DC Action for Children Questionnaire

Jeffrey N. Gildenhorn

Democratic Mayoral Candidate

1. Considering that health and human service budgets have been cut by 65% between FYs 1992 and 1997, and considering that the District had a $186 million surplus in FY 1997 and expects a surplus of $254 million in FY 1998, how much and to what programs would you restore funding regarding children and families?

I would restore programs concerning poverty, homelessness, hunger, child care and early childhood education back to the human service budget and allocate 25 million dollars back into the budget.

2. What is the biggest problem facing youth today and how would you address it?

Lack of not being prepared for the job market. I would address this by establishing trade schools in all vocations (i.e. Hospitality, Health Care, Building trades, and technology.

3. For some time, there has been talk about establishing a cabinet for children, youth and families What are your views on such a concept? How would the cabinet be structured?

I think it is an excellent idea. I would appoint an experienced social worker to chair the participants which would be families, parents, youth and their children.