More News Than Ever
Dear News Hounds:
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has killed the DC Voting Rights Act,
having decided that it is more important to deny citizens of the
District their Second Amendment rights than it is for her to have a vote
on the floor of the House. That is a decision for her to make; she knows
best how important it really is for her to have a floor vote in addition
to her committee votes. If the Act is more about symbolism than it is
about real power in Congress, then it makes sense for her to put her
other policy goals ahead of getting a floor vote. What doesn’t make
sense is for groups that advocate more voting power for the District to
support Del. Norton’s decision to pull the bill.
There are many single-issue groups that support national voting
rights for District citizens and/or statehood for the District of
Columbia, yet not one group has protested Norton’s decision. With this
bill, the District could have had full Second Amendment rights soon,
without the years of resistance and court battles that are ahead, and
could have had a floor vote for its representative in the House of
Representatives. But all of the voting rights groups that have made any
public statement on Norton’s killing the bill have said that it is
more important to fight against Second Amendment rights than to gain
voting rights. If that’s true, then what are they doing wasting their
time on voting rights, when they could be spending full time fighting
against the right to keep and bear arms?
By the way, today nearly every elected official issued nearly
identical, ugly, self-serving press releases exploiting the shooting at
the Holocaust Museum to promote their anti-Second Amendment agenda. The
logic of all the press releases is that, since today’s shooting shows
that DC’s gun ban does nothing to deter or prevent a nut from
committing a senseless killing, it’s more important than ever for DC
to increase its support for its gun ban.
At today’s meeting of the Board of Elections and Ethics, proponents
and opponents of same-sex marriage argued over whether a referendum to
overturn the city council’s bill recognizing same-sex marriages that
are performed in other states is a proper subject for a referendum.
Proponents of same-sex marriage argued that same-sex marriage is a basic
human right that is guaranteed by the city’s Human Rights Act of 1977.
One provision of that Act, codified as DC Code Sec. 2-1402.73, says, “Except
as otherwise provided for by District law or when otherwise lawfully and
reasonably permitted, it shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice
for a District government agency or office to limit or refuse to provide
any facility, service, program, or benefit to any individual on the
basis of an individual’s actual or perceived: race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family
responsibilities, disability, matriculation, political affiliation,
source of income, or place of residence or business.” Pair that with
the practice that jurisdictions in the United States recognize marriages
performed in other jurisdictions , and proponents argue that it was
therefore the intent and purpose of the Human Rights Act of 1977 to
require the District to recognize same-sex marriages, should they ever
be performed anywhere in the United States. The “Jury and Marriage
Amendment Act of 2009” did nothing substantive, since it merely stated
explicitly what was already implicit in the Human Rights Act. The Human
Rights Act already guaranteed that DC would recognize same-sex
marriages; and the Human Rights Act cannot be modified or amended by
initiative or referendum.
Does that mean that same-sex marriages can now be performed in the
District, without further legislation? Perhaps. There is the difficulty
of the DC Court of Appeals decision in Dean & Gill v. District of
Columbia, 653A.2d 307 (1995) that found that the DC Marriage Act
incorporated the traditional understanding of marriage as being between
one man and one woman, and “there cannot be discrimination against a
same-sex marriage if, by independent statutory definition, . . . there
can be no such thing.” But proponents of same-sex marriage can argue
that the marriage law of DC has since been revised to “gender neutral”
language and that the traditional understanding of marriage has been
undermined, if not completely abandoned, since 1995. Therefore, they
believe that if a same-sex couple had a marriage ceremony in DC and sued
the city for recognition of their marriage, the courts would overturn
the ruling in Dean. Certainly, the District government would not
put up a strong opposition, or even oppose it at all, and the city
council, with the assistance of the Board of Elections and Ethics, will
make sure that District citizens will be prevented from having any
public vote on what they want the marriage laws of the District to be.
The Fenty administration released its four-year master plan for DC
government properties today. The District Facilities Plan, Fiscal Years
2009-2013, is online at http://www.dcwatch.com/govern/opm090610.pdf.
