DC should have an office which represents the needs of DC familes

[Anonymous]

I just submitted this comment to Mayor Fenty. I really think DC should have an office which represents the needs of DC familes

Dear Mayor Fenty,
The government of Washington DC needs an official representative to represent the families living in Washington DC. We need to stop families from moving out of Washington DC and bring families back to Washington DC. Most couples at some point after having children leave Washington DC to move to Maryland or Virginia (mostly due to the preference of their schools). We need to keep the families in DC. DC is losing tons of money when families move out of Washington DC. Many families really want to stay in DC, but at some point they relentlessly leave DC. We need a representative to be the voice of the families in Washington DC and to listen to the families needs – better schools, playgrounds, etc. I believe you are doing a great job in DC, but let’s keep the ball rolling to keep and bring back families to DC.

If you think this is a good idea, please contact Mayor Fenty at
http://app.dc.gov/apps/about.asp?page=atd&type=dsf&referrer=%5b$DSF_SERVER_NAME$%5d&agency_id=1075&portal_link=hr

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We need a representative to be the voice of the families in Washington DC and to listen to the families needs – better schools, playgrounds, etc.

It's great to hear ideas. But seriously? Making the city a compelling place to stay is already the mayor's job! Why on earth would you let him appoint yet another "Yes Man" (or woman) to his administration who has no oversight other than the mayor's opinon? Leaving out "playgrounds, etc." (like dog parks?), why would any family want an unelected official as their voice? It's bad enough we don't have federal voting rights, why add to layers of bureaucracy that we can't afford to begin with? If you're concerned that your voice isn't represented by your council member, at large council member, ANC rep, PTA, LSRT, state board of ed rep, nonvoting congressional rep, ethnic office (Latinos, etc. although these have seen cutbacks) ombudsman for education (whatever that does), then what could another Fenty-dependent person possibly bring?

You're initiative is impressive. (Seriously, no snark.) I hope it's applied to your neighborhood school as well as the current mayor's campaign. I hope you stay here despite the pulls of the 'burbs and whether Fenty, or another mayor, appoint someone who thinks they speak for an incredibly diverse constituency.

(Relentlessly appears to be a typo. I hope you meant reluctantly.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We need a representative to be the voice of the families in Washington DC and to listen to the families needs – better schools, playgrounds, etc.

It's great to hear ideas. But seriously? Making the city a compelling place to stay is already the mayor's job! Why on earth would you let him appoint yet another "Yes Man" (or woman) to his administration who has no oversight other than the mayor's opinon? Leaving out "playgrounds, etc." (like dog parks?), why would any family want an unelected official as their voice? [/i]It's bad enough we don't have federal voting rights,[i] why add to layers of bureaucracy that we can't afford to begin with? If you're concerned that your voice isn't represented by your council member, at large council member, ANC rep, PTA, LSRT, state board of ed rep, nonvoting congressional rep, ethnic office (Latinos, etc. although these have seen cutbacks) ombudsman for education (whatever that does), then what could another Fenty-dependent person possibly bring?

You're initiative is impressive. (Seriously, no snark.) I hope it's applied to your neighborhood school as well as the current mayor's campaign. I hope you stay here despite the pulls of the 'burbs and whether Fenty, or another mayor, appoint someone who thinks they speak for an incredibly diverse constituency.

(Relentlessly appears to be a typo. I hope you meant reluctantly.)

Not quite true as now DC residents can vote for President. Also, you knew when you moved here that there would not be a MC whosae vote would count or 2 Senators representing DC. It is a Federal city and will remain so for a very long time. If you want representation move to Md or VA. I do agree with you on the highlighted areas.

[Anonymous]

There are already way too many "offices of x y or z" around this general area. You identified it, OP, the city is going gang busters attracting young people but losing them because of the schools. The best thing Fenty can do to try to address that is doing everything within his power to hold onto Michelle Rhee and work his butt off to give her the political space and cover to do what's needed to fix the schools, including continuing to allow charters to expand as well.

heck, I don't even live in DC - just a part of MC with horrendous high schools and high poverty lower grade schools - and we're considering moving over the schools.

[Anonymous]

I actually love the idea. I know schools are an issue. I wish the Mayor would talk about some of the great work that charters are doing. 38% of the students in DC attend a charter and their numbers are growing everyday. All you hear about is what Michelle Rhee is doing, but there are other alternatives!