PUBLIC SAFETY
1. As a member of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, will you support funding for mandatory gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) sensitivity and diversity training for all members of the Fire/EMS Department?
Yes, I would support funding and legislation to see a program like that created in the District for the Fire/EMS Department.
2. Will you press the Metropolitan Police Department to combat the transphobia entrenched within our police force, expressed in the widespread assumption among police officers that every transgendered person is a prostitute until proven otherwise?
I would encourage Chief Lanier and the MPD to launch a campaign which would include literature and PSA’s within the department to educate administrative staff and employees about these assumptions, because I think everyone benefits from a well educated police department.
3. Will you support a budget for the Office of Police Complaints large enough to continue to avoid developing a backlog of cases?
Yes, I would. The biggest reason is that I think everyone that has filed a complaint with OPC within the last 10 years has run into this issue. I have even seen it quite a bit on the listservs throughout the city.
AIDS AND PUBLIC HEALTH
4. Do you agree that the drive to make HIV testing routine among District residents should include funding for counseling and referrals to treatment facilities for those testing positive?
Yes, I do. The reason is that you have to have a resolution in place for those who are diagnosed. Just being diagnosed doesn’t do the resident any good if there is no funding for follow up or a resolution.
5. Are you committed to continuing and expanding the District’s condom distribution program?
Yes, I am. I would like to provide additional funding for the Department of Health/DCPS for this specific purpose. My goal is to provide literature, classes and awareness to residents about their importance in preventing unwanted pregnancies and stopping the spread of STDs. I also would like to promote campaigns through the media to put the importance of condoms in front of more District residents on a yearly basis.
6. The District is being forced by the federal government to switch from a unique identifier system to a names reporting system for people testing positive for HIV. Will you support legislation to strengthen our medical privacy laws, such as by creating a private right of action for those whose confidentiality is violated by District government employees or contractors?
Yes, I will support legislation to strengthen the medical privacy laws. I would like to do more research to see if a private right of action is the best solution, though.
HUMAN RIGHTS
7. Will you support a budget for the Office of Human Rights (OHR) large enough to allow it to reduce to 270 days the average gap between the time that a discrimination complaint is filed and the time OHR issues a finding of probable cause?
Yes, I am in total support of putting more money in their budget to reduce the amount of time it takes for OHR to make a decision whether they can move forward on a complaint or not.
8. Will you block ceremonial resolutions and otherwise decline to honor individuals or organizations that promote any sort of bigotry?
Yes, if necessary I would support legislation to reinforce the issue.
9. Are you committed to publicizing and enforcing the provisions of the DC Human Rights Act forbidding discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression?
Yes, I am committed to promoting, publicizing and passing legislation to enforce those provisions. Again, I think everyone benefits from a well educated city.
10. Do you agree that the Director of the Office of Human Rights should be required to have professional training and experience in civil rights law enforcement?
Yes, but I will take it a step further. I think sensitivity and diversity training should be required for all employees of OHR.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
11. Do you support legal recognition of marriages between partners of the same sex?
Yes, I do support this type of recognition and will support legislation to bring it to the District. I know it’s an uphill battle, but at some point the climate in the District may be ripe. First, let’s see what happens with Congressional legislation for the vote in the House.
12. Will you support legislation in the District to continue expanding the existing domestic partnership program to include all relevant rights and responsibilities of marriage in DC law?
Yes, I will do that as well. The ultimate goal is for same sex marriages to have the same rights and benefits of traditional marriages. At some point Congress and the President may be willing to sign legislation to this end.
13. Will you support the legislative and/or regulatory changes necessary to ensure that the District recognizes civil unions, domestic partnerships and similar legal relationships established in other jurisdictions?
Yes, I will support legislation to that end.
14. Will you oppose legislation giving special benefits to PEPCO until it implements an equitable domestic partner benefit program?
I will oppose legislation to provide any special benefits to PEPCO or any other big company in the District that refuses to provide a legitimate, viable domestic partner benefit program.
15. Do you agree that private contractors doing business with the District should be required to provide domestic partner programs?
Yes, I agree. I think legislation should be passed that says that a company that does business with the District should provide some sort of domestic partner benefit. The biggest example would be health insurance providers that do business in the District.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND YOUTH
16. Do you oppose both federal and local voucher programs that fund students in religious schools that are beyond the protections of the DC Human Rights Act?
I do. I believe it undermines the DC Public School system. I think with the help of the council and community based organizations we can put our school system back in order.
17. As a member of the Committee of the Whole which now has jurisdiction over the public school system, will you oppose the use of either federal or District taxpayer funds to promote “abstinence only until marriage” sex education that undermines safer-sex programs by discouraging the use of condoms and that effectively tells gay and lesbian students that they must remain celibate forever because they may not legally marry?
I will not oppose the use of federal or District taxpayer money to encourage Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) and other such programs. I also support the mandated Comprehensive Sexual Education program by the DC Board of Education.
CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES
18. As a member of the Public Works and Environment Committee which has jurisdiction over ABC licenses, will you support the relocation of the many gay bars and businesses that were displaced by the new ballpark, even if local NIMBYs and homophobes oppose them?
I will not support their relocation. I know many of them have already been displaced and have since moved to northern Virginia. Most of them that I know about have been in the District for some time and provide revenue to the city in the form of business taxes. This is a huge loss of income. I was against the baseball stadium in the first place. However, I will seek a remedy with my colleagues on the council to see that this doesn’t happen again in the District.
19. Will you support legislation to curb the abuses of NIMBYs who are now allowed to file an endless series of baseless complaints to harass or extort bars and restaurants?
Yes. I will support any legislation that seeks to cut down on government waste at taxpayers’ expense.
http://www.myspace.com/milliganforward4
http://milliganforward4.blogspot.com
http://www.milliganforward4.com
I attend the Gay Pride Rally/March every year here in Washington DC.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Georgia Av Litter Can Route
The strength of a well-run city is its ability to handle small issues like trash. I think we all can agree that trash collection is a small issue as it relates to establishing processes to pick up trash. It is in no way as complex as health care delivery or fixing our schools. Yet many parts of Ward 4 have trash collection issues. Our commercial corridors only get swept once a week. Most alleys are seldom swept or it swept at all. Where you find trash and litter, you will find crime and low economic development. As a result, the first step to any crime fighting or economic development palm is its trash collection practice.
To learn more about the trash collection procedure, Milligan began his Ward 4 Services Tour of Duty on March 23, 2007. At 11:30 pm, Milligan helped the DPW crew assigned to Ward 4 collect trash. He spoke with the crew about what they were expected to accomplish. He asked questions about the working conditions and about the educational opportunities that are available to them. Each member of the crew expressed a desire to do the very best job they could.
Milligan is committed to getting Ward 4 clean. He will work to understand why the city struggles to keep our ward clean.
To learn more about the trash collection procedure, Milligan began his Ward 4 Services Tour of Duty on March 23, 2007. At 11:30 pm, Milligan helped the DPW crew assigned to Ward 4 collect trash. He spoke with the crew about what they were expected to accomplish. He asked questions about the working conditions and about the educational opportunities that are available to them. Each member of the crew expressed a desire to do the very best job they could.
Milligan is committed to getting Ward 4 clean. He will work to understand why the city struggles to keep our ward clean.
What I Think of Georgia Avenue.....
Georgia Avenue
In years past, Georgia Avenue use to be referred to as The Avenue. This was during a time when there was a different mix of retail stores and businesses on The Avenue. Also, this was during a time when the businesses thrived. Today, Georgia Avenue is far from being a thriving community today.
My vision for Georgia Avenue is to restore it to the days when it was a thriving community and Ward 4 residents spent their money in the community. Some say they that the foot print must be changed and level of density must be increased for a developer to justify investing in the Avenue. I do not agree with this philosophy.
I support developing within the existing foot print with minor modifications. We must develop new kinds of businesses if we are to bring new customers to the Avenue. We already know that the existing businesses already have as many customers as they can attract. Adding more of the same types of businesses on the Avenue will not benefit the existing businesses or residents of Ward 4. We have to add the types of business to Georgia Avenue that Ward 4 residents will patronize. First and foremost, we make the Avenue clean and safe.
In years past, Georgia Avenue use to be referred to as The Avenue. This was during a time when there was a different mix of retail stores and businesses on The Avenue. Also, this was during a time when the businesses thrived. Today, Georgia Avenue is far from being a thriving community today.
My vision for Georgia Avenue is to restore it to the days when it was a thriving community and Ward 4 residents spent their money in the community. Some say they that the foot print must be changed and level of density must be increased for a developer to justify investing in the Avenue. I do not agree with this philosophy.
I support developing within the existing foot print with minor modifications. We must develop new kinds of businesses if we are to bring new customers to the Avenue. We already know that the existing businesses already have as many customers as they can attract. Adding more of the same types of businesses on the Avenue will not benefit the existing businesses or residents of Ward 4. We have to add the types of business to Georgia Avenue that Ward 4 residents will patronize. First and foremost, we make the Avenue clean and safe.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Milligan Responds To the DC Latino Community
1. What is the most important issue in your campaign platform, and how does it benefit the Latino/immigrant communities of the District?
