What offices are on the ballot?
The following offices will appear on the ballot for the special election:
- At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
- Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
- Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
All registered voters in the District of Columbia, regardless of party affiliation, will select an At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia. Only voters in Ward 4 and Ward 8 may vote for a Member of the State Board of Education.
Sample ballots are available here:
Candidate Statements
All qualified candidates were invited to provide a 100-word statement for this online Guide. The Board has not altered or modified the statements submitted. Statements appear in the order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot.
At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Candidates for At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
Alan Page, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 1209 ½ Wylie Street NE 20002
Telephone: 202-285-8265
Email: alanpagedc@gmail.com
Party Affiliation: Statehood Green
Official Statement:
Alan Page stands for enacting measures that can transform the city, without costing the middle class taxpayer one dollar, by focusing on increasing government efficiency and local job creation. Streamlining small business licensing procedures will help new businesses open faster in the city, creating more jobs today. Mandating that energy providers in the District derive more of the power they generate from solar power will create the market incentive for a green revolution in the District, which means hundreds of green jobs and cleaner air for all of us to breathe. If you hope for change, vote for Page.
Dorothy Douglas, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 4401 Minnesota Avenue NE, 20019
Telephone: 202-396-6421
Email: ddouglasdorothy@yahoo.com
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
I’m running to GET DC Straight: Governance, Employment, & Transparency with Decency & Compassion. I will work to return DC to an era of accountability, financial stability, and honesty. Residents need to trust that government is working for them. My first priority will be to address joblessness. I will build meaningful partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and government to develop pre-employment training, mentoring programs, and work opportunities. Together, we will GET DC Straight. I have been advocating for District residents for the past 30 years. On April 26, 2011, I ask that you ELECT to have me continue this important work.
Bryan Weaver, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: P.O. Box 21410, 20009
Telephone: 202-706-4214
Email: bryanweaverdc@gmail.com
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
Bryan Weaver is a community activist with more than 20 years experience working with youth in the city. Bryan believes the future of D.C. relies on access to a quality education, good jobs with living wages, safer streets and affordable housing. Bryan is dedicated to creating a more open and transparent city government. He is committed to moving the District forward through smart growth and sustainability initiatives that balance the needs of all parts of the city. If you believe in a more accountable, transparent government that will focus on smarter progress then vote Bryan Weaver on April 26 (www.bryanweaverdc.com).
Arkan Haile, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 526 12th Street NE, 20002
Telephone: 202-258-7957
Email: ahaile@grayhaile.com
Party Affiliation: Independent
Official Statement:
When I was nine years old, my mother walked me and my younger brother and sister across an African desert because she believed a better life awaited us at our final destination (“America”). She was right. But it was far from obvious as we struggled through the early years. I am not a career politician. I’m a lawyer with expertise in corporate law and public finance; before law school, I was a financial analyst. We need professional problem solvers on the City Council, not more connected insiders. We are limited only by our vision and imagination. Anything is possible.
Joshua Lopez, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 711 Jefferson Street NW, 20011
Telephone: 202-631-9072
Email: lopez120@gmail.com
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
Joshua Lopez is a fresh alternative to a D.C. City Council that is plagued with politicians who have lost sight of what it means to be a committed public servant.
Recently D.C. has played host to political scandals that has drawn attention away from some of our most pressing issues. Our current leadership has been a disappointment. However, Lopez believes that with a new set of perspectives and unyielding integrity we can chart a new path toward growth and development for every D.C. resident --black, white, brown, rich and poor. Together we can make a difference.
Lopez 2011
Patrick Mara, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 3221 11th Street NW #200, 20010
Telephone: 202-986-3735
Email: Patrick@patrickmara.com
Party Affiliation: Republican
Official Statement:
I am entirely independent of the local Party machine and am the only Republican in DC elected to a local office. In Ward One, a part of town not known for conservatism, I was elected to the Board of Education. Why? Because I stand for ideas that transcend party lines and hardened ideological battles. My support for issues like education reform, improved public transportation, smart growth development and marriage equality is not about a political party or being accepted into the entrenched power structure; I support these critical issues because we need to keep DC moving in the right direction.
Sekou Biddle, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 7605 13th Street NW, 20012
Telephone: 202-213-0072
Email: sekou@sekoubiddle.org
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
At-Large Councilmember Sekou Biddle was born and raised in Columbia Heights. He hasn’t spent his time hanging around the DC government making political deals. Sekou knows leaders must be as honest, competent and hard working as District residents.
Sekou is fighting for a great school in every community. With 18 years experience in education, including 8 years as a teacher, Sekou knows the impact teachers can have on every child.
Sekou is running for DC Council because he can make the hard choices that protect DC residents and build a better future. Vote Sekou Biddle on April 26! Visit SekouBiddle.com.
