Note: The views expressed below are my own and do not reflect the views of any organization with which I am affiliated, including the LRCA.

Ward 4 council special election forum March 2, 2015

On March 2, 2015, the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association hosted a forum for candidates hoping to represent ward four on the DC council. The forum, moderated by Washington Post columnist Colby King, was well-attended. Most of the candidates appeared: Acqunetta Anderson, Leon T. Andrews, Jr., Ronald Austin, Renée Bowser, Gwenellen Corley-Bowman, Judi Jones, Edwin Powell, Douglass Sloan, Bobvala Tengen, Brandon Todd, and Dwayne Toliver.

The forum started with opening statements by each candidate followed by a bit of trivia. Questions such as how many recreation centers, libraries, and middle schools are in ward seemed to stump many of the candidates.

The atmosphere was lively, but collegial for the most part. At one point, Renée Bowser asserted that developers were funding the campaign of Brandon Todd, to which Todd quickly replied that his campaign is actually being funded by the residents of ward four. In fact, Bowser seemed to be the only candidate willing to challenge Todd, the presumed frontrunner.

Some of the recurring topics of discussion were affordable housing, aging in place, education with a particular focus on getting a standalone middle school in the ward, and responsible development. There did not seem to be too much disagreement on these issues. With so many candidates, getting into the nuances that distinguish one from another was a challenge. A few candidates stood out just for their ability to concisely deliver their thoughts on particular topics.

One moment that could have been interesting occurred when the candidates were asked if they could have one do-over, what would it be. That question is akin to the interview question we all get asked during job interviews: “What is your biggest weakness?” A candidate can be thoughtful and introspective, but we know generally, job candidates have learned to answer this question without saying anything that would get them tossed from consideration. Such was the case at the forum. Answers ranged from pursuing a different graduate degree to purchasing real estate sooner to having a family at an earlier age. I am sure the candidates thought they were giving truthful, thoughtful answers, but I wonder if the candidates would have different answers now that the question has been posed.

If it seems as if I did not have too many lasting impressions about each candidate, that is mostly true. Generally, I think this forum was a good introduction to the candidates, an opportunity to put face and voice to all of the names as the campaign season starts to take off. It was a chance for the candidates to make a first impression and figure out how they want to navigate in a field of so many candidates with a compressed campaign schedule. One refreshing aspect was that almost all of the candidates seemed to have really good intentions in running for office and really seemed to care about the District.

You can find a one-stop source for most of the candidates on the Ward 4 Candidates Information website, which is not affiliated with any particular campaign. The site lists biographies and campaign website information as well as a calendar of events for various candidates. Questions may also be submitted through that site for consideration by the candidates.

Early voting beings April 18. Special election day is April 28.