Education is the most important issue in my campaign platform. I think everyone benefits from a well-educated city. So I think that whether you’re Latino or an immigrant having as much education as possible will only benefit you, your family, community and the city at large. I support increased funding for adult education programs as well.
2. Access to adequate health care and services has been an issue of general public concern for quite some time. It’s an issue of even greater concern to the Latino/immigrant communities due to the lack of access to health care, medicine and bilingual services. What say you about the lack of health care access, and what do you propose to do?
My solution for healthcare is more citywide than for Ward 4. It has two parts. First is that I would like residents to have more access to nutritious foods. This primarily means more supermarkets and grocery stores in the city. Easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables greatly improve peoples’ overall health. will Most people don’t realize this but there is only one supermarket east of the river in Southeast DC. In addition, there is only one hospital east of the river and 29 private providers of healthcare. West of the river, there are 7 hospitals and more than 600 private providers. There are approximately 140,000 citizens in this area, many of them children, who do not have access to proper healthcare. There is an inequity in the delivery of healthcare in the city and it is in the best interest of the City that all residents have access to good healthcare so that they can maintain good health. I would like to make it more attractive for supermarkets and grocery stores to set up shop. This means making the neighborhoods the shops would occupy safer from crime and better maintained.
I support the legislation that Jim Graham authored which ultimately has provided health care services to all regardless of their immigration status. I also will support more funding for Mary’s Center and Clinica del Pueblo. My legislative priorities will be to work with the Mayor and city council to set a public policy that makes healthcare accessible and affordable to ALL of it residents.
3. How would you re-enforce the work of the Latino CBOs that provide essential services to our Latino/immigrant communities?
In 1991 a low-income Latino community in Oakland, California reevaluated a plan of a multi-level parking proposed by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) a regional rapid transit entity. The community argued that the construction of the facility would be both aesthetic and create physical obstacles for the economic development plans of the neighborhood. The CBO worked with BART staff and created instead a plan for a pedestrian plaza.
This is probably the primary reason why I support CBO’s and would want to re-enforce their work in the District of Columbia. Additionally, Latino CBO’s provide a one-stop source of information to their communities; they are typically involved in support of public participation in their communities which are normally under served. Latino CBO’s also are very useful in providing information to the community whose first language is normally not English. I also will support Latino CBO’s because of the vested interest of the community in ensuring the well being of themselves and future generations which naturally includes a high quality of life.
4. Do you believe the Office on Latino Affairs can do more in fulfilling its mission? What would you do to re-enforce it, and make it more accessible to the community?
I believe that in strongly supporting Latino CBO’s it makes the job of the Office of Latino Affairs a lot easier. Yes, the budget for OLA has increased with more staff and it does great work. But it can always be better and do more. As the Latino population in the District continues to expand it will need more help and it seems to me that this is best achieved on the local level.
5. What is your plan to make our city safe for its residents? Do you believe more Latino/bilingual police is part of the solution?
We need to develop new strategies for crime prevention that reflect the needs of our city. The Police Department is our first response to crime. It is only through a partnership with MPD and residents of our community that we will minimize crime and insure that our neighborhoods are safe and enjoyable places to live and work. I also support more foot patrols by police officers and want to encourage legislation as a councilmember to do so.
As Ward 4’s new councilmember, you have my commitment to make our city a safer place. Together, we will take a proactive approach versus a reactive approach to crime prevention and reduction. It is far less costly to prevent a crime than it is to solve a crime.
I think it’s just a good idea for police to have roots, cultural understanding and the ability to communicate with the community they serve. Being bilingual and understanding cultural differences where you police is of paramount importance. I will push for more Latino and bilingual officers on the force. I also agree with Chief Lanier’s program of instituting Latino language PSA meeting’s to foster a greater sense of cooperation between the police and the Latino community.
6. What is your opinion on the lack of DC voting representation in Congress, considering its residents are taxpayers, and contribute to the social and security welfare of the nation?
In that regard, we are all in the same boat. Every country in the world’s capital city allows their citizenry to vote on the federal/national level except for here. We pay some of the highest taxes in the country and have less representation than the rest of the nation. It looks as of late we could be in the process of change. We will find out very shortly.
7. What is the political relevance behind the support of the Latino community, taking under account that the majority does not vote?
The Latino community is still part of the community at large-Washington DC. I believe that most if not all will do the right thing if they have the same access to information, education and quality of life. I think more Latino’s would vote if the ballots were in Espanol as well as English and there was amnesty about the methodology of how they entered the United States.
8. Why should Latinos/immigrants believe in you?
Latinos/immigrants should believe in me because of my platform. I strongly support education which includes fixing our public school system. Further, I believe that clean and safe neighborhoods and bringing the right economic development to our city benefits everyone.
9. What is your opinion on the lack of DC voting representation of Permanent Legal Immigrant Residents of the District, considering they are taxpayers, and contribute to the social and security welfare of our city?
I agree with the case of Takoma Park, Maryland. I would support legislation authored and introduced by Jim Graham. Although it failed in 2004 I will push with my future colleague to get it passed.
The reason I used the example of Takoma Park is that immigrants vote just about on par with citizens, which turns out to roughly 20 percent. And since anyone’s vote can determine an electoral outcome I think it stands to reason that if they have to live with whoever is elected for the next 4 years, I believe Immigrants in the District of Columbia should be allowed to vote.
10. Youth violence is a public safety issue, and a symptom of an ill public schools system. What is your plan to correct this situation?
It’s easier to raise a child than to repair an adult. I think the answer is more funding for after school programs. So in essence, I think that pop culture is raising our children today and that City Government, the School Board or DCPS cannot go into parent’s homes and dictate their behavior. To possibly combat this, more alternatives in the school environment would be a start. Not necessarily in the classrooms, but maybe in the form of after school programs.
11. Please share specific major changes in addressing the needs of Latinos/immigrants, and providing better access to government and social services since the 1991 Mount Pleasant Disturbances?
Although I did not live in the District at the time I believe that the major changes that have occurred since 1991 to the Latino/immigrant population are as follows: creation of Office on Latino Affairs; Metropolitan Police Department Latino Liaison Unit; Gang Intervention Parntership (which provide teenage and young adult Latinos with alternatives); EOFULA (Latino senior citizen center); Neighbor’s Consejo, AYUDA and Clinica del Pueblo.
Again I would support studies and legislation to enable Latino CBO’s to help the city help the Latino community have better inroads to the government and social services that are required for a better quality of life.
12. What specific plans and numbers do you have to provide affordable housing and homeownership for low-income Latino/immigrant residents of the District?
I support the legislation already on the books which requires a 20 percent set aside of all new construction of units citywide. However this is not enough. I also am a supporter of community land trusts.
A community land trust is a community-based, non-profit organization that buys land on behalf of the community and holds it in trust. By taking the land out of the market and capturing the equity gain for the community, the land trust builds community wealth. Most community land trusts lease homes out to residents using a model that enables residents to gain a minority share of the equity gain, but keeping most of the gain in the trust, thereby ensuring affordability for the future members. Land trusts also serve to shield the community from both land speculators and the dislocating effects of gentrification. With a community land trust, the buyer receives a 99-year lease with a restricted deed, which requires that the buyer give the trust the option to buy the house back at a price set by a predetermined formula. The formula varies, but typically the seller gets the value of the principal payments and down payment plus 25% of the accumulated equity, while the trust retains the other 75% of the accumulated equity. As a result, the land trust can re-sell the property at a below-market price, keeping the housing affordable and stretching affordable housing dollars farther.
Education is the most important issue in my campaign platform. I think everyone benefits from a well-educated city. So I think that whether you’re Latino or an immigrant having as much education as possible will only benefit you, your family, community and the city at large. I support increased funding for adult education programs as well.
2. Access to adequate health care and services has been an issue of general public concern for quite some time. It’s an issue of even greater concern to the Latino/immigrant communities due to the lack of access to health care, medicine and bilingual services. What say you about the lack of health care access, and what do you propose to do?
My solution for healthcare is more citywide than for Ward 4. It has two parts. First is that I would like residents to have more access to nutritious foods. This primarily means more supermarkets and grocery stores in the city. Easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables greatly improve peoples’ overall health. will Most people don’t realize this but there is only one supermarket east of the river in Southeast DC. In addition, there is only one hospital east of the river and 29 private providers of healthcare. West of the river, there are 7 hospitals and more than 600 private providers. There are approximately 140,000 citizens in this area, many of them children, who do not have access to proper healthcare. There is an inequity in the delivery of healthcare in the city and it is in the best interest of the City that all residents have access to good healthcare so that they can maintain good health. I would like to make it more attractive for supermarkets and grocery stores to set up shop. This means making the neighborhoods the shops would occupy safer from crime and better maintained.
I support the legislation that Jim Graham authored which ultimately has provided health care services to all regardless of their immigration status. I also will support more funding for Mary’s Center and Clinica del Pueblo. My legislative priorities will be to work with the Mayor and city council to set a public policy that makes healthcare accessible and affordable to ALL of it residents.
3. How would you re-enforce the work of the Latino CBOs that provide essential services to our Latino/immigrant communities?