Tom Brown, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 409 36th Street NE, 20019
Telephone: 202-540-5567
Email: tomnbrown1@yahoo.com
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
I would like to serve our city in the capacity of DC Council Member At-Large by raising the standards of Oversight and Accountability within our local government. This is best accomplished through collaboration and transparency. These characteristics are key components in the most successful efforts that I’ve led.
• Native Washingtonian
• Founder and Executive Director, Training Grounds Inc.
• Co-Chair. Ward 8 Workforce Development Council
• Board Member Washington Mathematics Science and Technology PCS
• Former Board Member and Founding Teacher, KIPPDC
• Former Teacher, Anacostia Senior High School
Let’s give the power back to DC residents as we accomplish ”Getting our city to work”. www.whytombrown.com
Vincent Orange, Candidate for At-Large Member of the Council
Address: 1540 Taylor Street NE, 20017
Telephone: 202-586-3201
Email: vo40@aol.com
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Official Statement:
Dear Voter,
The past few months have been difficult for us. On April 26, it will be our turn to assist in moving our City forward with our vote. I offer you the opportunity to vote for proven experience, integrity and accountability to improve our great City. My eight year record as a Councilmember exemplifies a compassionate public servant with a strong record of achievement and the independent judgment to lead. I will stand with you and lead us through the budget crisis and school reform while pursuing good government.
May I please have your vote on April 26, 2011?
Candidates for Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Andrew Moss, Candidate for Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 1317 Floral Street NW, 20012
Telephone: 202-271-7479
Email: mossward4@hotmail.com
Official Statement:
I am seeking your vote to serve as the Ward Four Representative on the District of Columbia State Board of Education. As a former classroom teacher and a parent of a pre-school aged child, I want to take an active role in the educational reform of the District of Columbia Public School System. Education innovation and reform are crucial to ensuring our students are prepared to compete in tomorrow’s society. However, in order for it to be successful, we must take a systematic approach and invite all stakeholders to the table to ensure all voices are heard.
D. Kamili Anderson, Candidate for Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 1361 Tewkesbury Place NW, 20012
Telephone: 202-355-3695
Email: dka4ward4sb@yahoo.com
Official Statement:
People ask if I’m for or against the recent DCPS reforms. I say: I’m for whatever it takes for D.C. students, teachers, and schools to succeed across every ward and neighborhood. With three decades’ experience in PK-12 and higher education, I know that continued progress requires proven leadership. I will bring lessons learned from my personal investment in DCPS (three kids who are DCPS graduates; three grandkids currently enrolled) and my education career to advance evidence-based best practices. Just as I’ve fought for change in Ward 4 for years, I will advocate for innovation, equity, and accountability in D.C. schools.
Bill Quirk, Candidate for Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 614 Emerson Street NW, 20011
Telephone: 202-487-1021
Email: bquirk@gmail.com
Official Statement:
As an advocate for DC children for nearly a decade as an attorney for Children’s National Medical Center, as the Chairman of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D, and as a soon-to-be Ward 4 parent, I would bring to the DC State Board of Education the right blend of experience, understanding and concern about the future of the educational system in the District of Columbia.
My wife Suzanne, and I, are products of public schools, District residents for 12 years and she has been an advocate for at risk youth and families for a decade as a Social Worker for Community Connections.
An Almquist, Candidate for Ward 4 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 4902 Arkansas Avenue NW, 20011
Telephone: 202-302-7122
Email: electalmquist@gmail.com
Official Statement:
As a Special Education teacher, professor, curriculum specialist, and teacher mentor in public, private, and charter schools throughout the District of Columbia, I have hands-on experience in working for educational excellence and successful outcomes for ALL students. If elected to serve ward 4, I will continue to leverage my passion for education to advocate for practices that will benefit our children, support their teachers, engage community members, and improve the quality of education in the District. I will work relentlessly to ensure that ALL students have access to the education that will prepare them for success in the global economy.
Candidates for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Anthony Muhammad, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: P.O. Box 73878
Telephone: 202-889-5168
Email: adcmuhammad@msn.com
Official Statement:
A native Washingtonian, 14 year elected ANC, a community activist, I am an advocate for transparency in teacher evaluation,(IVA). I graduate from DC public schools (Ballou SHS), a former truant officer for Anacostia HS, Vocational school teacher, I support public school education reform. I am for the immediate improvement of the elementary school reading proficiency, math proficiency rate. I believe in a curriculum that relates the curriculum to the self. Education is vital to each individual students life chances and the quality of the society in Ward 8. Ward 8 students must get educated, if not, his chances for surviving in the society are crippled.
