Vote for Me: Candidates for the At-Large District Council Seat

Tomorrow, April 26, citizens will have the chance to head to the polls and place their ballots for the At-Large Member of the District Council.

In an election that's received less attention than others, you might still not know who you want to vote for. We asked each candidate to tell us why you should pick him. Answers for those who responded are below, some have been abridged:

Sekou Biddle: "My career has always been about getting results, not making political deals. I've been recognized nationally for my education reform efforts, and my number one priority is improving schools for kids in every neighborhood.

I believe that every dollar wasted is a dollar we can't use to improve our schools. I have over 18 years of experience in urban public education reform, including 8 years in the classroom.  In 2007, the voters of Wards 3 and 4 elected me as their representative on the Board of Education and I was reelected in 2008.

I'm an independent-minded Democrat. I've been endorsed by nearly 20 organizations and individuals, including the Current Newspapers.

I'm running because I'm committed to making the hard choices that protect DC residents and build a better future for all of us."

Tom Brown: "Quite simply put. I  have a record of success in Workforce Development, Community Development and Education. Serving as a founding Board member and teacher of KIPPDC and Co-Chair of Ward 8 Workforce Council to name a couple. People-oriented and results-driven leadership is what I offer."

Joshua Lopez: "For too long D.C. politics have been plagued by corruption, mismanagement and scandal. D.C. is home to some of the most politically inclined residents in the country. However, the lack of quality candidates vying for public office has caused many voters to become disenfranchised with city government.With today's tough economic circumstances, the trust between elected officials and their constituents is even more meaningful.I plan to restore that trust by not adhering to the status quo, and pushing my fellow council members to make wise decisions that take the interest of District residents first.The District is in dire need of innovative solutions and progressive thinkers. By steering away from the 'old school' practices that have led to our current discourse, I believe I can start a movement in D.C.government that will reinvigorate District residents and detoxify city hall."

Patrick Mara: "Tomorrow in the special election for At-Large City Council, we have an opportunity to elect a candidate with integrity who will bring accountability back to District government. I don't have ties to the politicians that are embarrassing our city and wasting our money. If elected, I will fight against tax increases, hold elected officials accountable for reckless spending, champion school reform, and work towards a Georgetown University expansion compromise that preserves quality of life in nearby neighborhoods. I will work to move our city forward, not back to the past. My name is Patrick Mara, and I am asking for your vote. Thank you."

Vincent Orange: Though Orange's campaign was unable to respond to our request for this article, the candidate himself . At the event Orange told Georgetown Patch that he is "not inclined to raise taxes" and understands the hard work needed to scrub the budget and come up with monies owed to the District.

In his favor, Orange came out in opposition to the GU Campus plan, having attended the . After listening to both sides, he said he felt he had to agree with the community. Orange added that he understands their pain since he lives near Catholic University and has his own personal experiences with students in the community there.

Alan Page: "The main difference between me and the other candidates is that I am the only candidate who officially refuses to accept corporate contributions, which will enable me to have an independent voice if I am elected to serve on the Council.

I am also the only candidate that proposes a permanent progressive tax structure for the District, through the addition of a new top tax bracket of 9.5% for income above $200,000. The other two candidates who support progressive taxation want any new top tax brackets to be retracted once we are past our current budget shortfall - which essentially means that they only want a fairer tax structure to exist for a single fiscal year.

...I vehemently oppose the concept of a tax structure where citizens earning $41,000 a year share the same tax bracket as citizens earning $41 million a year and I think the new tax bracket should be permanent."

Bryan Weaver: "I am an idependent, progressive Democrat who will put the needs of the whole city first. We are at a critical juncture for the future of our city, and if you believe in a more ethical, accountable and, transparent government that will focus on access to quality education and smarter progress for our entire city, then I am your candidate."

**Dorothy Douglas and Arkan Haile did not supply responses.**