DC Council Democratic At-Large candidates discussed crime and affordable housing, among other topics, at the May 2 forum at the Hill Center that was sponsored by the Ward 6 Dems, the DC Dems, the Young Dems of DC, the Hill Rag, and the Hill Center.
Incumbent Anita Bonds (D-At-Large), as well as candidates Nate Fleming, Lisa Gore, and Dexter Williams spoke at the event, which was moderated by Harry Jaffe of Spotlight DC.
On crime, Bonds said she supports increasing the number and visibility of officers on the streets to help the community feel safer. Williams addressed the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of crime, rather than adding uniformed officers. Fleming echoed Williams’ call for addressing the root causes of crime and advocated for year-round programming, including universal after school programs. Gore said law enforcement is important, but there is not a set number of officers who will make the city safer.
On affordable housing, Gore emphasized the importance of affordable housing in preventing homelessness. Williams agreed. Fleming said affordable housing should be a priority in DC. Bonds, who is the chair of the committee on housing and executive administration, said progress has been made, but there is still work to be done on affordable housing.
You can read the Hill Rag’s full story about the forum here: https://www.hillrag.com/2022/05/03/dc-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-crime-housing/.
You can view the recording of the forum at the Hill Center's Facebook Page.