Responses to Citizens Association of Georgetown questionnaire.

1) Washington is blessed with having several fine universities. While these institutions are major employers and important components of the District's economy, so too is the residential tax base. Several of these institutions (i.e. Howard, American, George Washington, and Georgetown universities) are hemmed in by strong residential communities concerned about the growth of these universities. As Mayor, what steps would you take to protect communities that would be directly affected by any expansionist plans of these institutions?

While the District serves as the nation’s capital — home to corporations, embassies, law firms, universities - we are also a city of wonderfully diverse and vibrant residential communities. I believe that, first, the comprehensive plan review process — which occurs every four years — can be a useful tool in addressing issues of mutual concern to universities and their surrounding residential neighborhoods. Secondly, while there are benefits of a university community in terms of jobs, programs and services, it may be helpful for residential communities and their university neighbors to come together on a regular basis to discuss critical issues of mutual concern.

2) Compared to many other cities with historic districts (Annapolis, Alexandria, etc.), the District of Columbia has done a very poor job of protecting the historic attributes of many of its historic districts, including Georgetown. Historic homes are permitted to be destroyed, illegal additions are permitted to stand, illegal signs proliferate, etc. Describe why you think this problem exists and what specific solutions you would carry out as Mayor to protect our historic districts and buildings.

Government has done a poor job in educating people on the need for historic preservation and its requirements. As mayor, I will take the lead in making certain that buyers, owners and construction companies are aware of our historic preservation laws and that they abide by them. I want our historic districts and our older buildings well-tended and preserved. Bill 12-278, which I co-sponsored, would provide tax relief for buyers who choose older homes. Such an incentive would help defray costs associated with the renovation and upkeep of such properties and encourage people to buy and restore older homes.

3) Georgetown residents routinely experience serious parking problems in our neighborhood. Lack of parking enforcement, missing parking signs, all-day business parking, and evening valet parking for money on our residential streets, all add to our parking congestion. As Mayor, what solutions would you implement to bring parking relief to Georgetown residents?

As a resident of Kalorama, I too have experienced the constant parking dilemma that residents who live close to District commercial areas face. Frankly, I don't have a specific remedy that will please everyone. I am studying proposals to find a compromise addressing the needs of Georgetown residents and businesses. Perhaps there is District owned property near Georgetown that could be turned into municipal parking. Valet parking in legal spaces on residential streets does not violate current regulations, but I am willing to think about ways to place some restraints on the practice. We must be more vigilant about parking enforcement.

4) You and your fellow candidates have all stated that education is a top priority. Knowing that the Mayor has a limited role in decisions making with regard to District schools, what would you do specifically to demonstrate your support for improved public education in D.C.?

Although the mayor exercises little authority over schools, she can still articulate educational goals. As a former Board of Education member, a graduate of public schools and a parent of three children who only attended D.C. Public Schools, I know first-hand what it takes to make public education work. All agencies under my purview will participate in educating our children; for example, day care and after-school programs run by the Department of Recreation will provide learning experiences coordinated with public school curriculum. I will enlist the business community's help in equipping our children to compete in today's technological world.

5) The voters of the District passed a referendum that would limit the maximum political contribution for the Mayor's race to $100 in order to try to reduce the influence of “big money.” The Council overturned the results of the referendum and raised the level to $1,000. Do you agree with the Council's action and were the voters wrong?

I understand voters wanting to protect the political process from the influence of “big money.” Yet money is what it takes to effectively inform the electorate and to run a viable and accessible campaign. It is for these reasons that I support the higher cap as long as all donations are publicly reported. Not everyone is able to contribute financially. Some people donate money, some people donate time, and some people simply vote. I appreciate all three. But when it comes to governing, I respond to all my constituents equally — with courtesy and respect — whether they supported me or not.

6) While most if not all residents of DC believe that neighborhoods other than their own receive more attention or better services from “city hall” and city agencies, the sad fact is that through a combination of mismanagement, the lack of a rational (“unpolitical”) system, and the city’s failure to make efficient use of resources, residents of all areas of the District have something in common — we are all being short-changed. As Mayor, what can and will you do to make the city serve all of its residents well, fairly and equally?

From Georgetown to Brookland, from Petworth to Capitol Hill, from Shepherd Park to Anacostia, the “nuts and bolts” problems — fixing potholes, garbage collection, planting trees — affect all our neighborhoods. I am a bridge builder who cares about every neighborhood. I will make certain that all citizens get their fair share of these necessary services — services that they pay dearly for and have a right to. Remember, there is no Republican or Democratic way to pick up trash, no female or male way to revitalize our neighborhoods, no White or Black way to fix potholes. There is only the right way.