To my friends and neighbors in the Logan Circle Area,

Today, I have filed with the DC Board of Elections and Ethics, declaring that I am a candidate for re-election as commissioner for ANC 2F01.

The ANC is an unpaid, non-partisan position which involves a lot of work. It is also a job full of rewards. Helen Kramer, my immediate predecessor as ANC Chair, provided a superb example of a dedicated, capable and effective leader in this, the most grass roots of all DC elective politics. She served a number of terms in the position, leaving office with an outstanding record of accomplishment. Whether or not I can compare favorably with Helen and my other predecessors, I will leave to others to determine. But having decided to seek another term, I think I should explain why. There are several reasons.

First, while I had not fully appreciated the fact, there is a learning curve for the office of ANC Commissioner. As most of you know, ANCs do not have direct power. We operate by advising others in DC government such as the Mayor, the Council and the City's administrative agencies. To be effective requires knowledge of a large body of regulatory material covering the many subjects we deal with - liquor licensing, zoning and land use, public health, historic preservation, safety, and police work, to mention just a few. It also requires relationships of mutual trust with those with whom we interface in government as well as with the individuals and diverse groups that collectively comprise our constituents. Having spent two years in on-the-job training, it would be a waste to retire what I and my fellow commissioners have worked so hard to learn. I therefore feel that I should draw on this experience for another term in service to the community.

Second, our ANC has some unfinished work, and some goals for longer range objectives that I want to see through to a more advanced state.

Finally, despite the work and the occasional criticism (not all of it unfounded, of course), I confess that, for me, the work of a commissioner has been very gratifying. I take pleasure and pride in a feeling of contributing to the betterment of this community that Jackie and I have grown to love so deeply over our 31 years of living in it. Moreover, I work with a group of dedicated and talented commissioners with whom I share many of the same values and goals.

It appears that, at least as of yesterday, I am running unopposed. Whether or not this remains so, however, I ask for your support in November.

Sincerely yours,

Charles Reed

Tel: (202) 263-0804
Fax: (202) 659-8822
E-mail: creed@kgrmlaw.com