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DAVID
CATANIA
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RE-ELECT * AT-LARGE
D.C. COUNCIL
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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. |
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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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