Will the public property wonks please peruse this document? We’re
anxiously waiting to hear what you find.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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DC Office of Tax and Revenue: Appallingly
Incompetent
Mark Eckenwiler, themale at ingot dot org
Last weekend, I returned from business travel to find a love letter
from the DC OTR claiming that I owe over $10,000 in personal income
taxes, interest, and penalties from tax year 2008. Since I was in
reality over-withheld last year, and duly reported that fact in my 2008
return (which was timely filed), you can imagine that this came as
something of a shock. The deficiency notice totally ignored my thousands
of dollars of withholding.
Naturally, I tried contacting OTR first thing Monday to sort things
out. The phone number listed in the deficiency notice was almost always
busy; the one time I got through, it turned out to be a number for the
Recorder of Deeds. I wound up calling the main OTR customer service
line, where I waited on hold for more than an hour. When I finally spoke
to a service rep, he confirmed that my 2008 return was received on time
and with an attached W-2 documenting my withholding, all of which was
clearly and accurately reflected on the return itself.
Fortunately, the rep fixed the problem over the phone (or so he
claimed; I suppose I’ll know for sure in a few months). However,
dealing with this took at least two stressful hours, and I still don’t
have the $325 refund DC owes me.
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An Alternative Voice for Moderate DC Democrats
K. West, kap8082@aol.com
Who speaks for moderate, sometimes quasi-conservative (at least on
some social issues) leaning Democrats in the District of Columbia? Do
all DC Democratic leaders speak and lead from the far left? The DC
Democratic State Committees’ and elected officials’ actions have
brought to light the need for a new, separate central Democratic Party
organization that addresses the needs and concerns of Democratic voters
and constituents who are moderates and not-so-far-left leaning. Citizens
were taken aback with their aggressive, accelerated push for a same-sex
marriage agenda in an unsuspecting city caught off guard by the
relentless pursuit of the controversial issue. Eyes are now open as to
the Democratic Party leadership. Many citizens, and even President
Barack Obama, do not support same sex marriage. Yet an Obama-inspired
DCDSC and elected officials overwhelmingly support it in a city where
the jury is still out on it. What other issues in recent years were
given such priority, attention, and advocacy? There are some excellent
people on the DCDSC as well as in public office who are strong and good
leaders, but where is their courage to challenge their popular
colleagues on controversial issues? Only a few councilmembers are
starting to say, let’s put on the brakes and at least let the voters
have some input on the issue via a referendum or initiative. When there
is time to make an informed decision, how many will stand up and say,
let’s see what the citizens have to say on this matter before moving
full speed ahead? How many are going to thoroughly engage the public
outside of a select circle? How many, instead, stack meetings or
hearings to get a biased point of view? Where is the debate? Too bad
some of the DCDSC meetings are not shown on cable television so that the
public can see the action first hand. It would be good to see the DC
Republican Party and Statehood/Green Party meetings and events
televised, as well.
It seems that many of today’s leaders, both on the Democratic State
Committee and in public offices vote as far-left leaning liberals.
Sometimes one misses the Newt Gingriches of the world that at least
stirred the debate with a Contract for America, even though he and some
of his colleagues may have been too far to the right on some issues. But
an open debate between left and right leads to a comfortable middle of
the road position. Where is the voice to challenge some of the thinking
of the politicos? It seems like some want to see who can be the most,
super, ultra, uber liberal. When building an effective party apparatus
and bringing people together, it might be worthwhile on occasion to turn
to the center for better messaging and policy making. After all, with
the changing demographics and issues in the city, who knows when other
parties will be strong enough to mount a real challenge to the
Democratic Party?