In 1991 a low-income Latino community in Oakland, California reevaluated a plan of a multi-level parking proposed by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) a regional rapid transit entity. The community argued that the construction of the facility would be both aesthetic and create physical obstacles for the economic development plans of the neighborhood. The CBO worked with BART staff and created instead a plan for a pedestrian plaza.
This is probably the primary reason why I support CBO’s and would want to re-enforce their work in the District of Columbia. Additionally, Latino CBO’s provide a one-stop source of information to their communities; they are typically involved in support of public participation in their communities which are normally under served. Latino CBO’s also are very useful in providing information to the community whose first language is normally not English. I also will support Latino CBO’s because of the vested interest of the community in ensuring the well being of themselves and future generations which naturally includes a high quality of life.
4. Do you believe the Office on Latino Affairs can do more in fulfilling its mission? What would you do to re-enforce it, and make it more accessible to the community?
I believe that in strongly supporting Latino CBO’s it makes the job of the Office of Latino Affairs a lot easier. Yes, the budget for OLA has increased with more staff and it does great work. But it can always be better and do more. As the Latino population in the District continues to expand it will need more help and it seems to me that this is best achieved on the local level.
5. What is your plan to make our city safe for its residents? Do you believe more Latino/bilingual police is part of the solution?
We need to develop new strategies for crime prevention that reflect the needs of our city. The Police Department is our first response to crime. It is only through a partnership with MPD and residents of our community that we will minimize crime and insure that our neighborhoods are safe and enjoyable places to live and work. I also support more foot patrols by police officers and want to encourage legislation as a councilmember to do so.
As Ward 4’s new councilmember, you have my commitment to make our city a safer place. Together, we will take a proactive approach versus a reactive approach to crime prevention and reduction. It is far less costly to prevent a crime than it is to solve a crime.
I think it’s just a good idea for police to have roots, cultural understanding and the ability to communicate with the community they serve. Being bilingual and understanding cultural differences where you police is of paramount importance. I will push for more Latino and bilingual officers on the force. I also agree with Chief Lanier’s program of instituting Latino language PSA meeting’s to foster a greater sense of cooperation between the police and the Latino community.
6. What is your opinion on the lack of DC voting representation in Congress, considering its residents are taxpayers, and contribute to the social and security welfare of the nation?
In that regard, we are all in the same boat. Every country in the world’s capital city allows their citizenry to vote on the federal/national level except for here. We pay some of the highest taxes in the country and have less representation than the rest of the nation. It looks as of late we could be in the process of change. We will find out very shortly.
7. What is the political relevance behind the support of the Latino community, taking under account that the majority does not vote?
The Latino community is still part of the community at large-Washington DC. I believe that most if not all will do the right thing if they have the same access to information, education and quality of life. I think more Latino’s would vote if the ballots were in Espanol as well as English and there was amnesty about the methodology of how they entered the United States.
8. Why should Latinos/immigrants believe in you?
Latinos/immigrants should believe in me because of my platform. I strongly support education which includes fixing our public school system. Further, I believe that clean and safe neighborhoods and bringing the right economic development to our city benefits everyone.
9. What is your opinion on the lack of DC voting representation of Permanent Legal Immigrant Residents of the District, considering they are taxpayers, and contribute to the social and security welfare of our city?
I agree with the case of Takoma Park, Maryland. I would support legislation authored and introduced by Jim Graham. Although it failed in 2004 I will push with my future colleague to get it passed.
The reason I used the example of Takoma Park is that immigrants vote just about on par with citizens, which turns out to roughly 20 percent. And since anyone’s vote can determine an electoral outcome I think it stands to reason that if they have to live with whoever is elected for the next 4 years, I believe Immigrants in the District of Columbia should be allowed to vote.
10. Youth violence is a public safety issue, and a symptom of an ill public schools system. What is your plan to correct this situation?
It’s easier to raise a child than to repair an adult. I think the answer is more funding for after school programs. So in essence, I think that pop culture is raising our children today and that City Government, the School Board or DCPS cannot go into parent’s homes and dictate their behavior. To possibly combat this, more alternatives in the school environment would be a start. Not necessarily in the classrooms, but maybe in the form of after school programs.
11. Please share specific major changes in addressing the needs of Latinos/immigrants, and providing better access to government and social services since the 1991 Mount Pleasant Disturbances?
Although I did not live in the District at the time I believe that the major changes that have occurred since 1991 to the Latino/immigrant population are as follows: creation of Office on Latino Affairs; Metropolitan Police Department Latino Liaison Unit; Gang Intervention Parntership (which provide teenage and young adult Latinos with alternatives); EOFULA (Latino senior citizen center); Neighbor’s Consejo, AYUDA and Clinica del Pueblo.
Again I would support studies and legislation to enable Latino CBO’s to help the city help the Latino community have better inroads to the government and social services that are required for a better quality of life.
12. What specific plans and numbers do you have to provide affordable housing and homeownership for low-income Latino/immigrant residents of the District?
I support the legislation already on the books which requires a 20 percent set aside of all new construction of units citywide. However this is not enough. I also am a supporter of community land trusts.
A community land trust is a community-based, non-profit organization that buys land on behalf of the community and holds it in trust. By taking the land out of the market and capturing the equity gain for the community, the land trust builds community wealth. Most community land trusts lease homes out to residents using a model that enables residents to gain a minority share of the equity gain, but keeping most of the gain in the trust, thereby ensuring affordability for the future members. Land trusts also serve to shield the community from both land speculators and the dislocating effects of gentrification. With a community land trust, the buyer receives a 99-year lease with a restricted deed, which requires that the buyer give the trust the option to buy the house back at a price set by a predetermined formula. The formula varies, but typically the seller gets the value of the principal payments and down payment plus 25% of the accumulated equity, while the trust retains the other 75% of the accumulated equity. As a result, the land trust can re-sell the property at a below-market price, keeping the housing affordable and stretching affordable housing dollars farther.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Support Fundraising Letter
One can do much. And one and one and one can move mountains. –Joan Ward-Harris
Dear Friend,
Dear Friend,
I believe I can offer Ward 4 responsible, commonsensical, effective and ethical leadership. I'm particularly interested in increasing high school graduation rates, providing more funding for after school and early childhood programs, creating jobs by providing incentives for business to locate in Ward 4, working with the city council to reduce the size of government and use the extra dollars for public health and senior services. I also want to preserve rental housing stock and expand homeownership through limited equity financing and community land trusts.
Now, I need to be honest here. Asking for financial support is one of my least favorite things to do. I know how hard we all work to keep our families healthy and happy, and to set aside a little for ourselves.
But our hard work will go for naught if we allow those in power right now to succeed in their attacks on senior citizen living space and their attempt to push through the DC Public School takeover.
My campaign chest consists of small individual contributions from people like you who want a councilmember who represents all the people of Ward 4, not just those with special interests.
Will you be one of the "ones" who will help us move mountains? Your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or if you're a PAC $500 will send a strong message to the fat cat power brokers that we plan to stand up and fight for what's important to us.
Thank you for all your support.
Sincerely,
Artee Milligan
PS – It's very important that we are able to show by April 1st that we are going to fight together for Ward 4.
Please send in your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or $500 today.
Milligan Responds to the Washington DC Association of Realtors Politcal Action Committee
General In formation
1. "Why are you running for elected office?"
I am running for Ward 4 Council Member because I understand the issues facing Ward 4 residents. I am qualified and have the skills to get the job done. I am different from my counterparts because I have both a corporate and nonprofit background.
2. "What is your current occupation and how would it help you as a Councilmember? "
I am the Executive Director of Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council. My current position helps me to understand the grave issues that students face in the District of Columbia Public Schools. The learning that occurs in class room is only part of what is required to educate our children. Increased funding for after school programs and extracurricular activities for DCPS students is a high priority for me.
2. "Tell us about the ward you are hoping to represent and what you believe are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed in your ward?"
a. Lack of funding for after school programs;
b. Early childhood development programs;
c. Adult education programs, for example, GED preparation and vocational training.
4. "What do you believe are the top issues facing the District as a whole?"
I believe the top issues facing the District as a whole are education, unemployment, and affordable housing.
5. "What are the issues nearest to you personally?"
Education is the issue nearest to me personally. As the next Ward 4 Council Member, I will push for legislation for full funding of school programs and extracurricular activities, early childhood development program, and adult education programs like GED preparation and vocational training.
Tax and Fiscal Issues
The District faces difficult budget decisions every year for how to fund our "Priorities of
Government." And although we are currently seeing surpluses that may not always be the case.
"Will you look to program reductions or increasing revenue sources, or both? Both. I would cut programs. Please identify likely program targets- DCRA is the most likely agency that would receive a cut or program reduction.
or, if you would "increase ' revenue sources, "please identify which one(s)?"
I would support legislation to increase property taxes of individuals who own property, live and work in DC, and file their taxes in other states. I will also push to reinstate ROSA (Registered Out of State Automobiles)
"Do you believe there are certain taxes and fees that are too high? Yes.
