Identifying a Progressive Candidate

The Alliance developed a questionnaire to suss out the positions of candidates for the DC Council's at-large seat, which will be decided in a special election on April 26. The questionnaire focuses on a range of issues important to progressives in the District.

The questionnaire was sent to all candidates on April 1. Responses are due on April 15, and will be posted on this website.

1. You are elected to the DC Council. Will you be a full-time councilmember and not take any outside employment?

2. Will you introduce legislation establishing an independent Office on Ethics that would vet hires and oversee both the executive and legislative branches of DC government?

3. You have been named chairman of the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment. Name three initiatives you would introduce to improve oversight of DC government.

4. Do you support Wal-Mart opening stores in the District? How will you vote on legislation recently reintroduced in the DC Council that requires stores larger than 75,000 square feet to pay a living wage?

5. DC contributes a sizable taxpayer-funded subsidy to Metro, and many residents depend on Metro for transportation. What role should the DC Council play in shaping Metro policies, such as the bag search policy?

6. Do you agree with DC’s current income tax structure? Circle Yes or No. If No, how would you change it?

7. Do you agree with DC’s push to build a streetcar network? Circle Yes or No. Explain your answer.

8. DC is facing a $320 million budget shortfall. Name three cuts you would make, the amount, and why.

9. You win office. How will you use your tickets to Verizon Center and Nationals Park?

10. What are your three top legislative priorities to make DC a more sustainable, energy efficient city?

FINAL QUESTION: Are you a progressive? Please give us your personal definition of progressive politics.