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PURPOSE OF COALITION

WARD 7 CONCERNED CITIZENS COALITION

The Ward 7 Concerned Citizens Coalition was formed to provide a forumfor residents of Ward 7 the opportunity to come together to examine anddiscuss the political state of the Ward. W are convinced that the conditionsof Ward 7 in regard to effective and ethical Council leadership for Ward 7has suffered; and, as a result, accountability, constituent services, economicdevelopment, public safety, employment opportunities and public educationadvancement in the Ward has not significantly improved for the residents,since the 2006 election of the Ward 7 Councilmember.Our goal is not to pre-select a person to seek the Council seat, it is to solicitand examine a field of candidates, who meet specific criteria for theposition. This will be conducted through surveys, straw polls and debates.Thus, in our view this is the most democratic and transparent way to selectthe best candidate-for the-Ward 7-CDuncilme.mb~LPosition.~-~~------------~~~~Past high profile political endorsements for the Ward Councilmember havehampered citizen's ability to choose the best leadership for Ward 7.The most recent example of poor leadership was the debacle with the 2010Census Redistricting of Ward 7, more proof that little or no communityengagement was exercised by the Councilmember to give the residents ofWard 7 a voice in the process. As a result of this lack ofleadership Ward 7lost the Fairlawn neighborhood and Marbury Plaza, both much valuedcommunities; and, gained the "DC Jail and Reservation 13", entities, whichare social service providers for the entire city. These entities, while worthybring no voting strength to the Ward.

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(over)

WARD 7 CONCERNED CITIZENS COALITION

Ward 7 Councilmember Leadership and Performance CriteriaWard 7 is seeking a candidate who has been committed to community servicefor ~tleast 3 years and lived in Ward 7 for at least 4 years and is willing to:I. Lead the community in stating its mission to address short, intermediateand long term issues, needs and concerns facing the Ward in all of itsneighborhoods to set goals and priorities;'2. Communicate frequently, meet with, listen to, and provide outreach to allWard 7 residents, neighborhoods, communities and business entities on aregularly scheduled basis, in different community settings and using multiplemedia outlets--newsletter, radio, television, forums, talk shows, web sites,webcast, twitter, blogosphere and other emerging media technology;3. Respond to and follow-up with resident's issues, concerns and inquiries in

_~ !~I?e}y,profe~sional, ~_0UI!~o~s~nd ~~fici~~ manner;_~~~4. EXhibit the highest personal integrity, ethics, conduct and standards in allrelationships with constituents, and the general public;5. Demonstrate an effective record of accomplishments in serving diversecommunities and constituents;6. Within 60 days of taking office present an annual Ward 7 Plan withaccompanying strategy to Ward 7 citizens so they know what the Ward 7Councilmember is trying to achieve, provide specifics on how to support theplan, and submit evaluation criteria to assess its impact and effectiveness inmeeting communities needs;7. Take positions and votes on legislative issues, policies, initiatives andcommunity concerns after meetings with diverse Ward 7 residents so thattheir needs, priorities and desires are accurately reflected in the voting record;

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8. Adhere to transparency at all levels of the legislative process;9. Motivate, inspire and actively encourage all citizens and residents to takean active role in public and civic life;

10. Regularly inform, recommend, and support Ward 7 residents for boards,panels, task forces and,commissions;11. Establish coalitions, partnerships and working arrangements withindividuals, groups and organizations inside and outside the Ward 7community;12. Employ qualified Ward 7 residents for all positions on the council staff;

13. Within 90 days after taking office the councilperson will develop astrategic plan working with key stakeholders to promote, sponsor andadvocate for Ward 7 Community Based Organizations and businesses for allactivities to include affordable housing, economic development andeducation.14. Promote the training through workforce development programs andhiring of Ward 7 residents in all area businesses that are conducted in theDistrict of Columbia and greater Washington, DC.15. Ensure that the constituent services fund provides for Ward 7 residentswho have a temporary fmancial hardship on a one time annual basis.16. Within 180 days after taking office, the Councilmember will sponsorspecific legislation that will create Ward 7 central business districts (taxcredits ... ) working with Community Development Organizations andbusinesses to encourage national chains to locate in Ward 7.17. Promote and sponsor the stand-up ofa SBIC. SBIC's are privatelyowned and managed investment funds, licensed and regulated by SBA.

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II. Wednesday, August 24,2011- ----- ---Sixth District Police Station42ndand Benning Road, N.E.Subject: "First Call to Candidates Seeking the Ward 7

Councilmember Position" and "The Lack ofEconomic Development"

Ward7 Concerned Citizens Coalition Listingof

Previous Community Meetings1. Wednesday, August 10,2011

East Washington Heights Baptist ChurchBranch and Alabama Avenues, S.E.Subject: To bring Ward 7 Citizens together to discuss the

"Future Direction of the Ward" and "Ward 7Councilmember Leadership and PerformanceCriteria"

III. Wednesday, September 14,2011Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church25 - 53rd Street, N.E.Subject: "Current Ward 7 Political Environment" and

"Jobs and Education Training"

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6:50 pm -Discussions: "Ethical Conduct" What "Ethics" should mean to elected andappointed officials in DCGovernment

Transparency at all levels of the LegislativeProcess

Accessibility and Accountability of the Ward 7Councilmember .

Have large campaign contributions in DCElections diminished the voting power of DCcitizens?

Ward7 Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting AgendaTuesday September 27, 2011

6:30 pm Opening Prayer6:35 pm Opening Comments by Coalition Moderator and

Coalition Members Brief History of the Coalition Purpose of Coalition (Seehandout) Leadership and Performance Criteria (See.Handout)

Topics ofThree Previous Coalition Meetingsin Ward 7 (See handout)

8:20 pm Close-out Prayer - DepartOpen to All Ward 7Residents

If there are questions, please call: 202 253-3812 or 202-812-5844