Category Archives: Politics
Mary Cheh Pushing for Campaign Finance Reforms
Yesterday, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh sent out a press release describing a new bill before the DC Council. The Campaign Finance Reform Amendment Act of 2012 would radically change campaign finance laws in the District of Columbia. Thankfully, Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells immediately backed the plan. We wholeheartedly support this bill and encourage our neighbors and fellow DC residents to do the same.
Some of the highlights of this bill include:
- A prohibition on “contributions from all corporate entities, including partnerships, LLCs, and non-profits”.
- Stating “a District contractor cannot donate to a campaign during the application for, or performance of, a contract if the contribution is to a candidate who may vote on or have approval of the contract award…”
- Prohibiting “fundraisers – those who have raised funds in excess of $10,000 – from receiving a government contract, lease, or appointment within two years of fundraising…”
- Stating a “District contractor cannot donate to a campaign during the application for, or performance of, a contract if the contribution is to a candidate who may vote on or have approval of the contract award…”
Corruption is rife in DC politics and we consider these no-brainer solutions to the current campaign finance law. It is unclear whether or not such a bill would be upheld in the courts. Recently, the Supreme Court blocked a Montana Supreme Court decision that upheld a century-long ban on corporate contributions.
Should you be fined for not shoveling snow?
Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh recently put forward a bill to fine residents and businesses for not shoveling. Cheh’s proposal would have levied fines of $25 on residents and $125 on businesses for failing to clear sidewalks within eight daylight hours. The current law, on the books since 1922, states that a fine only needs to be paid if the city comes and cleans your sidewalk for you.
The council voted 8-4 to table Cheh’s bill (Cheh, Catania, Wells, and Kwame Brown in opposition).
What do you think?
Loading ...Cleveland Park Resident Now Heads Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Congratulations to Ruthanne Miller of Cleveland Park who is the new chairperson of the powerful Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, a part of Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). Miller has previously served the community as ANC 3C commissioner and on the Board of Zoning Administration (BZA). The Control Board is a seven member committee that “meets once per week to adjudicate, administer, and enforce the provisions of ABC laws.” Depending on your position, the Control Board frequently plays hero and/or villain when it comes to alcohol regulation in the city. Miller replaces Charles Brodsky who stepped down a month after allegations of impropriety were leveled against him by a former board member.
As chair, Miller will preside over many hearings directly related to our neighborhood and local businesses. In terms of her stance on community development, she tends to be pretty business-friendly. Recently, Miller has been a public advocate for reviving the storefront culture along Connecticut Ave. To her credit (in our mind), she has spoken out against the restaurant quota in Cleveland Park quipping, “Restaurants can’t open in Cleveland Park, and instead you’re getting tanning salons” in 2010. Of course as chair of the Control Board, she will walk a very fine line between protecting neighborhood residents and allowing for a vibrant business climate.
Miller’s appointment seems to come much less contentiously than her last mayoral appointment. In 2003, Miller was appointed by Anthony Williams to replace Anne Renshaw on the BZA causing an uproar among some residents. The furor surrounded Miller’s convenient political connections and the “fast track” her appointment garnered, not necessarily antipathy toward Miller herself. In addition, many believed the ouster of Renshaw was a direct consequence of her penchant to take on developers over zoning issues in the District. Former councilman at the time, Adrian Fenty was quoted as saying, “I am very upset that the mayor has not brought Mrs. Renshaw back, because she has done a very good job.”
Cleveland Park Food Carts?
Seems strange, but proposed regulations could make it more likely that food carts begin appearing in new places around DC. Currently, there is a freeze on food cart expansion because the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) cannot grant new licenses until pending regulations are approved. As currently written these regulations would open up location-based permits, including some zones along Connecticut Avenue. DCRA calls this area “Rock Creek West” with the most prime location being Zone C-2-A which extends from Macomb to Porter along Connecticut and another around Connecticut and Ordway. The license fee will be $587 per year, or less than $50 per month.
Thinking of starting a food cart or fearing ugly hot dog stands? You should know that part of the new regulations are stipulations on cart aesthetics. Existing food carts will have one year to comply with new regulations. You may think that most vendors will flock to the downtown area, but Ward 2 will only have 350 total licenses, 340 of which are already taken, so it seems likely that the expansion could occur outside of the traditional vending area. DCRA is hopeful that new regulations will encourage innovation and originality in this market, making it a better fit for our neighborhood.
HT: All We Can Eat blog
DC Taxi Service Survey
One of the best parts about living in Cleveland Park is easy access to mass transportation. Even back when the neighborhood was first developed, access to the Tenleytown car line was one of its main selling points.
Even with the red line steps away and numerous busses crossing our environs, we still make frequent use of taxis. Complaining about DC cabs is an age-old tradition born in the days of DC’s infamous “zone” payment system. I tend to think DC residents are so quick to bemoan the system because its one of the most consistent gripes visitors make. DC tends to be a pretty easy city to sell to our out of town friends, but nearly every one mocks the taxi system. Perhaps this is what makes us all so ornery on this issue.
In any event, with a pending fare increase and drama surround the Uber service, DC Council Member Mary Cheh has asked citizens to share their input on the taxi system. I highly recommend that you share your thoughts in this taxi service survey.
