Responses: Dorothy Douglas

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

Yes. When elected, I will be a full-time council member 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?

Yes. It’s definitely needed. Although I want very much to contain additional taxing of the DC budget, I believe that this measure will save the District lots of money through effective oversight of hiring practices.

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.

Location, location, location is to real estate, as accountability, accountability, accountability should be to government. One initiative that I’d implement to improve oversight of the government is full disclosure of proposed spending to the public. Too much major expenditure gets by because the public doesn’t know about them until too late. Secondly, I’d introduce an initiative that would place youth in shadowing capacities on every level of government, to include Council. Youth should be able to run for political office to represent their ward. The third initiative that I would introduce is a universal communications program. This program would empower youth and adults to share information coming down from the government. We would employ their unique talents and gifts to disseminate info around the city in a manner understandable to all. This would both increase the interest of a larger number of citizens, but would also reach a lot more people through various means.

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?

I am supportive of Wal-Mart opening in the District. I am also very supportive of the “living wage” legislation. In addition to paying a living wage, I would like to see Wal-Mart assure employment of a certain percentage of DC residents, especially those living in the ward where the stores are located; give back to the community through local scholarships, and; partner with local schools, colleges and universities on educational initiatives.

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?

I believe that Council should attend to matters that affect the general safety of the public on Metro. We should allow and help facilitate the public weighing in on certain policy decisions before they are made. The Council can initially serve as intermediaries to determine which info deems scrutiny from the public.

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

No. I believe that the tax structure should be more balanced so that every citizen equitably (according to their income) shares in the expenses of the District.

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

Yes, I am in agreement with the streetcar network. I believe that the streetcar will provide a good, clean mode of transportation to and from neighborhoods and business communities. Additionally, the streetcar network will carry potential patrons to places that are not as easily accessible.

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

I am for increasing revenue over making cuts, although cuts may be necessary. Initially, however, I would work to secure payments of outstanding debt owed to the district by individuals and governments. A quick influx of payments from the federal government (Medicaid) and individuals (overdue taxes and parking tickets). Next, I would collapse departments and/or programs that are similar and that can effectively be operated under a singular program. Duplication/redundancy of programs is a waste and should be addressed immediately. Lastly, totally eliminate departments and/or programs that are inefficient and ineffective.

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

I support the local teams and would continue to do so. As a parent, grandparent, and educator, I know how important exposure to various activities is for the development of young minds. Therefore, I would provide as many opportunities for young people to visit these two venues for the various games and performances.

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

As the First Lady goes, so shall I. My top three “green” priorities would be to push community gardens and tree-planting, increase recycling, and enhance incentives for individuals and companies that adopt at least 3 new sustainability efforts. It is more our job to introduce, encourage, and facilitate energy efficiency than to impose it. As a model, the Council would request/require that testimonies be submitted electronically instead of numerous paper copies being submitted. This would allow for easier cataloging of testimonies and decrease the amount of paper used. Council members should have laptops at every hearing in order to follow along and/or for reference. I believe that changing the mindset of our residents is key to a successful sustainability program.

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

I consider myself progressive. To me, progressive politics refers to a policy of carefully evaluating the moves, the impact, and the plan before implementing policy. Taking into consideration the typical response to a problem versus the out-of-the-box response and determining the most appropriate action is what progressives do. We see obstacles as opportunities.