Years ago, when there were different views on national Democratic
Party policies and its agenda, the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC)
was established. It may be time for a similar group for the District of
Columbia. The mission or primary agenda of a new group of
outside-the-box-thinkers could include the following: 1) strengthening
marriage and families, 2) providing economic development and
opportunities to diverse groups, 3) health care, 4) grooming leadership,
5) finance, 6) workforce development and job creation, 7) improving
education, 8) advancing better business and labor relations, 9) domestic
and global affairs, and 10) cultivating business interests that meet the
needs of residential neighborhoods. According to the DLC web site, “The
Democratic Leadership Council is an organization of elected officials
and politically active citizens working together to develop new and
effective policy solutions for our country’s most important
challenges, at every level of government. These ideas are grounded in
the great progressive political tradition that has given America its
best leaders and most enduring accomplishments. Like a lot of Democrats,
we believe there are four overriding challenges facing America today:
making America safe in the midst of a global war against terror;
building an opportunity society at a time of great economic insecurity;
providing a cultural atmosphere conducive to working families; and
reforming a broken and corrupt political system.” Its central mission
is to develop and fight for ideas that can happen and reforms that will
work. The DLC believes that government programs should be grounded in
the values most Americans share: work, family, personal responsibility,
individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion. The group believes
in community and that it can achieve individual destinies only if
Democrats share a commitment to the national destiny. The group believes
in an ethic of mutual responsibility in which government has an
obligation to create opportunity for citizens, but citizens have an
obligation to give something back.
The DC Democratic State Committee, a good organization, needs
diversity of thinking and voting. It is united on some issues, but more
discussion may be needed for better balance. The District of Columbia
may need a DC branch of the DLC or a similar type of organization. The
DCDSC has produced council leaders like Kevin Chavous, Vincent Gray,
Yvette Alexander, Jack Evans, Harry Thomas, Sr., Harry Thomas, Jr. and
more. Advisory Neighborhood Commissions have also produced their share
of leaders. The DLC has identified, promoted, and worked with tomorrow’s
leaders such as Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Clinton, Janet Napolitano, Ken
Salazar, Kathleen Sebelius, Tom Vilsack, Evan Bayh, Tom Carper, Mark
Warner, Ron Kirk, Larry Summers, Christine Gregoire, Martin O’Malley,
and Harold Ford, Jr., on their way to becoming influential Democratic
voices. Let’s hear some alternative voices in the Democratic Party and
continue to grow and lead the nation’s capital with conviction,
strength, and talent. Next year is a major election for the District of
Columbia. Who speaks for Democrats? Who represents the middle class and
middle of the road thinking citizens? Who will challenge the liberal
thinking and build consensus? Who will bring and affect change? Who will
lead the Democratic Party forward in DC for people from all walks of
life? Who will make sure that the Democratic Party walks hand and hand
with the voters, the constituents of DC?
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Local ACLU Changes Name to Reflect New
Boundaries
Art Spitzer, artspitzer@aol.com
The American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area has
changed its name to the American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s
Capital to reflect its new geographical boundaries.
This change was made because the national board of directors of the
American Civil Liberties Union recently removed Montgomery County and
Prince George’s County from the ACLU of the National Capital Area.
Those counties had been part of the ACLU of the National Capital Area
since its founding in 1962; they are now part of the ACLU of Maryland,
with offices in Baltimore. The organization formerly known as the ACLU
of the National Capital Area now protects civil liberties only the
District of Columbia, and therefore has changed its name to the ACLU of
the Nation’s Capital. Its address, telephone number, and web site
address remain unchanged.
Until now, members of the American Civil Liberties Union from
Montgomery or Prince George’s counties were automatically members of
both the ACLU of the National Capital Area and the ACLU of Maryland.
Unless those members now take affirmative action to remain members of
the ACLU of the Nation’s Capital, they will remain members only of the
ACLU of Maryland. All members in those counties are receiving letters
from the National organization advising them of this change and
informing them about how they can opt to remain members of the ACLU of
the Nation’s Capital if they so desire.
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Worker Relief in DC
Debra A. Daniels, Debra21756@aol.com
Please read the June 8, Washington Examiner column entitled
“Worker Relief in DC,” by columnist Jonetta Rose Barras, http://tinyurl.com/m9hbcr.
