headcand.gif (1946 bytes)
hruler04.gif (5511 bytes)
DCWatch home  Archives home

Back to Gary R. Feenster’s main page

Gary R. Feenster, Democratic Candidate for
Ward 7 Councilmember in the
September 12, 2000, Primary

Additional materials from candidate’s web site, August 2000

Biography Political Position Poster

Biographical Data

Birth Date: March 3, 1955, Age 45
BirthPlace: Washington, DC
Family: Married twenty-two (22) years with 3 children

I am a Lifelong third (3rd) generation Washingtonian, currently living in the Hillcrest area of SE Washington, DC. I have been a resident of Washington through-out the good times and the down times. I Have watched this city, move from a colonial style of governence to Home-Rule, to Limited Home-Rule.

Education Experience:

Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School, Washington, DC
Myrtilla Minor Elementary School, Washington, DC
Browne Junior High School, Washington, DC
Hamilton Junior High School, Washington, DC
Dunbar Senior High School, Washington, DC
Western Senior High School, Washington, DC (Class 74)
United States Army Leadership Academy (1979)
United States Army Institute of Administration
University of the District of Columbia (Major Computer Information Science/Computer Accounting)
Strayer College, Washington, DC

Professional Career

Over Sixteen (16) years programming and seven years project management experience. Specialties includes identifying and coordinating solutions to complex business, major financial, accounting and production systems for both the US Government and private industry.
Currently, a Senior Consultant to Logistics Management Institute, located in McLean, VA

Career highlights include the following:

Six Years Consulting and Independent Contracting
Six Years with the U.S. Army
Six Years with the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
Three years with the U.S. Postal Service
One Year with U.S. Department of Commerce

Back to top of page


Political Position

Outlined below are campaign themes I will initiate upon election:

FULLTIME REPRESENTATION

The condition of our city is in such disarray that fulltime representation is required to insure that the citizens of Washington receive and benefit from all the services our hard tax dollars should provide. Why is it that all of our elected officials with the exception of the Mayor and Chairman, serves part-time?

I intend to represent this Ward 7 on a full time basis. I intend to visit and hold accountable each city agency department head to include our city manager on a daily and/or as needed basis. All of us at some time or another must interact with some element of our city government. Each city agency must insure timely, courteous, and professional service ALL THE TIME. On the other hand, we must insure that each city agency is fully funded and within budget to provide maximum service.

New Economic Opportunities

In 1991, for the first time ever, companies spent more money on computing and communications gear than the combined monies spent on industrial, mining, farm, and construction equipment. The largest growth industry is taking Virginia, and Maryland by storm. My goal is to offer the incentives and remove the red tape so that Ward 7 can become the next silicon valley of the east coast. Ward 7 has more than its fair share of space ready for commercial development and expansion.

Improve Our Public School System(s)

I am a product of the DC Public School System. I remember when our educators had the privilege and power to teach our students without a cluster of red tape, government bureaucracy and interference. It will be my goal to return our Public School system back to the Educators. However, they will be held accountable for the achievements necessary to return our school system(s) back to a position of being second to none.

As a Leader, I will insure that they receive the tools, funding, and materials necessary to achieve predefined goals as established by our community and city as a whole. Not to mention the ability to insure that all of our teachers and support staff are paid on-time.

Open Our Recreational Facilities

The children of our community need a place to let off steam. A safe place to hang out. By providing constructive competition we will not only reduce the crime rate and drug use, but we will be providing a nurturing and safe haven for our children to work and play. Now, you may wonder where in the budget can we find the funds necessary to provide this safe haven. Well, the answer is closer than you can imagine. Corporate sponsorship will provide the funds necessary to staff all our our recreational facilities through-out the District, and particularly Ward 7. We can return the neighborhood basketball, baseball, football, soccer, swimming, chess and other challenges back to our children in the form of after-school and weekend activities. Staffing, I'm sure we will have many volunteers from within our community. There are many seniors just waiting for the opportunity to share their time and knowledge and not only that, become mentors to our youth.

Hold Metro Accountable

Were in the year 2000 and Metro is still operating on 1950's public transportation needs. At least it seems that way to the many people who to depend on Metro to move to-and-from work, church, and other public places. Its time now for our council member to work with Metro to insure that adjustments are made based upon the changing dynamics of our community.

Open Forum with All Ward 7 ANC Commissioners and Residents

While it is impossible for one person to have all the answers to resolve the problems of this city, it is imperative that as your elected officials we provide you the people the forum and opportunity to express your opinions, ideas, and insight. For it is the grass roots of everyday people (the ones most effected) that can identify and provide essential clues to problem resolution. It will be my open door policy to listen to you whenever, however, and wherever. Starting now, if you have an idea that will help turn this city around send me an e-mail or phone me.

Back to top of page


Poster

Feenster primary election poster


Send mail with questions or comments to webmaster@dcwatch.com
Web site copyright ©DCWatch (ISSN 1546-4296)