Which taxes and fees are too high? I understand that 57% of the District of Columbia can’t be taxed because of federal government land. However, I believe that property taxes for individuals who own property, live and work in DC shouldn’t have to support this burden. About right? Too low and could be raised in future budgets if necessary?"
The District has one of the highest recordation and transfer taxes in the country.
REALTORS@, homeowners, and potential homeowners were dismayed when the Council recently voted to increase deed recordation and transfer taxes even higher from 1.1 % to 1.45%.
Even after Chief Financial Officer Gahndi expressed his concern that the real estate market was
leveling off and revenues from recordation and transfer taxes were going to decrease, the
Council still went ahead with the tax increase to 1.45% and Councilmember Barry even
suggested raising the taxes to 1.5%. REALTORS@ strongly support a reduction in the county's
recordation and transfer taxes, which make up the largest burden of the closing costs on the
purchase of a home.
1. "What are your views and suggestions on closing costs, specifically the high cost of recordation and transfer taxes? "
If elected, I will support legislation making the District of Columbia closing costs competitive with the rest of the country.
2. "If elected, would you vote to increase the recordation and transfer tax again?" No
3. "Would you introduce legislation to rollback recordation and transfer taxes to 1.1 %? Yes, along with off setting revenue sources.
4. "What would you do to persuade your colleagues on the Council to rollback recordation
and transfer taxes?" I will persuade them to look for tax revenue sources in other areas and stop looking at the obvious sources. The obvious sources are business owners, developers, the real estate industry as a whole which goes back to the fact that most District land can’t be taxed and the DC Parking Enforcement Division.
Property taxes have increased drastically over the past few years due to the increased value of
the real estate market and rising assessments.
"What are your views and suggestions regarding property taxes?” I think property taxes are too high for the average homeowner. Given that property values are stabilizing or decreasing. I would vote to hold property assessment at the current level.
Ensuring Economic Vitality
Quality of life starts with a good job. Economic development brings new opportunity and
improved quality of life by increasing jobs, tax base, purchasing power, diversity, availability of
goods and services, and offering community revitalization and improvement. REALTORS@
believe a healthy economy sustains vibrant communities for living and working. Commercial,
industrial and residential growth, in turn, sustains a healthy economy.
1. "What measures would you propose or support to improve the District's economic
vitality?" I would push to increase investment in workforce development. This will allow the District to train residents for new job opportunity and reduce our unemployment rate.
2. "What role do you envision for comprehensive planning goals and implementing
regulations to set the stage for economic vitality, and encouraging quality development?"
We have to ensure the comprehensive plan does not undermine neighborhoods.
3. "Are there specific areas where economic development should or should not take place
in your ward? In specific areas around the District?"
We should maintain the density level in the ward in particular along the commercial corridors and promote smart economic development along Georgia Ave and Kennedy Street Northwest.
"How should the District government use its surplus land and properties? "
Surplus land and properties should be used to build a variety of housing units.
"How should the DC Public Schools use its surplus land and properties? "
Surplus land and properties build a variety of housing units, recreation centers, medical centers, and senior citizen communities. Where appropriate, I would support development of additional full service grocery stores.
Providing Housing Opportunities
Quality of life means having a roof over your head. All citizens should be able to find safe,
decent and affordable housing near where they work, shop and play. Housing affordability and
availability are important issues - not only for REALTORS@, but for consumers and business,
as well. Home ownership and a clear path to homeownership are important social concerns.
1. " What policies would you propose or support to make the cost of housing more
affordable for the average citizen?"
The way to address the issue of affordable housing is to promote programs to increase the housing stock in the District. My answer to address the affordable housing issue is community land trusts.
2. "What policies would you propose or support to make the cost of homeownership more
affordable for the average citizen?"
I think community land trusts and limited equity financing are the only ways to address these issues in the District. I would encourage legislation that would allocate specific areas in the city to be used for these purposes. Since a community based non-profit organization would purchase the property and sell the property to an average citizen with a first right of refusal to purchase the property back and retain 75% of the equity, I think this resolves that affordable housing issue the city currently faces.
3. "How will you ensure that the District enables the development of housing sufficient to
meet demand, provides sufficient buildable land to meet growth projections, and
encourages land use zoning and regulations to ensure growth projections are achieved?"
I will ensure that the District enables the development of housing sufficient to meet demand by supporting legislations that have low density and are appropriate for potential zoning changes.
Also as a legislator I have to point out that the city can handle 800,000 residents as it did in the 50’s and 60’s. I say that because I think there is room so that the real estate community can make a living, residents that need and desire affordable living can have a roof over their head and no environmental or zoning laws have to be infringed.
Protecting Property Owners
A strong economy depends upon preserving the right to freely own, use and transfer real
property, a cornerstone upon which this nation was founded. REALTORS@ believe that private
property ownership is fundamental to our free-market economic system.
1. "Do you support the property owner's right to own, use, buy and sell property?" Yes.
2. "Should property owners be compensated when government actions reduce the value of
their property? Yes.
If so, how will you ensure compensation is provided? " The compensation provided should be monetary. I will lobby my colleagues on the council to help push legislation.
Preserving Our Environment
Quality of life means having access to parks and open space. Conservation and wise use of
natural resources and critical areas lead to more parks, open space and preserve our unique
natural environment.
1. "What are the two or three most important, unresolved environment and land use issues
that confront District residents and the business community?"
Transportation and recycling
2. "How will you balance our community's needs to accommodate growth, provide housing
opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect property owners, while preserving
the environment?"
I will work with groups like the Sierra Club, Clean Water Action and the Friends of the Earth Action to address environment preservation. I would encourage impact studies be done to accommodate growth and housing opportunity balance. I would also research the census for the City in the late 50’s and early 60’s because the City actually housed 200,000 more people and it had far fewer problems then than it does now for some out of the box solutions.
Other Information
1. "Why do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS@? And, if so - will
you accept a PAC contribution?"
I feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS because unlike many professionals, you’re deeply involved in the neighborhoods in which we live.
In commercial real estate, REALTORS help strengthen local communities through
new investment and construction, which translate into jobs. Because of this understanding
of your communities and residents, I feel that REALTORS are uniquely positioned
to comment as experts on what our communities want and need. Yes, I will accept a PAC contribution.
2. "Is there any other information you would like REALTORS@ to know about you that was
not covered in any of our questions?"
I’m different from other candidates in that I bring corporate business acumen along with a concern for people. I understand that business is the foundation for any society. Business, government and residents must work together to maintain a high quality of life and that is my commitment to Ward 4 residents.
1. "Why are you running for elected office?"
I am running for Ward 4 Council Member because I understand the issues facing Ward 4 residents. I am qualified and have the skills to get the job done. I am different from my counterparts because I have both a corporate and nonprofit background.
2. "What is your current occupation and how would it help you as a Councilmember? "
I am the Executive Director of Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council. My current position helps me to understand the grave issues that students face in the District of Columbia Public Schools. The learning that occurs in class room is only part of what is required to educate our children. Increased funding for after school programs and extracurricular activities for DCPS students is a high priority for me.
2. "Tell us about the ward you are hoping to represent and what you believe are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed in your ward?"
a. Lack of funding for after school programs;
b. Early childhood development programs;
c. Adult education programs, for example, GED preparation and vocational training.
4. "What do you believe are the top issues facing the District as a whole?"
I believe the top issues facing the District as a whole are education, unemployment, and affordable housing.
5. "What are the issues nearest to you personally?"
Education is the issue nearest to me personally. As the next Ward 4 Council Member, I will push for legislation for full funding of school programs and extracurricular activities, early childhood development program, and adult education programs like GED preparation and vocational training.
Tax and Fiscal Issues
The District faces difficult budget decisions every year for how to fund our "Priorities of
Government." And although we are currently seeing surpluses that may not always be the case.
"Will you look to program reductions or increasing revenue sources, or both? Both. I would cut programs. Please identify likely program targets- DCRA is the most likely agency that would receive a cut or program reduction.
or, if you would "increase ' revenue sources, "please identify which one(s)?"
I would support legislation to increase property taxes of individuals who own property, live and work in DC, and file their taxes in other states. I will also push to reinstate ROSA (Registered Out of State Automobiles)
"Do you believe there are certain taxes and fees that are too high? Yes.
Which taxes and fees are too high? I understand that 57% of the District of Columbia can’t be taxed because of federal government land. However, I believe that property taxes for individuals who own property, live and work in DC shouldn’t have to support this burden. About right? Too low and could be raised in future budgets if necessary?"
The District has one of the highest recordation and transfer taxes in the country.
REALTORS@, homeowners, and potential homeowners were dismayed when the Council recently voted to increase deed recordation and transfer taxes even higher from 1.1 % to 1.45%.
Even after Chief Financial Officer Gahndi expressed his concern that the real estate market was
leveling off and revenues from recordation and transfer taxes were going to decrease, the
Council still went ahead with the tax increase to 1.45% and Councilmember Barry even
suggested raising the taxes to 1.5%. REALTORS@ strongly support a reduction in the county's
recordation and transfer taxes, which make up the largest burden of the closing costs on the
purchase of a home.
1. "What are your views and suggestions on closing costs, specifically the high cost of recordation and transfer taxes? "
If elected, I will support legislation making the District of Columbia closing costs competitive with the rest of the country.
