The role of a Councilmember is to create the laws and policies of the District, and in my work at the Council, I always legislate with the people and the larger community in mind. I am constantly asking myself and challenging my staff with the question ‘How can we enact legislation to help the most residents and move Ward 5 forward?’ I do not do this work for the accolades, it is for the people.

So I am humbled when an organization recognizes me for that work, but I feel that it is important to share these accomplishments with the community. I truly believe that these awards belong to the entire community, because it is the issues and concerns of residents that are at the heart of the legislation I introduce.

Last week, I received the 2017 Cancer Care Award from the Maryland/DC Society of Clinical Oncology (MDCSCO) for legislation I introduced to curb tobacco use in the District by banning the use of tobacco in all District-owned sports and entertainment facilities, like Nationals Park.

Next Monday, I will be recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth for the Comprehensive Youth Justice Act that was passed last year when I was Chair of the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary.

Additionally, I was nominated by the District of Columbia American Association of Retired Persons to be a 2017 Capitol Caregiver. The award is given to a select, bi-partisan group of officials from across the country who have fought for family caregivers in 2017.

These awards are flattering and I certainly appreciate them, but I am mostly grateful to be in the position as the Ward 5 Councilmember so that I can champion legislation that improves the quality of life for residents of Ward 5 and the District of Columbia.

In service,

Chancellor Wilson and DCPS Leadership are hosting a series of community forums to allow DCPS friends, families, and stakeholders the opportunity to provide input on DCPS’ Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The first forum in Ward 5 will be held on Tuesday, November 7. Check the RSVP link for a list of all community forums.

The Office of the Student Advocate is an independent office within the State Board of Education which focuses on supporting families in navigating the complexities of the D.C. public education system. The  goal of the office is to provide more access to resources, boost parent engagement, and make the public school system more accessible for students, families, and all stakeholders. In our continued efforts of reaching this goal, we are launching our Parent & Student Advisory Committee.
 

The collaboration of all stakeholders in the D.C. public education system is necessary in order to create a more effective, responsive, and equitable system for all students and their families. It is important to create a space that allows parents and students to express their thoughts and concerns about a system that is only able to function through their participation. The Office of the Student Advocate has created the Parent & Student Advisory Committee to do just that. This committee's purpose is to provide an outlet for parents and students to assist the Office of the Student Advocate in better serving families throughout D.C. and to foster conversations and uncover solutions about the issues all stakeholders face within D.C.'s public education landscape.

Metro's Riders' Advisory Council is seeking candidates to fill available positions on the volunteer council.  Positions are available at-large and for residents in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Fairfax County.
 

The 21-member council is made up of six individuals each from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, two at-large members and the Chairman of Metro's Accessibility Advisory Committee. Created in 2005, the Riders' Advisory Council serves as an advocate for riders and advises the agency's Board of Directors on issues that affect Metrobus, Metrorail, and MetroAccess service.
 

Members of the Riders' Advisory Council shall serve three year terms and are required to regularly attend and participate in scheduled meetings. Council meetings are held once a month and are open to the public, in addition to committee meetings. Anyone interested in applying should complete the online form.
 

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., November 10, 2017. Metro's Board of Directors will appoint the final candidates at its December meeting. Metro employees, contractors, and elected officials are not eligible to apply. All positions are unpaid.