School Board Candidate Lisa Raymond Walking in Eckington

I was walking on R Street N.E. this afternoon and ran into Lisa Raymond, who is running for the School Board, Wards 5 & 6. We discussed our respective races and the fact that one School Board candidate in particular might not have the support of the neighborhood.

The Washington Post has endorsed her:

Our endorsement in District 3 goes to Lisa Raymond . A former educator and administrator who helped build the Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools, Ms. Raymond brings budget, management and program development experience. She knows how schools work and appreciates the distinction between a board's oversight role and the superintendent's job of running the schools.

She seems to be a pleasant, down-to-earth individual, and it was nice to meet another candidate braving the chill.

Open Thread Today

This post, my 49th since the day I picked up petitions in early August, is an "open thread," meaning that people can post something so long as it relates to this neighborhood and the ANC election.

Anonymous comments are subject to being deleted at my discretion. I do like to hear what people are thinking though, so even if it is deleted, I will read it.

I met with Stuart Davenport this morning. Stu is the owner of Big Bear Cafe and a candidate for ANC 5c-03. We discussed each other's elections and the need for integrity at the polls on election day.

Tear Down St. Martin's and Build Condos?

A quote from last night from a female resident of the 100 block of Quincy Place N.E. with Jones sign in her yard: "They want to tear down St. Martin's and build condos there, but Cleopatra Jones is going to save St. Martins."

She thought that someone wants to tear down the City Lights School, which she labeled "St. Martin's," and build condos on the property. A complete fabrication, and I told her so. She couldn't tell me who told her this, but said it was a prevalent view in the area she said.

Revitalizing Our North Capitol Main Street

The photos you see here depict the current state of our neighborhood's business district between New York Avenue and P Street N.W. (click on photos to enlarge). Catania Bakery and the Chain Reaction bike shop are currently the anchors of this area. Word has it that the fitness center Curves is set to move in some day.

The photo you see here to the right is one of the two broken windows on the recently-renovated office building pictured below. No office tenants yet, and the windows are already broken.

From an e-mail exchange with my opponent on the Eckington listserv:

Cleopatra Jones wrote:

Here's some forwarded information in case someone is interested.

From: "Linden, Erik (DDOT)" To: "DDOT
List" Subject: DDOT Release: Pennsylvania Avenue Task Force and
Revitalization Meetings on the HorizonDate: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 17:00:24 -0400DDOT
List FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: ERIK LINDEN
OCTOBER 25, 2006

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE TASK FORCE AND REVITALIZATION
MEETINGS ON THE HORIZON

(Washington, DC)) As part of the multi-agency "Great Streets Initiative," the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will make significant improvements to the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor to support economic development and local retail growth; improve mobility for pedestrians, transit and vehicles; and create a safe, attractive corridor worthy of Pennsylvania Avenue - a nationally recognized "Capital Street."

The DC Office of Planning is concurrently conducting a land use revitalization plan for Pennsylvania Avenue SE to help spark development of neighborhood-serving retail, housing, employment and other land uses.

I posted a response to this latest instance of serial forwarding of information by Jones:

Hi Cleopatra:

It's great that you are passing along information about an initiative affecting "Pennsylvania Avenue SE to help spark development of neighborhood-serving retail, housing, employment and other land uses," but what about OUR North Capitol Street, particularly south of Florida Avenue? Rather than a "jewel of the city," [what Jones in a previous posting had called our neighborhood] it's a diamond in the rough.

I plan to work with North Capitol Main Street to invigorate business development in that area and bring about real change as soon as possible. It's time to fill those vacant buildings. It's time for leadership.

Jones responded:

It is an FYI. Our North Capitol, Rhode Island Avenue, and Florida Avenue are all diamonds in the rough, a very rare and unigue diamond that will be a magnificent and priceless jewel. Good luck with all of your plans. leadership is Cleopatra Jones for ANC 5C02 #1 on the ballot Vote!! START SPREADING THE NEWS.

That was her entire response, complete with trademark typographical error.

The list of accomplishments that Jones released recently lists at least three instances where she claims responsibility for shutting businesses down. But nowhere does she lay claim to bringing in businesses, nor does economic revitalization appear to be on her agenda. Folks, this is a major issue in our neighborhood.

I will work with North Capitol Main Street, Inc. to bring businesses to our neighborhood. I've already been in contact with several business owners, as well as leasing agents. I will develop a strategy with folks who have working on these issues for years without help from Jones.

Happy Halloween 2006

If nothing else, this campaign has caused me to feel more a part of the neighborhood.

This SpongeBobSquarepants pumpkin was my friend Katie's doing. In many parts of the U.S., it would be scandalous for a campaign, but not here . . .

From a party I attended Saturday on N Street N.W. at Michael's house. He has one of my signs in his yard. Because I want him to vote for me on November 7, I'll refrain from posting the photos of him dancing . . .