2. "If elected, would you vote to increase the recordation and transfer tax again?" No
3. "Would you introduce legislation to rollback recordation and transfer taxes to 1.1 %? Yes, along with off setting revenue sources.
4. "What would you do to persuade your colleagues on the Council to rollback recordation
and transfer taxes?" I will persuade them to look for tax revenue sources in other areas and stop looking at the obvious sources. The obvious sources are business owners, developers, the real estate industry as a whole which goes back to the fact that most District land can’t be taxed and the DC Parking Enforcement Division.
Property taxes have increased drastically over the past few years due to the increased value of
the real estate market and rising assessments.
"What are your views and suggestions regarding property taxes?” I think property taxes are too high for the average homeowner. Given that property values are stabilizing or decreasing. I would vote to hold property assessment at the current level.
Ensuring Economic Vitality
Quality of life starts with a good job. Economic development brings new opportunity and
improved quality of life by increasing jobs, tax base, purchasing power, diversity, availability of
goods and services, and offering community revitalization and improvement. REALTORS@
believe a healthy economy sustains vibrant communities for living and working. Commercial,
industrial and residential growth, in turn, sustains a healthy economy.
1. "What measures would you propose or support to improve the District's economic
vitality?" I would push to increase investment in workforce development. This will allow the District to train residents for new job opportunity and reduce our unemployment rate.
2. "What role do you envision for comprehensive planning goals and implementing
regulations to set the stage for economic vitality, and encouraging quality development?"
We have to ensure the comprehensive plan does not undermine neighborhoods.
3. "Are there specific areas where economic development should or should not take place
in your ward? In specific areas around the District?"
We should maintain the density level in the ward in particular along the commercial corridors and promote smart economic development along Georgia Ave and Kennedy Street Northwest.
"How should the District government use its surplus land and properties? "
Surplus land and properties should be used to build a variety of housing units.
"How should the DC Public Schools use its surplus land and properties? "
Surplus land and properties build a variety of housing units, recreation centers, medical centers, and senior citizen communities. Where appropriate, I would support development of additional full service grocery stores.
Providing Housing Opportunities
Quality of life means having a roof over your head. All citizens should be able to find safe,
decent and affordable housing near where they work, shop and play. Housing affordability and
availability are important issues - not only for REALTORS@, but for consumers and business,
as well. Home ownership and a clear path to homeownership are important social concerns.
1. " What policies would you propose or support to make the cost of housing more
affordable for the average citizen?"
The way to address the issue of affordable housing is to promote programs to increase the housing stock in the District. My answer to address the affordable housing issue is community land trusts.
2. "What policies would you propose or support to make the cost of homeownership more
affordable for the average citizen?"
I think community land trusts and limited equity financing are the only ways to address these issues in the District. I would encourage legislation that would allocate specific areas in the city to be used for these purposes. Since a community based non-profit organization would purchase the property and sell the property to an average citizen with a first right of refusal to purchase the property back and retain 75% of the equity, I think this resolves that affordable housing issue the city currently faces.
3. "How will you ensure that the District enables the development of housing sufficient to
meet demand, provides sufficient buildable land to meet growth projections, and
encourages land use zoning and regulations to ensure growth projections are achieved?"
I will ensure that the District enables the development of housing sufficient to meet demand by supporting legislations that have low density and are appropriate for potential zoning changes.
Also as a legislator I have to point out that the city can handle 800,000 residents as it did in the 50’s and 60’s. I say that because I think there is room so that the real estate community can make a living, residents that need and desire affordable living can have a roof over their head and no environmental or zoning laws have to be infringed.
Protecting Property Owners
A strong economy depends upon preserving the right to freely own, use and transfer real
property, a cornerstone upon which this nation was founded. REALTORS@ believe that private
property ownership is fundamental to our free-market economic system.
1. "Do you support the property owner's right to own, use, buy and sell property?" Yes.
2. "Should property owners be compensated when government actions reduce the value of
their property? Yes.
If so, how will you ensure compensation is provided? " The compensation provided should be monetary. I will lobby my colleagues on the council to help push legislation.
Preserving Our Environment
Quality of life means having access to parks and open space. Conservation and wise use of
natural resources and critical areas lead to more parks, open space and preserve our unique
natural environment.
1. "What are the two or three most important, unresolved environment and land use issues
that confront District residents and the business community?"
Transportation and recycling
2. "How will you balance our community's needs to accommodate growth, provide housing
opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect property owners, while preserving
the environment?"
I will work with groups like the Sierra Club, Clean Water Action and the Friends of the Earth Action to address environment preservation. I would encourage impact studies be done to accommodate growth and housing opportunity balance. I would also research the census for the City in the late 50’s and early 60’s because the City actually housed 200,000 more people and it had far fewer problems then than it does now for some out of the box solutions.
Other Information
1. "Why do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS@? And, if so - will
you accept a PAC contribution?"
I feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS because unlike many professionals, you’re deeply involved in the neighborhoods in which we live.
In commercial real estate, REALTORS help strengthen local communities through
new investment and construction, which translate into jobs. Because of this understanding
of your communities and residents, I feel that REALTORS are uniquely positioned
to comment as experts on what our communities want and need. Yes, I will accept a PAC contribution.
2. "Is there any other information you would like REALTORS@ to know about you that was
not covered in any of our questions?"
I’m different from other candidates in that I bring corporate business acumen along with a concern for people. I understand that business is the foundation for any society. Business, government and residents must work together to maintain a high quality of life and that is my commitment to Ward 4 residents.
Milligan Responds to the Metropolitan PAC Questionnaire
Government Regulation of Businesses and Citizens
1) Do you think the District's regulation of businesses and citizens, particularly
by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is
acceptable, or do you share the view that it is unduly complicated, time
consuming and unpredictable? What do you think needs to be done at the
agency?
2) Every area jurisdiction, as well as every major city in the U.S., has effectively
utilized the use of third-party inspection programs to streamline their
building and land regulation programs. The Council enacted third-party
authority for DCRA several years ago. Yet, in D.C., there is a strong
frustration among developers, contractors and building owners that the
program is being implemented inconsistently and unevenly, and a perception
that its effectiveness is being undermined by bureaucratic resistance within
DCRA. Do you support the use of third-party programs, and what will you do
to insure their effective use by DCRA?
No, I don’t think DCRA is acceptable. I think it is unduly complicated, time consuming and unpredictable. DCRA must be overhauled from the ground up. First, I would push for the Mayor to perform an overall assessment of DCRA using a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). We will use this information to close the service gaps in the organization. Further it will be used to determine the skill sets and leadership required to overhaul and bring about change in the organization.
Yes, I support the use of third party programs as used in major cities throughout the United States. To ensure their effective use by DCRA I will meet with other members of the Council and the Chair to encourage DCRA to establish standards by which they will be measured. These standards will be used as a scoring mechanism or report card that the Council and Chair can use to determine the effectiveness of their use.
Multifamilv Housing Property Tax Relief
In the last four years, the Council and Mayor have taken multiple steps to insulate
homeowners from rapidly increasing property tax assessments-an outright cap,
now at lo%, on property tax increases; an increased homestead exemption, and
most recently, a 4-cent reduction in the tax rate. At the same time, rental housing
providers have experienced equally dramatic increases in their assessments- or
even more so, because the assessors are basing valuations on the luxury condo
conversion value of a building, rather than its actual continuing use as rental
housing.
The most recent data show that 61% of your constituents live in rental housing, and
they, ultimately, bear the burden of these tax hikes through rent increases. Do you
support property tax relief for rental housing properties?
Yes, I support property tax relief for rental housing properties. Here is why: I recognize that housing providers are in the business of providing multi family units and should earn a profit for their investments. I also do understand that costs and taxes imposed by the city must be passed on to the tenants in order for the housing providers to stay in business. A reduced tax component is part of an affordable housing program that I would support. And I do recognize that placing undue tax burdens on housing providers make it harder for them to compete with neighboring jurisdictions. As a result, undue taxes could lead to higher vacancies. This is not good for housing providers, tenants or the City.
Consultation and Cooperation on Initiatives Affecting Business
Last year, several members of the D.C. Business Coalition wrote to the Council and
Mayor that they were "most concerned with what appears to be a trend toward
using the Budget Act to enact substantive changes to District of Columbia law and
policy without adequate or appropriate public hearings." They cited then Mayor
Williams' effort to enact the "Way to Work legislation as an amendment to the
Budget Support Act, and subsequent action by the Council to use the same means
for adopting significant new requirements for all development projects supported by
District funds or taking place on District owned property.
As Councilmember, what is your commitment to the business community regarding
consultation and collaboration on major initiatives affecting District businesses
before they are launched and, specifically, how will you implement that
commitment?
My commitment to the business community regarding consultation and collaboration on major initiatives affecting District businesses before they’re launched is to hold focus groups with the business community in particular, the businesses directly affected by such legislation. I am committed to working with the DC Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The City can not survive without the support of the business community both investors-large and small. We need more business investment, not fewer. I envision that I will meet with the business community on a frequent basis.
