A08 each and every day, and am confident in my abilities to stay in constant communication with the residents of ANC 5A08. In 2016 ANC Commissioners must be in constant communication with its residents to ensure that the voices of the people are heard before and not after decisions have made. Moreover, I plan to be responsive to residents when they reach out with questions or concerns. In doorknocking around ANC 5A08, many residents have asked me to make sure that when I am elected to stay in touch with them. Many residents in ANC 5A08 do not feel as if they know what is happening in our community, and I plan to change that when elected. The position of ANC Commissioner is extremely important to the success of any neighborhood in Washington, DC, and when elected I will ensure that I represent those residing in ANC 5A08 to the highest degree. For more information and ways to get in touch with me, please visit my website at: http://www.gordonandrewfletcheranc5a08.com