As an entertainer, I do my best to advocate for my audiences both on stage and off. While I try to provide good music and entertainment, I try to also stay abreast of what is going on in our community, and those leaders who listen and offer solutions.
This is the first time my endorsement includes all incumbents, something that I usually try not to do. But in this case, I’ve looked over the opposition and the track records of those who are currently in office…and I proudly stand by these people. After this election, if these people do a poor job, I will endorse others in the next election, but I stand confident that these individuals are what’s needed for DC right now.
Before getting to my endorsements, I would like to share my disappointment in WAMU 88.5FM discontinuing it’s Saturday Night Jazz series. The announcement came as a blow to many people who listen to Jazz, but moreover to those who professionally play, produce, and work in the Jazz genre. There is a petition => https://www.change.org/p/wamu-radio-save-hot-jazz-saturday-night to save the lineup, that I encourage all to sign. However, if WAMU does not support Jazz, please consider supporting a station that does, like WPFW. They are a member supported station focusing on Jazz & Justice, please give them your support here => http://wpfwfm.org/radio/support-us/donate
Today, June 6th, I endorse:
Brianne Nadeau for Ward 1 Council Seat
Over the last few years, I’ve had the task of reaching out to the council for various reasons. When it came to Jazz Preservation, Brianne did not hesitate to help draft the legislation and present it to the council. Whenever I’ve emailed her office (or her directly) before the end of the day I’ve received a response, and often times, help or understanding of how to proceed. She happens to be my council member, and I can attest to walking to the store or driving by a cookout, and seeing her present within our neighborhood. As of late, she’s paved the way for many mothers who now can hold office on the council, and not feel restricted, bringing the Wilson Building into the 21st century. I proudly endorse her.
Anita Bonds for At Large Council Seat
The first time I went to Anita Bonds’ office, not only was I helped, but I was reassured that DC had a council member who cared in the Wilson Building. Ones staff is a reflection of the member, and I’ve watched on many occasions her staff not stop until an answer (whether good or bad) was discovered. When discussing Women’s issues, or the issues on aging, I’ve seen a genuine care. Personally, knowing that someone saw the plight of LGBTQ homeless youth, and decided to ensure legislation would tackle shelters and interagency coordination to tackle the issue, means a lot. I’ve seen first hand how this has helped many people including artist housing needs, something that she’s advocated for and is often overlooked. I proudly endorse her.
Phil Mendelson – Council Chair
During budget season…council-members hide (to a degree). Every email, phone call, and office “drop-by” usually is attached with a budget request…that is urgent! Naturally, walking from their office to the elevator becomes more brisk, or to their car, or while they’re in the supermarket even. Phil Mendelson doesn’t run…nor does he blow smoke, which is something that I appreciate more than anything. Someone who is well aware of what the budget needs are of the city, and is open to discussing solutions, and realistic timelines…is a breath of fresh air. Chairing the council isn’t an easy job, and it takes someone who will not run from you, or feed you a load of bs…you need someone who will be real with you, and earnestly advocate for you where they can. Although this sounds simple enough and easy enough, it doesn’t always happen…but Phil Mendelson makes it happen. I proudly endorse him.
Muriel Bowser – Mayor
As a creative, I have seen DC become a destination for creatives. Whether it’s in the arts or food or IT, people have noticed that DC is a place where creatives can make a way for themselves, and I believe Muriel Bowser is helping to shape that vision for the District. From the Amazon Bid, to Made in DC, to 202Creates, this Mayor has said that she wants DC to be on the map in all aspects of the creative space, and this is something I can support wholeheartedly. With this endorsement, I encourage Mayor Bowser to expand her focus to artist housing and city assistance towards creative entrepreneurship. I’ve met with her staff, presented my concerns and solutions, and I actively see them implemented in a way that it benefits the creative community and the city as a whole. I proudly endorse her.
VOTE NO on Initiative #77
Under the current system, the tip credit guarantees that servers and bartenders receive the minimum wage but enables tipped employees to earn well above the minimum wage,typically somewhere between $20-40 an hour. Initiative 77 would eliminate the tip credit and upend this system, harming servers and bartenders across the District. Visit www.saveourtips.com for more information.
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