After reading the story, please post a comment just below it.
Councilmember Mary M. Cheh’s response to my E-mail regarding holding
public hearings on Mr. Thomas’ bill to restore workplace rights to DC
government Management Supervisory System and Career Service employees
says that, “The committee may move on this. . . .“ Note she said “may.”
This is not good. Everyone, please send E-mails to Committee Chairperson
Mary M. Cheh, and get other DC residents to do so, requesting that the
Committee on Government Operations and the Environment hold public
hearings on and support Councilmember Thomas’ Bill, “MSS Amendment
Act of 2009.” Send E-mails to your councilmember and to all other DC
city councilmembers, demanding that public hearings be held on
Councilmember Harry Thomas’ Bill.
If great pressure is not placed on Mary M. Cheh and on all of the
other councilmembers, there is the possibility that public hearings will
not be held and Mr. Thomas’ bill could die. If you don’t fight for
the public hearing and for passing Mr. Thomas’ Bill by bombarding all
DC city councilmembers with E-mails, telephone calls, and paper letters,
then the work that I and other members of the Terminated MSS Employee
Group (TMEG) have done and continue to do will be in vain. Don’t let
this happen.
Fairness and justice is being sought for DC Government MSS and Career
Service employees. Stand up! Stand up for yourselves and others that
have gone before and those that will come behind you! Stand up!
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Who Will Receive the Construction Bid?
Duery Felton, Jr., lima8kilo@juno.com
First the baseball stadium, and now this convention hotel rip-off [themail,
June 7]. Who will receive the construction contract? Will any DC
residents benefit? Unemployment among black youths in DC is appalling.
Vote him out. Also, since I’m paying taxes is the DC attorney
general paying resident associated taxes? Where is the city council?
I’m not moving, but I will vote to move this group of wimps,
bullies, and incompetents out of office.
[The bill specifies that Quadrangle Development Corporation will
receive the contract “for the development, construction, and equipping
of the Hotel” and that the Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., will receive
the contract “to manage and operate the Hotel.” These contracts were
awarded in a competitive bidding process, but that was before the DC
government said it would pay for building the hotel, which changes the
terms dramatically. Heck, I could build the hotel myself if the District
would pay all the expenses. They can bear the costs and risks, and I’ll
take the profits. Who wouldn’t bid on that? — Gary Imhoff]
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Chancellor Rhee Is Agenda-Driven and
Vindictive
Richard Urban, richardurban at ultrateenchoice.org
My kudos to Candi Petersen for sticking up for our children [themail,
June 7]. I have also experienced that Ms. Rhee and her administration
are agenda driven and vindictive. As Peterson has reported, experienced
teachers are being put on ninety-day plans and being pushed out based on
Ms. Rhee’s apparent agenda to replace them with younger teachers, such
as those from her former organization, the New Teacher Project.
In our case, our nonprofit, ULTRA Teen Choice, had provided classroom
HIV/AIDS prevention education and peer counseling for all students at
four Washington DC public schools and ULTRA Teen Choice Service Clubs to
support and encourage those youth who wish to stay sexually abstinent.
These services were provided without charge to DC Public Schools. Our
program was banned from DC public schools because I spoke out against
the now adopted health standards that discuss gender identity and sexual
orientation beginning in sixth grade. I was told, off the record, by
Richard Nyankori and Chad Ferguson that our program would not be welcome
if I continued my opposition to the adoption of Health Standards that
say:
6th grade: (6.1.6) Explain that people, regardless of biological
sex, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and culture,
have sexual feeling and the need for love, affection and physical
intimacy
8th grade: (8.1.5) Define sexual orientation, using correct
terminology, and explain that as people grow and develop, they may
begin to feel romantically and or sexually attracted to people of a
different gender and/or to people of the same gender
When we met with Ms. Rhee, there was virtually no discussion about
the matter. Nor did she want to hear from youth in our program who were
present or our Board members. Spurious reasons were concocted, and she
basically said, “you are out”. So much for being centered on what is
best for children. You can read the E-mails and letters that she wrote
to our organization at http://www.ultrateenchoice.org/default.asp?contentID=629.