Affordable Housing
What is your affordable housing vision for the District of Columbia? In particular,
what are your views regarding the District's privately owned existing rental
housing stock and the role it holds in that vision?
What is your position on allocating appropriated dollars in the city's budget for
tenant assistance programs which can offer tenants financial assistance to deal
with a temporary housing crisis?
My affordable housing vision for the District of Columbia is to increase the supply of housing stock. We must do this in order to increase the number of residents living, working and paying taxes in the District of Columbia. For the District’s privately owned existing rental housing stock, I support programs that would bring those properties online. There are many properties in the District that are not in use, eyesores and havens for crime. We must find resources and collaborations with the business community to bring them back online.
In terms of tenant financial assistance to deal with a temporary housing crisis I support these types of programs. The homeless situation in DC is at a severe level. I do not want to make the homeless situation worse than it is today. Further, I do not wish to have these types of situations to have an undue burden on housing providers or investors.
Capital Improvements Under Rent Control
Right now, when a rental housing provider wants to make capital improvements to
his or her property (e.g. new roof, boiler, windows etc.), and needs to pay for them
by raising rents, he or she has to go through a long and costly adjudicative process
at the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Would you support a
change in the law to exempt these capital improvement rent increases from rent
control regulation, since their purpose is to maintain and improve the condition of
our city's aging and deteriorating housing stock?
Yes, I would support a change in the law to exempt certain capital improvement rent increases from rent control regulations. It is not in the best interest of the landlord, tenant or City to have properties in poor repair. I will work with housing providers and the community to develop appropriate legislation to address changes that will help them cover their costs for these types of capital improvements.
Increasing Existing Business TaxesICreating New Business Taxes
What will your position be regarding 1) increases in taxes paid primarily by
businesses, and 2) the creation of new taxes which would be paid primarily by
businesses?
I understand today that the businesses in the District pay one of the highest tax rates in the United States. I am interested in coming up with a medium. Today when there is a need to cover a budget shortfall, the Council and the Mayor look at the obvious. And the obvious is the business community. I do not support this approach. My plan is to address tax fairness. That is identifying residents who live and work in the District of Columbia; however, file their taxes in neighboring states. Additionally I want to reenact the ROSA program. (Registered Out of State Vehicles). Using these two strategies I envision we could capture back taxes and future taxes on incomes and property taxes. Also, collection of excise taxes on out of state registered vehicles.
Crime in Residential Neighborhoods
1) What specific actions would you recommend to address the problem of crime
in neighborhoods?
2) Because of the crime problem in some areas, many housing providers must
now spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire armed, off-duty MPD
officers to patrol their buildings because the on-duty police are overwhelmed.
Would you support a full or partial D.C. tax credit for housing providers who
must undertake such extraordinary measures to protect their tenants?
In order to address crime in residential neighborhoods, we must first address issues that many neighborhoods face. For example litter and trash collection. The data shows that the first sign of a deteriorating community is an accumulation of trash and litter. I will work with the department of public works to ensure that all neighborhoods are well maintained in regards to trash and litter collection. In addition to trash and street cleaning I will insist that the Department of Public Works comes up with a plan to clean alleys as well. I will encourage the Chief of Police to develop a proactive approach to come up with policing. That is they should use their statistical database as a tool to prevent crime. Community policing should occur before crimes are committed as opposed to a reactive approach to a crime spree.
Using the approach that I identified in my answer to question number one. A proactive approach will reduce the need for housing providers to hire armed off duty police officers to patrol their buildings. Providing a safe city is the city’s responsibility and not the responsibility of housing providers.
Evictions
In the District of Columbia, tenants have an absolute "right to cure" any violations
of their lease and thereby avoid eviction; there is no penalty or disincentive
whatsoever for "repeat offenders." Thus, a tenant who continually disturbs or
endangers other tenants by using the apartment for illegal activities, overcrowding
the apartment, making excessive noise, creating hazardous conditions by hoarding
or other activities, or getting months behind in their rent (a tremendous problem for
the small housing provider who can't carry the delinquency) can simply "cure" the
violation by the time the marshal and moving crew arrive at the door, and thereby
stop the eviction-- only to resume the same kinds of behavior a few days later.
1) Would you support legislation to create something like a "three strikes and
you're out" rule which would ensure that such problem tenants can be
evicted, if a judge finds that they have repeatedly violated their lease and
their continued presence is disturbing or endangering the other tenants in a
building?
2) Right now, a housing provider even has to go through the entire court process
for eviction when a tenant has already "skipped the apartment, i.e. the
tenant has clearly abandoned the apartment but did not "officially" give
notice to vacate. The court costs and delays in re-renting the apartment are
unnecessary hardships on housing providers. Would you support legislation
to streamline the process, for example, by allowing the housing provider to
certify that the tenant has not been seen in a specified period of time, and
having penalties for false certification by a housing provider?
No, I would not support legislation to create a “three strikes and you’re out” rule. We already know that this type of legislation has not worked anywhere in the country. I think we can use existing laws to fix these issues and make better use of the taxpayers’ dollar. For example: if a tenant is endangering others; housing providers should report these incidents to local authorities and the police department.
I understand that the District of Columbia has traditionally been a pro-tenant jurisdiction. I support streamlining the process for evictions. At the same time I support severe penalties for false certifications of tenant abandonment.
1) Do you think the District's regulation of businesses and citizens, particularly
by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is
acceptable, or do you share the view that it is unduly complicated, time
consuming and unpredictable? What do you think needs to be done at the
agency?
2) Every area jurisdiction, as well as every major city in the U.S., has effectively
utilized the use of third-party inspection programs to streamline their
building and land regulation programs. The Council enacted third-party
authority for DCRA several years ago. Yet, in D.C., there is a strong
frustration among developers, contractors and building owners that the
program is being implemented inconsistently and unevenly, and a perception
that its effectiveness is being undermined by bureaucratic resistance within
DCRA. Do you support the use of third-party programs, and what will you do
to insure their effective use by DCRA?
No, I don’t think DCRA is acceptable. I think it is unduly complicated, time consuming and unpredictable. DCRA must be overhauled from the ground up. First, I would push for the Mayor to perform an overall assessment of DCRA using a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). We will use this information to close the service gaps in the organization. Further it will be used to determine the skill sets and leadership required to overhaul and bring about change in the organization.
Yes, I support the use of third party programs as used in major cities throughout the United States. To ensure their effective use by DCRA I will meet with other members of the Council and the Chair to encourage DCRA to establish standards by which they will be measured. These standards will be used as a scoring mechanism or report card that the Council and Chair can use to determine the effectiveness of their use.
Multifamilv Housing Property Tax Relief
In the last four years, the Council and Mayor have taken multiple steps to insulate
homeowners from rapidly increasing property tax assessments-an outright cap,
now at lo%, on property tax increases; an increased homestead exemption, and
most recently, a 4-cent reduction in the tax rate. At the same time, rental housing
providers have experienced equally dramatic increases in their assessments- or
even more so, because the assessors are basing valuations on the luxury condo
conversion value of a building, rather than its actual continuing use as rental
housing.
The most recent data show that 61% of your constituents live in rental housing, and
they, ultimately, bear the burden of these tax hikes through rent increases. Do you
support property tax relief for rental housing properties?
Yes, I support property tax relief for rental housing properties. Here is why: I recognize that housing providers are in the business of providing multi family units and should earn a profit for their investments. I also do understand that costs and taxes imposed by the city must be passed on to the tenants in order for the housing providers to stay in business. A reduced tax component is part of an affordable housing program that I would support. And I do recognize that placing undue tax burdens on housing providers make it harder for them to compete with neighboring jurisdictions. As a result, undue taxes could lead to higher vacancies. This is not good for housing providers, tenants or the City.
Consultation and Cooperation on Initiatives Affecting Business
Last year, several members of the D.C. Business Coalition wrote to the Council and
Mayor that they were "most concerned with what appears to be a trend toward
using the Budget Act to enact substantive changes to District of Columbia law and
policy without adequate or appropriate public hearings." They cited then Mayor
Williams' effort to enact the "Way to Work legislation as an amendment to the
Budget Support Act, and subsequent action by the Council to use the same means
for adopting significant new requirements for all development projects supported by
District funds or taking place on District owned property.
As Councilmember, what is your commitment to the business community regarding
consultation and collaboration on major initiatives affecting District businesses
before they are launched and, specifically, how will you implement that
commitment?
My commitment to the business community regarding consultation and collaboration on major initiatives affecting District businesses before they’re launched is to hold focus groups with the business community in particular, the businesses directly affected by such legislation. I am committed to working with the DC Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The City can not survive without the support of the business community both investors-large and small. We need more business investment, not fewer. I envision that I will meet with the business community on a frequent basis.
Affordable Housing
What is your affordable housing vision for the District of Columbia? In particular,
what are your views regarding the District's privately owned existing rental
housing stock and the role it holds in that vision?
What is your position on allocating appropriated dollars in the city's budget for
tenant assistance programs which can offer tenants financial assistance to deal
with a temporary housing crisis?
