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Ward 5 has an especially attractive field of candidates. Three stand out as able potential successors to Mr. Orange: Frank Wilds, a businessman and Ward 5 Democratic Party vice chairman; Bruce Marshall, an attorney and former government administrator; and Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr., a community leader and director of a youth mentoring and learning program. Four years ago, when he captured 40 percent of the vote against Mr. Orange, we said that "Mr. Thomas is close to the Ward 5 community and makes a strong impression on those voters he seeks to win over" but that he would have to broaden his reach to be successful. Mr. Thomas has done that in the intervening years by deepening his service to Ward 5 residents, expanding his civic accomplishments, and earning the respect and support of civic and community leaders. He bears the name of his father, the late former council member Harry Thomas, and the strengths and attributes of his mother, former public school principal Romaine B. Thomas. But Harry Thomas Jr., through the services rendered and experience gained in Ward 5 activities, has earned the nomination of his party on his own.
I'm the only one that is opposed to same-sex marriage. The other four, they say they believe in God, they go to church, but they are also for same-sex marriage. So I think coming down the stretch that is going to be the issue. I don't think they are morally fit to run this city.
The Capital City Market, more commonly known as the Florida Market, is the primary wholesale food distribution center in the city. A number of the businesses sell to retail customers. The cinder block "DC Farmers Market" building on Neal Street is comparable to Eastern Market, except it is privately owned, and less pretty.
The market area is under great development pressure because of its location and the attractiveness of the New York Avenue subway stop. The Office of Planning Cluster 23 Study proposes that the market be revitalized through a food-centered plan. An alternative proposal suggests demolishing everything and starting over. We're interested in showing people the assets that the market has to offer. The July issues of the Hill Rag and DC North had an article about the market and the issues involved (PDF versions).
On Saturday, Elise Bernard of the Frozen Tropics blog, and I will lead a free tour of the market. It will start at 9:00 a.m. at 4th and Morse Streets, NE.
We will visit one dozen places that sell retail, including the multi-vendor cinder block "Farmers Market" and the outdoor flea market, before finishing at Litteri's, which in my opinion, has the best Italian sub sandwich in the city (sorry Vace, sorry Mangialiardo's). We should finish up around 11 a.m.
New developments. In the month since we've done the last tour, Young's Deli has closed because the landlord wants to sell the building. Councilmember Orange announced at a Mayoral candidates forum that he has entered legislation with 11 co-sponsors!!!!!!!!!!!! to proceed with the "New Town" plan, which to go forward requires (1) hundreds of millions of dollars of city subsidies; and (2) eminent domain takings; because (3) the initiators of the New Town "plan" only control 10% of the land.
Also see this feature from the Post food section, published in May, "The Insiders' Market: For International Finds, Those in the Know Shop at Capital City in the Warehouse District."
Our little corner of Ward 5 (Eckington, Truxton Circle, Bloomingdale) is getting very organized this time around. We are tired of being virtually ignored by Vincent Orange because he had Michigan Park and Brookland in his pocket. This time, we're going to make sure that the winning Ward 5 candidate must have the SW corner of Ward 5 in his or her pocket to win. We're going to vote in droves in September. Heed the warning, council candidates. Don't forget about us.
Neighbors,
In response to the significant escalation of gunfire in our community of late and, most recently, the shooting that occurred near the intersection of 1st and Q Streets, N.W. as well as the homicide that took place in the 1400 block of First Street, N.W. last night, Council Member Vincent Orange is convening an emergency meeting at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 3rd and Q Streets, N.W., this evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in their old sanctuary. Specifically, Mr. Orange has asked officials from the Fifth District Metropolitan Police Department to provide a briefing on the recent spate of shootings that have taken place in our section of PSA 501, and to respond to questions or recommendations from community residents regarding the strategy that the MPD is using to address the problem.
I have recommended to Mr. Orange's office that a representative also be present from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) who is responsible for the supervision of offenders who live in PSA 501. That is, the CSOSA can play a pivotal role in helping to identify and discipline those who are under their supervision and are ultimately found to be a contributor to our current problems in any way.
Please help to spread the word among your neighbors. Hope to see you this evening!
Best,
Jim Berry
ANC
5C
Will Ward 5 ANCs Erase The Script?
D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange Sr. (D-Ward 5) wanted the ward's Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to join him during his State of the Ward address today.
So Orange's office announced that he plans to do a roll call of the ANCs during the "convention and address," where Orange and the commissioners will talk about the ward's past improvements and future steps.
To make sure that the council member and the commissioners would be on the same page, Orange's office sent them "scripts" to read.
There is only one problem: some of the commissioners don't want to read them. They don't like the idea of Orange telling them what to say. After eight years on the council, a few commissioners rhetorically asked why Orange now wants the ANCs to tout the ward's accomplishments on his political stage.
"I was infuriated that my intelligence had been insulted ... that someone would have the nerve to write a script for us to deliver," said Mary Currie, one of the outspoken commissioners. "It would have been a lot more personalized if Mr. Orange had called the ANCs and talked to people. There was no personal touch. It was 'Just do this' like we're on his payroll."
We won't know whether they'll read the scripts or erase Orange's plan until today's program, which will be held at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, 610 Rhode Island Ave NE at 6 p.m.
