News

Three contested races in November election

ARTICLE BY JEANITA DANZIK
PHOTOS BY JULIE WIATT

Candidates for Takoma Park's Mayoral and City Council seats were nominated at a September 30 caucus meeting.

The field of candidates represents a broad range of experiences and backgrounds, and they bring to the table a variety of perspectives on local issues.

Mayor Kathy Porter is running unopposed for re-election this term.

In Wards 1, 4, and 5, candidates Joy Austin Lane, Roland Dawes, and Mark Elrich run unchallenged. The other three wards each have two candidates vying for a Council seat. Two candidates were nominated in Ward 4, but one subsequently withdrew his name.

Ward 2 Councilmember Carol Stewart and Ward 6 Councilmember Share Maack decided not to run for another term.

At the meeting's conclusion, those candidates interviewed presented their views on the issues, and put forward their plans to address residents' concerns, including sensible growth, traffic in the international corridor, economic development, and crime.

During the nomination, the candidates' supporters expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the respective campaigns. They enumerated their candidate's involvement in issues such as fiscal caution and infrastructure support with undeniable sincerity. Former mayor Ed Sharp and Anne-Marie Straub, for example, spoke eloquently about Ward 2 candidate Heather Mizeur's public policy experience and the benefit of having a new perspective in the Council chambers.

Interviewed later, Mizeur explained her basic approach to issues of concern. She would, she said, use her experience in public policy analysis to come up with solid, principled decisions: "I think I would bring that determination and decision process to every issue that would face me on the Council. I'm a critical thinker and I'm also very energetic about proposing ideas and coming up with solutions, and building coalitions and consensus on issues."

Juan Torres, who is also running for the Ward 2 seat, focused on the need to enfranchise all of Takoma Park's citizens. "People who know how to work the system," he says, "are at an advantage, but everyone deserves representation regardless of their degree of political savvy."

The candidates for wards 3, 4, and 6 also expressed their commitment to finding effective solutions to the issues they addressed. Bruce Williams' Ward 3 supporters praised him as a consensus builder with real-world answers and a demonstrated history of supporting the needs of his neighborhood and his ward. They cited his skillful leadership on issues like traffic congestion and parkland development, as well as his commitment to the business community as reasons for their support.

Dan Robinson was nominated by Ward 3 resident Ayala Sherbow, who described him as being committed to helping residents become more engaged and connected to the policies and practices that direct community affairs. Nate Williams, who seconded Dan Robinson's nomination, said his extensive history as a community organizer allowed him to recognize effective community leaders, and described Robinson as having the ability to be a bridge between communities.

Roland Dawes, running in Ward 4, spoke on his own behalf, citing his long history as a Takoma Park resident, his experience as a Councilmember, and his positive working relationship with Mayor Porter as beneficial to his constituents.

Terry Seamens, also in Ward 4, was nominated by several residents, but later contacted the Voice to say that he was withdrawing his name due to other commitments.

Ward 6 candidate Milton Johnson says he chose to run for office because of his concern for the community, particularly the Takoma-Langley Crossroads. "I am very concerned with pedestrian safety. I am concerned with vehicular safety... I am also concerned with the businesses in Langley Park and I'd like to see greater economic development."

Doug Barry, also running in Ward 6, was nominated by long-time resident Frank Farley. Mr. Farley, who will soon be moving out of the area, said he wanted to do one last good thing for Takoma Park, which was to nominate Doug Barry for the Ward Six seat. Mr. Farley cited Barry's activism, his personal commitment to his community, and his experience in crime prevention programs as the main reasons for supporting Barry as a candidate.

The candidates and their supporters all made their cases with heartfelt sincerity. This election, however, is not really about them. The outcome will reflect the opinions and concerns of the people of Takoma Park. On Nov 3, 2003, the people will speak.