Cardell Shelton, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 115 Upsal Street SE, 20032
Telephone: 202-562-4399
Email: Cardell.shelton@hotmail.com
Official Statement:
VOTE FOR CARDELL SHELTON FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION
Strong Advocate For:
- Earn while you learn leadership programs
- Vocational trades being a part of the curriculum to learn life skills
- Rebuilding trust and integrity in our youth
- Developing new and useful job training programs, helping our youth to gain economic survival
- Encouraging our youth to make choices that will not lead to incarceration, but toward seeking education.
Eugene Dewitt Kinlow, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 3952 2nd Street SW, 20032
Telephone: 202-563-2131
Email: Kinlow@aol.com
Official Statement:
I am an advocate to empower our students, engage our parents and teachers to deliver standards for safe schools that are accessible, equitable, and provide quality education and life-long opportunities.
On the UDC Foundation, I granted Ward 8 students scholarships; as a College Bound trustee I provide resources for higher achievement. As a UDC trustee/officer, I worked to create a Community College with an anchor in Ward 8.
A graduate of Ballou and UDC, I live in Bellevue with my wife Tonya and children, Eugene and Tiye. I fight for statehood as Public Affairs Director at DC Vote.
Larry T. Pretlow II, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 3319 Martin Luther King Avenue SE, 20032
Telephone: 240-377-6160
Email: contact@pretlow4education.com
Official Statement:
I decided to run for the State Board of Education in effort to display my willingness to take accountability for our schools and to gain the responsibility of ensuring that we have the best practices and policies set to improve the quality of learning and teaching for our students, parents and teachers.
If elected, I will work to introduce and have implemented several new programs, such as:
Vocational Skills License & Trade – earn a trade and HS Diploma
Parents Evolved in Education – Workshops to develop parental involvement.
Driving Education – Using Progressive Driving Privileges to empower good GPA.
www.Pretlow4Education.com
Philip Pannell, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 3415 5th Street SE #43, 20032
Telephone: 202-265-8918
Email: philippannell@comcast.net
Official Statement:
www.PannellforWard8.com, 202-562-2726, philippannell@comcast.net
Philip Pannell has a consistent and persistent record of advocating for the people of Ward 8. He will mobilize Ward 8 to address the issues of school safety, truancy, dropout rate, parental involvement, raising test scores and expanding extra-curricular activities.
Background:
- Undergraduate and graduate studies, Fordham and Howard Universities respectively
- Executive Director, Anacostia Coordinating Council
- President, Congress Heights Community Association
- Treasurer, Ballou High School PTSA
- Board of Trustees, DC Public Library
- President, Ward Eight Democrats
- East of the River Community Court Advisory Board
- Chairman, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8E
- President, AARP Washington Highlands Chapter #4870
Tijwanna U. Phillips, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 3225 23rd Street SE #12, 20020
Telephone: 202-425-6282
Email: Tijwanna@yahoo.com
Official Statement:
I am a proud Ward 8 resident that would love the opportunity to serve as the Ward 8 Member of the SBOE. I have a son that graduated from a DCPS school in 2009 and now attends FAMU. Currently I have two children that attend DCPS schools. For the past six years I have worked behind the scenes to make things better for children that attend public school in Washington DC. DC public school students deserve the best. It is time to hold everyone accountable(to include parents, students, DCPS staff and everyone else that is part of the village.)
R. Joyce Scott, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 800 Southern Avenue SE #806, 20032
Telephone: 202-561-4600
Email:
Official Statement:
Statement will be listed once received.
Trayon White Sr. , Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 1109 Wahler Place SE, 20032
Telephone: 202-997-1704
Email: trayonwhite2011@gmail.com
Official Statement:
Trayon White, Sr is a native Ward 8 resident, proud honors graduate of Ballou SHS (served as the V.P. of the Student Government Association), and a graduate of the University of Maryland — Eastern Shore (magna cum laude). He worked as an Outreach Specialist for East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership in Woodland Terrace and Washington Highland Public Housing. He continues his work in Ward 8 as the Executive Director of Helping Inner City Kids Succeed. Mr. White received the 2010 President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region 2008 Linowes Leadership Award.
Sandra V. Williams, Candidate for Ward 8 Member of the State Board of Education
Address: 847 Barnaby Street SE, 20032
Telephone: 202-294-0548
Email: svwilliams2011@gmail.com
Official Statement:
“An Experienced Educator for Our Youth’s Future”
Bio:
Graduate of Tennessee State University and UDC
Retired DCPS Professional Counselor
Former ANC Commissioner
Ward Eight Council Against Domestic Violence Board Member
WTU Retirees’ Chapter
DC School Counselors Association
Committing to the following:
- Vocational Education as an elective track
- Increase Parent Centers
- Incentive program to increase parental involvement and student achievement through organizations, churches and businesses partnerships
- Update the DCMR5 (Regulations)
- Adopt National Standards into an effective teaching curriculum.
Endorsed by Linda H. Moody, Former School Board President and Washington Teachers’ Union.
DC Board of Elections and Ethics
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