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Rights and Referendums
Michael Bindner, mikeybdc@yahoo.com
K. West insists that we have a referendum on gay marriage. Referenda
are important, but they are not the be and end all in our republic.
Other people’s civil rights are not put to a vote — that is why they
are called rights. They are inherent and enforceable, even if the
majority disagrees. If there is no rational basis for denying someone’s
rights, in this case, the right of gays to marry, then their right to do
so cannot be denied. Since DC already has domestic partnership, an early
form of civil unions, the only reason not to offer marriage is malice,
however couched that may be in religious belief. This is not a rational
basis, so there should be no referendum. The only way marriage could be
stopped is by invoking the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), since DC is a
federal colony rather than a state. However, doing so subjects DOMA to
the same rational basis test, which DOMA cannot pass.
We can’t force acceptance of gay marriage on the population. Some
will always behave badly when it comes to gays and lesbians, the same
way that there are racists who won’t rent an apartment, sell a home or
give a job to someone of a different race. We can take discrimination
out of the law, however, and we must do that now.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Department of Parks and Recreation Events,
June 12-13
John Stokes, john.astokes@dc.gov
June 12, 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743
Lincoln Road, NE. Teen Night End of School Party, for ages 13-19. Youth
will enjoy music, entertainment, games, and food. For more information,
call Lou Hall, at 671-0451.
June 12, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th
Street, NW. School’s Out - Game Time! For ages 5-12. Join us for fun
and games to celebrate the end of the school year! Participate in board
games, card games, sports games, etc. Light refreshments. For more
information, call Pamela Pugh at 671-4794.
June 12, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Rosedale Recreation Center, 1700 Gales
Street, NE. End of School Year Cook Out for all ages. This event will
celebrate all the students who had a successful school year. For more
information, call Brian Williams, Site Manager, at 724-5405.
June 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Malcolm X Recreation Center, 1351
Alabama Avenue, SE. A Day with My Dad for all ages. Participants will
share special moments with their fathers. Youths will have a fun day
filled with games, etc., with their fathers. For more information, call
Zakiya Brown at 645-3962.
June 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ferebee Hope Recreation Center, 3999
8th Street, SE. Graduation celebration for all ages. The staff at
Ferebee Hope Recreation will have a cookout for all the graduates from
Freebee Hope Elementary School. For more information, call Greg Poag at
645-3917.
June 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N
Street, SW. Father and son basketball game for ages 6 and up. Kids will
bring their father or a male adult figure to play a game of basketball
and afterwards enjoy light refreshments. For more information, call
Henry Moton, Site Manager, at 645-7454.
June 12, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1327
Ban Buren Street, NW. S.O.P. (Schools Out Picnic) Cook-Out for ages 18
and under. Youth will celebrate the ending of the school year. Contact
Larry Kinney, 541-3754, for more information.
June 13, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center, 501
Riggs Road, NE. Out of School Cook-out for all ages. Participants will
celebrate the end of the school year with a day of fun. For more
information, call Shirleta Settles, Site Manager, at 576-6045.
June 13, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601
Connecticut Avenue, NW. Summer Kick-Off Community Concert for all ages.
Don’t miss a day of fun filled with music, food, and fun. Chevy Chase
Community Rock Band will be performing for the crowd. There will be
games to play and face painting for the kids. Bring your lawn chair and
enjoy the day. For more information, call 282-2204.
June 13, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Friendship Recreation Center, 4500 Van
Ness Street, NW. Sports day (soccer, baseball, and tennis) for all ages.
Private coaches will do presentations showcasing children’s activities
such as soccer, baseball, and tennis lessons for parents and children.
For more information, call 282-2198.
