Marion, from KIPP DC College Preparatory, talking to me about his daily commute to and from school.
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A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of hours traveling with Marion, a student from KIPP DC College Preparatory, from his home in Ward 8 to his school in Ward 5. I wanted to understand the safety and transportation challenges he and other students face daily. This was part of KIPP DC's
“
A Mile in My Shoes
”
program to help officials understand students' challenges getting to and from school. You can see the video
here
.
I also have been working on an urgent health care issue. You may have heard that Providence Hospital plans to close in the coming months. I wrote a
letter
to Keith Vander Kolk, President & CEO of Providence Hospital, requesting an update on future plans and a list of discontinued and continuing services. To date, Mr. Kolk has not responded. On October 10th, the Committee on Health held a public oversight hearing on the “Department of Health’s Role in Approving Providence Hospital’s Proposed Elimination of Acute Care Services and the Impact on the District’s Emergency Health Care System." Providence Hospital did not show up. This week, the Council passed the "Clarification of Hospital Closure Procedure Emergency Amendment Act of 2018," a bill that clarifies the Department of Health has authority to approve or disapprove hospital closings. I hope we can slow down or stop the closure of Providence Hospital. Even if it closes, we simply cannot have a hospital system that allows our residents to lose critical emergency health services with so little notice or planning for the future. Sadly, questions still loom about the hospital’s patients and the hundreds of employees who are now out of jobs.
You may have seen last week that the Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) purchased a property in Ward 7 that included a daycare, a barbershop, and other businesses. NDC padlocked the businesses, displacing workers who were suddenly out of jobs and patrons, like parents who rely on that daycare center. I immediately contacted ANC Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo Green and NDC for details. I am continuing to work through this issue to make sure we are protecting our community businesses.
One of the biggest issues facing the Council this month was the repeal of Initiative 77. While I did not support Initiative 77 when it was on the ballot in June, I had to vote to oppose the repeal as I respect the will of the voters. I cannot assume voters who showed up to the polls were uninformed after such a vigorous campaign. And while turnout in the primary election was low, I cannot discount the outcome of an election that reelected many of my colleagues.
Finally, last week
at my Ward 3 Meet and Greet
, I addressed concerns about education, senior citizens, returning citizens, and other community issues. I hope to see you at my next Meet and Greet in Ward 6 on Thursday, October 25th from 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. at Tunnicliff's Tavern, 222 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
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Saturday, October 20
Community Canvassing | 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. | Ward 6
Tuesday, October 23
Cleveland Park Citizens Association | 6 P.M. | Cleveland Park Library | Ward 3
3310 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Thursday, October 25
Meet & Greet | 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. | Tunnicliff's Tavern | Ward 6
222 7th Street SE, Washington, DC, 20003
Monday, October 29
Southwest Neighborhood Assembly | 7 P.M. | Arena Stage | Ward 6
1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
If you would like to volunteer to canvass with me, please contact
[email protected]
or at (202) 724-8174.
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This month, I presented a Ceremonial Resolution to National Children’s Center for its 60th Anniversary. Congratulations on six decades of service to our city's families and children with disabilities! I am so proud to be a partner.
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I joined First District Commander Morgan C. Kane, Captain John Knutsen, and Officer Robert Marshall of the Metropolitan Police Department for coffee to honor National Coffee with a Cop Day. I enjoyed chatting with the officers, but appreciated seeing them engage residents.
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It was my honor to recognize one of the most influential music directors in the District, Dr. Joyce Garrett. We celebrated her three decades of directing the award-winnin
g
E
ast
ern Senior High School Choir.
As director, she and the choir have traveled the world and performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
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A few weeks ago, the Arthur
Capper Senior Apartment Complex caught fire.
Thank you, again, to the courageous heroes who rescued our seniors. We paid tribute to DC Fire and EMS, the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and the Marine Barracks of Washington, DC.
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The Council participated in the nationwide walk-out in support of survivors of sexual assault this month. We admire your courage.
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It was great to meet neighbors of Shepherd Park, along with Molette Green of NBC 4, and Councilmember Brandon Todd to celebrate
Good Neighbor Day
!
Thanks to the Gillus family, w
ho have been residents of this community for six generations and for inviting us into your home.
Congrats on the new bundle of joy, Ariel!
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PLEASE CONTACT ME OR ANYONE ON MY TEAM
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I hope you enjoyed this month's edition of my newsletter. If you have any questions or need to bring an issue to my attention, please call my office at (202) 724-8174 or reach out to my team.
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Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember, At-Large | Council of the District of Columbia
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