My affordable housing vision for the District of Columbia is to increase the supply of housing stock. We must do this in order to increase the number of residents living, working and paying taxes in the District of Columbia. For the District’s privately owned existing rental housing stock, I support programs that would bring those properties online. There are many properties in the District that are not in use, eyesores and havens for crime. We must find resources and collaborations with the business community to bring them back online.
In terms of tenant financial assistance to deal with a temporary housing crisis I support these types of programs. The homeless situation in DC is at a severe level. I do not want to make the homeless situation worse than it is today. Further, I do not wish to have these types of situations to have an undue burden on housing providers or investors.
Capital Improvements Under Rent Control
Right now, when a rental housing provider wants to make capital improvements to
his or her property (e.g. new roof, boiler, windows etc.), and needs to pay for them
by raising rents, he or she has to go through a long and costly adjudicative process
at the Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Would you support a
change in the law to exempt these capital improvement rent increases from rent
control regulation, since their purpose is to maintain and improve the condition of
our city's aging and deteriorating housing stock?
Yes, I would support a change in the law to exempt certain capital improvement rent increases from rent control regulations. It is not in the best interest of the landlord, tenant or City to have properties in poor repair. I will work with housing providers and the community to develop appropriate legislation to address changes that will help them cover their costs for these types of capital improvements.
Increasing Existing Business TaxesICreating New Business Taxes
What will your position be regarding 1) increases in taxes paid primarily by
businesses, and 2) the creation of new taxes which would be paid primarily by
businesses?
I understand today that the businesses in the District pay one of the highest tax rates in the United States. I am interested in coming up with a medium. Today when there is a need to cover a budget shortfall, the Council and the Mayor look at the obvious. And the obvious is the business community. I do not support this approach. My plan is to address tax fairness. That is identifying residents who live and work in the District of Columbia; however, file their taxes in neighboring states. Additionally I want to reenact the ROSA program. (Registered Out of State Vehicles). Using these two strategies I envision we could capture back taxes and future taxes on incomes and property taxes. Also, collection of excise taxes on out of state registered vehicles.
Crime in Residential Neighborhoods
1) What specific actions would you recommend to address the problem of crime
in neighborhoods?
2) Because of the crime problem in some areas, many housing providers must
now spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire armed, off-duty MPD
officers to patrol their buildings because the on-duty police are overwhelmed.
Would you support a full or partial D.C. tax credit for housing providers who
must undertake such extraordinary measures to protect their tenants?
In order to address crime in residential neighborhoods, we must first address issues that many neighborhoods face. For example litter and trash collection. The data shows that the first sign of a deteriorating community is an accumulation of trash and litter. I will work with the department of public works to ensure that all neighborhoods are well maintained in regards to trash and litter collection. In addition to trash and street cleaning I will insist that the Department of Public Works comes up with a plan to clean alleys as well. I will encourage the Chief of Police to develop a proactive approach to come up with policing. That is they should use their statistical database as a tool to prevent crime. Community policing should occur before crimes are committed as opposed to a reactive approach to a crime spree.
Using the approach that I identified in my answer to question number one. A proactive approach will reduce the need for housing providers to hire armed off duty police officers to patrol their buildings. Providing a safe city is the city’s responsibility and not the responsibility of housing providers.
Evictions
In the District of Columbia, tenants have an absolute "right to cure" any violations
of their lease and thereby avoid eviction; there is no penalty or disincentive
whatsoever for "repeat offenders." Thus, a tenant who continually disturbs or
endangers other tenants by using the apartment for illegal activities, overcrowding
the apartment, making excessive noise, creating hazardous conditions by hoarding
or other activities, or getting months behind in their rent (a tremendous problem for
the small housing provider who can't carry the delinquency) can simply "cure" the
violation by the time the marshal and moving crew arrive at the door, and thereby
stop the eviction-- only to resume the same kinds of behavior a few days later.
1) Would you support legislation to create something like a "three strikes and
you're out" rule which would ensure that such problem tenants can be
evicted, if a judge finds that they have repeatedly violated their lease and
their continued presence is disturbing or endangering the other tenants in a
building?
2) Right now, a housing provider even has to go through the entire court process
for eviction when a tenant has already "skipped the apartment, i.e. the
tenant has clearly abandoned the apartment but did not "officially" give
notice to vacate. The court costs and delays in re-renting the apartment are
unnecessary hardships on housing providers. Would you support legislation
to streamline the process, for example, by allowing the housing provider to
certify that the tenant has not been seen in a specified period of time, and
having penalties for false certification by a housing provider?
No, I would not support legislation to create a “three strikes and you’re out” rule. We already know that this type of legislation has not worked anywhere in the country. I think we can use existing laws to fix these issues and make better use of the taxpayers’ dollar. For example: if a tenant is endangering others; housing providers should report these incidents to local authorities and the police department.
I understand that the District of Columbia has traditionally been a pro-tenant jurisdiction. I support streamlining the process for evictions. At the same time I support severe penalties for false certifications of tenant abandonment.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
PIcs From the Kickoff
Here above is a photo of Denise Rosemond and Artee Milligan.
Here are some pics from Artee Milligan's campaign kickoff at the Red Line Grill on February 13th in Takoma. Including April Humber as the raffle winner for the concert at LOVE.
Also ANC Sara Green and her husband Richard.
Fixing Our Schools
Fixing our schools can be accomplished if we approach it from the right direction.The “problem” is that our students are not obtaining the educational skills needed tobe successful in life.
All learning is not conducted inside of the classroom. In fact, most of what childrenlearn is outside of the classroom in after school programs and other extracurricularactivities. These programs are missing from our educational system.To fix our educational system, we must provide an overall learning environment forour children.
The Mayor and Council must fund 100% of the after school and earlychildhood programs needed by our students. Next, they must fund vocational andadult education programs so that parents of children in DCPS are equipped to helptheir children achieve. Also, we must increase parental involvement.
All learning is not conducted inside of the classroom. In fact, most of what childrenlearn is outside of the classroom in after school programs and other extracurricularactivities. These programs are missing from our educational system.To fix our educational system, we must provide an overall learning environment forour children.
The Mayor and Council must fund 100% of the after school and earlychildhood programs needed by our students. Next, they must fund vocational andadult education programs so that parents of children in DCPS are equipped to helptheir children achieve. Also, we must increase parental involvement.
Friday, March 9, 2007
A Well Educated City
Keith Williams, Gina Carvana, Mattie Jones and Vera Carley cordially invite you to join Artee Milligan; who is running for the open Ward 4 council seat, at a benefit reception on Wednesday, March 21st 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at 3138 Military Road NW. Artee welcomes questions, comments and concerns on the Mayor's proposed DCPS takeover and the future of education in our city. Suggested donations range from $25.00 to $50.00. For more information you may call 202 210 2751.
-Dev Hillman
Campaign Manager
Team Milligan
-Dev Hillman
Campaign Manager
Team Milligan
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Legislative Priorities Part 2
Neighborhood Revitalization
Wards 1 and 2 are undergoing development that started several years ago. A new convention center, new condos, and apartments have consistently been added. With plans underway for a waterfront development project and hotels, the future
is bright for some parts of DC. However, we have not found a balance in providing affordable housing in parts of Ward 4.
Long-time DC Residents have been forced out of our community.
Additionally, many of DC’s poorest neighborhoods have not shared in this revitalization. Wards 7 and 8 suffer from continued economic disinvestment, crime, and a declining housing stock. Yet, our neighbors in these areas continue to bring energy and creativity to our city in the face of intractable urban problems. The city and Ward 4 have an economic and moral obligation to partner with them. When we lose neighborhoods in any part of the city we lose more than housing and citizenry: we lose a vital cultural link to this city’s past. In saving our neighborhoods, we are saving our Ward and our city.
A city councilman has the responsibility of bringing community leaders, bankers, developers, and government together in order to develop a strategic plan that ignites true rebuilding of all inner city neighborhoods. There are great events happening in DC, in which all residents should share, indulge, and benefit from.
Healthcare
The National Capital Medical Center (NCMC) will provide a carefully selected range of acute inpatient, specialty outpatient, emergency and trauma services, drawing upon both community-based and University physicians. NCMC is being designed with state-of-the-art medical equipment and the highest quality of patient safety and clinical information systems. It will be an efficient and attractive health care environment that will be both patient and provider-friendly.
Today, there is only one hospital east of the river and 29 private providers of healthcare. West of the river, there are 7 hospitals and more than 600 private providers. There are approximately 140,000 citizens in this area, many of them children, who do not have access to proper healthcare. There is an inequity in the delivery of healthcare in the city and it is in the best interest of the City that all residents have access to good healthcare so that they can maintain good health.
My legislative priorities will be to work with the Mayor and city council to set a public policy that makes healthcare accessible and affordable to ALL of it residents.
Economic Development
For any economic development plan to work, it must consist of three interlocking components: business, residents, and government. When there is no balance between these components, there will be a higher unemployment rate, no investment or disinvestment, and high levels of poverty.
Progressive economic development is basically assured for Wards 1 and 2. As far as the other wards, economic development is not so guaranteed even though there are current disposable incomes to support the investments. It is essential that we must develop in all wards. If this does not occur, we stand the chance of turning healthy communities into unhealthy communities simply because certain wards become more attractive than others. This is unacceptable.