June 13, 11:00 a.m..-1:00 p.m., Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501
Riggs Road, NE. DPR City Wide Girls Softball Championships for ages
11-15. The 2009 DPR Citywide Softball Round Robin Championship is the
conclusion of a very competitive six-team league, with a one game
elimination playoff system. The developmental league is designed to
enhance our young ladies’ leadership, sportsmanship, knowledge of
rules and regulations of the game, and fair play, and to have fun! For
more information, call Toby Strong, 671-0415.
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Department of Parks and Recreation
Beautification Day, June 12-13
John Stokes, john.astokes@dc.gov
June 13, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Beautification Day at sixty-four
locations. Please come out and support this citywide effort at DC parks
and recreation locations by engaging in deep cleaning of the facilities,
light landscaping and grounds clean up. For more information, call
258-6021 or E-mail Kathy.Zarate@dc.gov.
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Galaxy Quest at the Avalon Theater, June 13
Sarah Pokempner, azepo@aol.com
You don’t have to be a Trekkie to howl with laughter at the Avalon
Theater’s screening of Galaxy Quest on Saturday, June 13, at 10:30
a.m., as part of its Weekend Family Matinee series. Don’t be fooled.
Viewers of all ages, with or without their families, are going to want
to be part of the fun. It makes perfect sense, as the summer
blockbuster, Star Trek, is in the midst of a successful run at the
Avalon, that this hilarious spoof be offered to our viewers as a special
presentation.
Purchase your coffee and pastries at the Avalon Theater Café and
join us for what promises to be an entertaining morning at the landmark
Avalon Theater. On your way out following the movie, pick up a yummy ice
cream cone with your choice of a wide variety of tempting flavors.
Tickets can be purchased online (http://www.theavalon.org)
or at the box office. Tickets are $5.50 for all ages (two and up), $3.50
for Avalon members and each member of their group.
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DC Public Library Events, June 13
George Williams, george.williams2@dc.gov
Michele Pierce Burns, author and autism activist, discusses and signs
copies of her book, DANSON: the Extraordinary Discovery of an
Autistic Child’s Innermost Thoughts and Feelings, on Saturday,
June 13, 12:00 p.m., at Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library, 5625
Connecticut Avenue, NW. Michele Pierce Burns’ son Danson was diagnosed
as “mentally retarded” and functioning at a 1.9-year-old level when
he was seven. Since then, this nonverbal autistic child has learned to
communicate by pointing to letters on an alphabet board, revealing a
high intelligence and powerful, poetic “voice.” He and his mother
have documented Danson’s amazing emergence in the new book, DANSON:
the Extraordinary Discovery of an Autistic Child’s Innermost Thoughts
and Feelings. Through poems, stories, and “conversations,” the
book offers the much-needed gift of hope to families and teachers of the
one million autistic children in America today. The book also contains
sections on resources that offer autism support.
Michele and Danson have been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Larry
King Live and in leading magazines. They also are featured in the
documentary film Autism Every Day, which premiered at the 2007 Sundance
Film Festival. Michele has an M.A. from Stanford University and a M.Ed.
from Harvard University.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HGTV
HGTV Program in Production Seeking Homeowners
Who are Selling
Amy Johanson, ajohanson@edelmandc.com
Are you a homeowner hoping to sell your house in this tough real
estate market? Are you uncertain as to how much your home is really
worth? Would you like some impartial real estate advice? Do you have a
pressing need to sell? If that sounds like you, we can help!
Edelman Productions is looking for energetic homeowners who need to
sell their home for a new real estate advice show on HGTV. “Real
Estate Intervention” provides a snapshot of what it takes to sell a
house today. If you and your family live in or around the
Virginia/District of Columbia/Maryland area and are fighting the
high-stakes real estate market, we want to hear from you. To apply,
please contact us at: casting@edelmandc.com.
Please put “Real Estate Intervention” in the subject line and
include the following information: name, address and phone numbers;
names and ages of everyone in the household; a family photo; a photo of
your home; when you plan to put your house on the market or the number
of days your house has been on the market (please include current asking
price); what the stakes are (why you are moving and what your deadline
is); and what kind of real estate advice do you need?
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