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David Catania, Republican Candidate for
At-Large Councilmember in the
September 10, 2002, Primary Election
Brochure
August 2002

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DAVID
CATANIA

RE-ELECT * AT-LARGE
D.C. COUNCIL

Police Deployment

Improving the police presence within our neighborhoods is one of Councilmember Catania's priorities. To accomplish this goal, Councilmember Catania authored the "Patrol Service Areas Redeployment Act of 2000." As a result of this law, the Metropolitan Police Department recently submitted a plan that will result in hundreds of additional officers being assigned to the streets.

Job Training

The future of the District's economy depends on a highly trained workforce. Councilmember Catania recently authored the "Office of Vocational Education and Skills Training Establishment Amendment Act of 2002." The purpose of this Office is to expand meaningful job training opportunities for District residents. In addition, the Office will focus on revitalizing vocational education within the D.C. Public School system.

Home Ownership

Home ownership is an important part of the American dream. As of today, only 41 percent of District residents own their homes. Howeever, nationally over 67 percent of Americans own their homes. In an effort to expand home ownership opportunities for District residents, Councilmember Catania authored the "HomeStart Regulatory Improvement Act of 2002" and the HomeStart Financial Incentives Act of 2001." In October 2001, the National Association of Realtors honored Councilmember initiatives as one of three national finalists for their HOPE "Public Policy Award."

Transportation

The District's economy is stronger now than it was a few years ago. However, our unemployment rate remains much higher than in the suburbs. Councilmember Catania is leading the effort to improve public transportation services to the suburbs to make it easier for our residents to access suburban job opportunities. As a result of these efforts, Metrobus routes 5A and 5B have been created. These routes now transport hundreds of workers daily between the District's L'Enfant Plaza station and the Dulles Airport corridor and Tysons Corner.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Nearly 20 percent of the District government's budget is spend covering the direct and indirect costs of substance abuse. In an effort to create more substance abuse treatment options, Councilmember Catania authored the "Choice in Drug Treatment Act of 2000." This law allows individuals to select the certified substance abuse treatment provider of their choice. Once fully implemented, individuals with substance abuse issues will have the opportunity to access meaningful treatment options and reclaim their lives.

Adoption Incentives

There are hundreds of children in the care of the District government's Child and Family Services Administration who are eligible for adoption. However, because the adoption process is expensive, many individuals who want to adopt a child are unable to do so. To remove this barrier, Councilmember Catania authored the "Adoption Voucher Fund Act of 2000". Under this innovative initiative, which is funded with federal dollars, individuals may receive financial vouchers to pay the legal fees associated with the adoption (up to $5,000) as well as the costs of the home study (up to $1,500).

Women's Health

To address certain inequalities in health care access and treatment, Councilmember Catania worked to establish the Women's Health Program Inititiative (WHPI) within the District government's Department of Health. The purpose of the WHPI is to serve as an advocate for women's health issues, such as: diet, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and cervical, breast and ovarian cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

Child Support Enforcement

District children are currently owed over $200 million in unpaid child support payments. To improve the collection of these dollars for the benefit of children, Councilmember Catania authored the "Child Support Enforcement Amendment Act of 2001." This law increases the penalties for failure to pay child support. As a result custodial parents now have an additional tool to assist them in obtaining needed financial resources for their children.

Technology

In January 2000, Councilmember Catania formed the New Economy Advisory Group to look for ways to expand the number of technology companies in the District. From this effort, Councilmember Catania authored the "New Economic Transformation Act of 2000". This law provides targeted incentives to qualified high technology companies to three key areas: workforce development, affordable facilities, and financial incentives. Incredibly, the District is now the most competitive jurisdiction in our region for technology companies.

Environment

There are many sites across the District that remain undeveloped because of real or perceived environmental contamination from prior industrial or commercial use. These sites, also known as brownfields, can be health risks and hinder economic development in their communities. In 1999, Councilmember Catania authored the "Brownfields Remediation and Redevelopment Incentives Amendment Act." This legislation provides a variety of innovative increases to facilitate the clean up and redevelopment of these sites.

Taxes

For years, District residents and businesses have paid the highest taxes in the region. This fact has hurt our ability to retain residents and businesses. In 1999, Councilmember Catania co-authored the Tax Parity Act in an effort to lower the burden on District taxpayers. Phased in over several years, this legislation reduces taxes by over $300 million, including personal and corporate income taxes, commercial and residential rental property taxes, and offers a host of small business incentives.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissions

Under the District's Home Rule Charter, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are designed to serve as a link between communities and the District government. Years of neglect seriously damaged the ability of the ANCs to accomplish their missions. In 2000, Councilmember Catania authored the "Comprehensive Advisory Neighborhood Commission Reform Amendment Act." This law strengthens ANC financial accountability, creates a centralized office to provide support to ANCs, and addresses dozens of other procedural matters.

David Catania photo

Dear Friend,

I am extremely hopeful and excited about the future of our city. Over the past few years, we hae made a lot of progress in helping the District become a better place to live and work. However, much more remains to be done.

Since joining the Council in 1997, I have worked hard to find practical solutions to our long-standing challenges. In addition, I have focused my efforts on bringing about real opportunities for our citizens. I want to thank you for the privilege of serving on the Council. On November 5th, I would very much appreciate your vote.

Warm regards,

David A. Catania
Councilmember, At-Large

Police Deployment * Home Ownership
Job Training * Transportation
Substance Abuse Treatment* Women's Health
Adoption Incentives * Child Support Enforcement
Technology * Taxes
Environment * Advisory Neighborhood Commissions

For further information on David Catania's campaign or to volunteer, please call 202-332-9377 or visit www.DavidCatania.com

Paid for by CATANIA 2002, 2127 California Street, NW #102, Washington, DC 20008, Craig Engle, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of the Office of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Ethics and Elections. Printed on Recycled Paper.

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