Responses: Josh Lopez

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

Yes, I will be a full-time council member. I do not agree with council members having outside employment. If you are elected to serve the public then you must do so full-time. The city is always in need of improvements and having part-time council members does not help the city enough. If each member gave the position the full time it deserves the city might not be facing the problems it is today.

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, I am open to this idea. I think an ethics committee needs to be established in order to have independent oversight of Council members and the decisions they make on behalf of the District’s residents. In light of the current scandals that have rocked the Council recently, measures should be put in place that serve as oversight to ensure proper procedures are being followed in regards to the hiring process.

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.

The recent hiring scandals demonstrate a need for tough oversight of the Office of the Mayor to ensure highly qualified employees are hired to run our government, which I would fight for. I would move towards updating our campaign finance laws. It’s unacceptable for public officials to continue to break the law and face no punishments. I would also move to strengthen the Office of the Inspector General by expanding their authority to ensure accountability and transparency in 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?

I do support Wal-Mart coming into the District. I am confident that it will bring jobs to the city at a time when we currently face high unemployment rates. Due to the history of Wal-Mart’s employment treatment I would vote in support of them paying a living wage to residents who work in their stores.

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?

DC Council should play a significant role in Metro’s policies. If the city is helping to fund Metro, then the city should have a say in matters that affect District riders. In regards to the bag search policy, this is an issue that needs to be discussed thoroughly before I make a decision. I want to ensure that my vote for such a policy is in support efforts that improve the riding experience of DC residents and does not allow them to be subjected to unfair screenings.

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

No. I do not support the current tax structure. I am a supporter of a progressive tax increase. The District is facing a huge budget shortfall and the current economic model is unstable. Residents who fall in the lowest salary bracket should not have their taxes increased. If elected I would propose legislation that allows people who make over $200,000 to have their taxes increased by 1%. However, this tax increase would have a sunset clause. Once the economy picks back up and the District’s budget stabilizes then this tax increase would expire.

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

Yes. I support the streetcar network because I believe this is a good alternative source for transportation. The streetcar is coming along the H St. corridor and will continue down Benning Rd. This is a street that has no access to the Metro. Residents who live along these streets have to rely heavily on the bus system if they do not have a car. The street car will be a great way to serve a community that may not necessarily need to use Metro to get to Capital Hill, but will be able to utilize a new system instead of relying solely on the bus.

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

I am committed to preserving the safety net for the working class and our most vulnerable residents, especially in these fragile times of economic recovery. I am confident that the proper steps have not been taken in order to begin responsible budget cuts. For example, by several estimates DC is owed nearly 1 billion dollars in uncollected federal funds in addition to debts from non-residents. Furthermore, I fundamentally believe that there exists gross government waste. We can have spending reductions, accompanied by consolidation of various agencies and departments. With that in mind, until DC government commits to sensible measures to increase revenue, consolidate government, and address waste, I believe budget cuts should be a secondary measure that will require careful analysis.

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

My tickets will go to residents who would not normally be able to attend these games. The notion that council members fight over tickets to these games is ridiculous! These are perks that other citizens are not privy to. I will identify different organizations and clubs that I can give the tickets to for their commitment and service to the city.

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

Continue with smart growth initiatives. Fully support and expand the Renewable Energy Incentive Plan and green roof subsidy program.

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

Yes, I am a progressive candidate. I believe a progressive politician is one who goes against the grain in order to see that the jurisdiction he or she represents moves forward. Alternative thinking is a key tenant of progressive politics because it provides new ways to solve old problems. Progressive politics also has a legacy of advocating on behalf of the working class and the disenfranchised.