Milligan will work with the council and businesses to bring more economic development to the main arteries and corridors of Ward 4. Milligan will also provide incentives for new and existing businesses to invest in Ward 4 thereby creating jobs in the community and improving the quality and standard of living.
The City must create a ground swell of skilled workers to attract businesses to the city. DCPS ended GED preparation and Vocational Training in the 1990’s. The Council did not fill this gap when these programs ended which explains why two-thirds of the jobs have gone to people who do not live in DC. Some of the side effects are poor road conditions, fewer shops and stores available to city residents, and high crime areas.
As your Ward 4 councilmember, I will ask the Council to help me pass legislation that provides permanent funding to GED preparation and Vocational Training. Using these tools, the city will provide a pool of rich talented candidates for businesses to employ who already have marketable skills.
Wards 1 and 2 are undergoing development that started several years ago. A new convention center, new condos, and apartments have consistently been added. With plans underway for a waterfront development project and hotels, the future
is bright for some parts of DC. However, we have not found a balance in providing affordable housing in parts of Ward 4.
Long-time DC Residents have been forced out of our community.
Additionally, many of DC’s poorest neighborhoods have not shared in this revitalization. Wards 7 and 8 suffer from continued economic disinvestment, crime, and a declining housing stock. Yet, our neighbors in these areas continue to bring energy and creativity to our city in the face of intractable urban problems. The city and Ward 4 have an economic and moral obligation to partner with them. When we lose neighborhoods in any part of the city we lose more than housing and citizenry: we lose a vital cultural link to this city’s past. In saving our neighborhoods, we are saving our Ward and our city.
A city councilman has the responsibility of bringing community leaders, bankers, developers, and government together in order to develop a strategic plan that ignites true rebuilding of all inner city neighborhoods. There are great events happening in DC, in which all residents should share, indulge, and benefit from.
Healthcare
The National Capital Medical Center (NCMC) will provide a carefully selected range of acute inpatient, specialty outpatient, emergency and trauma services, drawing upon both community-based and University physicians. NCMC is being designed with state-of-the-art medical equipment and the highest quality of patient safety and clinical information systems. It will be an efficient and attractive health care environment that will be both patient and provider-friendly.
Today, there is only one hospital east of the river and 29 private providers of healthcare. West of the river, there are 7 hospitals and more than 600 private providers. There are approximately 140,000 citizens in this area, many of them children, who do not have access to proper healthcare. There is an inequity in the delivery of healthcare in the city and it is in the best interest of the City that all residents have access to good healthcare so that they can maintain good health.
My legislative priorities will be to work with the Mayor and city council to set a public policy that makes healthcare accessible and affordable to ALL of it residents.
Economic Development
For any economic development plan to work, it must consist of three interlocking components: business, residents, and government. When there is no balance between these components, there will be a higher unemployment rate, no investment or disinvestment, and high levels of poverty.
Progressive economic development is basically assured for Wards 1 and 2. As far as the other wards, economic development is not so guaranteed even though there are current disposable incomes to support the investments. It is essential that we must develop in all wards. If this does not occur, we stand the chance of turning healthy communities into unhealthy communities simply because certain wards become more attractive than others. This is unacceptable.
Milligan will work with the council and businesses to bring more economic development to the main arteries and corridors of Ward 4. Milligan will also provide incentives for new and existing businesses to invest in Ward 4 thereby creating jobs in the community and improving the quality and standard of living.
The City must create a ground swell of skilled workers to attract businesses to the city. DCPS ended GED preparation and Vocational Training in the 1990’s. The Council did not fill this gap when these programs ended which explains why two-thirds of the jobs have gone to people who do not live in DC. Some of the side effects are poor road conditions, fewer shops and stores available to city residents, and high crime areas.
As your Ward 4 councilmember, I will ask the Council to help me pass legislation that provides permanent funding to GED preparation and Vocational Training. Using these tools, the city will provide a pool of rich talented candidates for businesses to employ who already have marketable skills.
Legislative Priorities Part 1
Affordable Housing
We have failed to provide affordable housing for our all our citizenry and for Ward 4 and have not set standards that are acceptable to the community. The next councilmember must set a public policy agenda for housing that is inclusive. I supports a public policy agenda for affordable housing which will provide an incentive for developers to invest in our community and the City must be included in the development and supervision of the property. City developers must work in concert to develop a profile for a community that meets agreed upon goals.
It is beneficial and essential for the Ward 4 to have a citizenry of mixed income classes, just like we have today. I would like Ward 4 to maintain the diverse culture it harbors today.
As a member of the council I will push for the city to offer property to developers only as an incentive to develop and enhance our residential community. The City will maintain an interest in the property to assure that there is an acceptable mix of affordable housing in these areas. The City would approve the mix of affordable housing in the near term and approve the transfer or sale of housing units over the long term.
Education
The best laid plans for economic development can come undone by an ineffective educational system. As we know, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has a great deal of work to do to improve its graduation rates. This should be the DCPS’s number one priority, yet it does not seem to be in the list of priorities for the current DC Administration. I am totally against the Mayor’s takeover of the DC Public School system. I also believe that Dr. Clifford Janney, Robert Bobb and the newly elected members of Ward 4 and 7 should be given the chance to be heard before a decision is made about the DC Public School system.
As your legislative representative, I will get the opportunity to meet with the Superintendent of DCPS and the President of the School Board. I will have three questions lined up for them. Each of these questions will target not only the current status of education for our children, but the kinds of lives they will lead after they leave DCPS.
The questions will establish an agreed goal and a time frame for the following:
1. DCPS’ graduation rate
2. Student’s that enter college
3. SAT and other testing scores
I will encourage DCPS to set new, higher goals. I will support them in achieving these goals, no matter how modest, and I will hold them accountable if these goals are not met. DCPS must perform better in each of these categories and improve each school year. In the business arena where I received my training, there is no excuse for failure. There will be no excuse for failure here either.
Crime
We need to develop new strategies for crime prevention that reflect the needs of our city. The 4th District Police Department is our first response to crime. It is only through a partnership with 4D and residents of our community that we will minimize crime and insure that our neighborhoods are safe and enjoyable places to live and work.
We must educate ourselves on how we, as individuals, can make our environment safer. When we achieve and preserve this level of partnership and participation between citizens and police, Ward 4 will be safer for all residents and visitors.
As Ward 4’s new councilmember, you have my commitment to make our Ward and city a safer place. Together, we will take a proactive approach versus a reactive approach to crime prevention and reduction. It is far less costly to prevent a crime than it is to solve a crime.
We have failed to provide affordable housing for our all our citizenry and for Ward 4 and have not set standards that are acceptable to the community. The next councilmember must set a public policy agenda for housing that is inclusive. I supports a public policy agenda for affordable housing which will provide an incentive for developers to invest in our community and the City must be included in the development and supervision of the property. City developers must work in concert to develop a profile for a community that meets agreed upon goals.
It is beneficial and essential for the Ward 4 to have a citizenry of mixed income classes, just like we have today. I would like Ward 4 to maintain the diverse culture it harbors today.
As a member of the council I will push for the city to offer property to developers only as an incentive to develop and enhance our residential community. The City will maintain an interest in the property to assure that there is an acceptable mix of affordable housing in these areas. The City would approve the mix of affordable housing in the near term and approve the transfer or sale of housing units over the long term.
Education
The best laid plans for economic development can come undone by an ineffective educational system. As we know, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has a great deal of work to do to improve its graduation rates. This should be the DCPS’s number one priority, yet it does not seem to be in the list of priorities for the current DC Administration. I am totally against the Mayor’s takeover of the DC Public School system. I also believe that Dr. Clifford Janney, Robert Bobb and the newly elected members of Ward 4 and 7 should be given the chance to be heard before a decision is made about the DC Public School system.
As your legislative representative, I will get the opportunity to meet with the Superintendent of DCPS and the President of the School Board. I will have three questions lined up for them. Each of these questions will target not only the current status of education for our children, but the kinds of lives they will lead after they leave DCPS.
The questions will establish an agreed goal and a time frame for the following:
1. DCPS’ graduation rate
2. Student’s that enter college
3. SAT and other testing scores
I will encourage DCPS to set new, higher goals. I will support them in achieving these goals, no matter how modest, and I will hold them accountable if these goals are not met. DCPS must perform better in each of these categories and improve each school year. In the business arena where I received my training, there is no excuse for failure. There will be no excuse for failure here either.
Crime
We need to develop new strategies for crime prevention that reflect the needs of our city. The 4th District Police Department is our first response to crime. It is only through a partnership with 4D and residents of our community that we will minimize crime and insure that our neighborhoods are safe and enjoyable places to live and work.
We must educate ourselves on how we, as individuals, can make our environment safer. When we achieve and preserve this level of partnership and participation between citizens and police, Ward 4 will be safer for all residents and visitors.
As Ward 4’s new councilmember, you have my commitment to make our Ward and city a safer place. Together, we will take a proactive approach versus a reactive approach to crime prevention and reduction. It is far less costly to prevent a crime than it is to solve a crime.
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