Holiday Cheer from the Friends of Sherwood

The day before Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of assisting the Friends of Sherwood distribute their Thanksgiving "baskets" to the elderly and others.  It was a great occasion, and so I wanted to take some time to post some photos.

Friends of Sherwood is a 501 (c) 3 Organization, established by members - and former members - of the community.  Their purpose is simply to maintain a sense of community and provide a way for folks to "give back" to the neighborhood that helped to nurture them.

But, enough of me...to the pictures!

After some hard work:

     
 

This is the result:

      

And, here are some selected photos of the recipients:

          

This was a great event.  And, it would be great for many of you to pitch in - especially for the Christmas Basket give out.  If you are interested in spending some of your time giving to others and having fellowship with some long-standing residents of the community, please email: info@anc6a02.org

Come and Be the CHANGE You want to see!

Zoned Parking Finally Comes to 600 Block of 12th ST!

I moved to this neighborhood in 2007.  It took a little while to get settled, but once I did I began sitting out front observing my block.  See "Exhibit A:"



In the evenings, I began to notice many women forced to park blocks away and walk - by themselves - home.  Why?  Because the 600 Block of 12th St NE was one of the VERY few blocks in this area without zoned parking.  So when people from outside Ward 6 want to come and enjoy the progress (bars) on H St NE, they discovered a little oasis of sorts - our block. 

In addition to the lack of parking for the residents on the block, we also saw a rise in crime.  Why?  Well, let's face it...hoodlums know patterns.  And, they began to realize that the drunk patrons leaving the bars after happy hour would walk on our block.  This truism attracted riffraff and spiked crimes.  Matter of fact, there was one gentleman who lives on the block that has had numerous encounters with these thugs.

So, speaking with my neighbors I realized that many of them wanted zoned parking.  Efforts had been made by other neighborhood residents as well as the current ANC Commissioner.  Yet, disparate members of our communities were unable to agree and the problem left unresolved. 

I called up Tommy Wells and he had his staff draft up the petition.  He sent it to me and I had it filled out by an overwhelming majority of the residents.  The petitions were returned to Tommy Wells and his staff forwarded it to DDOT. 

The people at DDOT were amazing!  A process that we originally thought would take several months turned out to only take a few weeks.  Moreover, rather than mail the letters to me,  a lady from DDOT took it upon herself to hand-deliver the letters to me.  I then hand-delivered them to all of you.  (If anyone on the 600 Block of 12th ST NE hasn't received notice, please email me.) 

It wasn't easy.  Many neighbors needed to be persuaded.  And if I didn't have the help of a few residents of the apartments on the block, we wouldn't be celebrating this victory.  And, I'm willing to bet that the zoned parking will not only help with our parking problems, but also with our crime. 

So, I want to thank all of you who helped in this effort.  Those who signed the petition, those who helped circulate the petition, and those who helped circulate the response.  Thank you!

For more info on zoned parking visit the website.  For now, just marvel at the fruits of your labor!

Together, we can deliver results!

Do you need zoned parking on your block?  Our CHANGE Agents are ready to help!  All we need is your input...

JOIN US!

Come and Be the CHANGE You want to See!

We Are On Our Way!

It's been amazing so far this morning! People lining up for CHANGE!

People have said: "Thank God you're running!" They are glad to have a choice.

And, YOU have a CHOICE! You can VOTE FOR CHANGE!!!

You will see my opponent out there today...take a good look. Because, win or lose, this will be the last time you see him until he needs your vote. It was funny, we were both greeting voters at the poll this morning. While I could greet many on line by name, my opponent could not. That's the difference. He knows his friends. I endeavor to know my constituents.

He has represented the interests of his friends admirably. I want to bring that same quality of representation to the whole neighborhood! I want to bring that type of representation to YOU.

So, today I want you to ignore the platitudes of those who tell you what they've done when they haven't been there. Pay no attention to the promises of those who do not have the time to follow through on those commitments. Let them know that today - on the National and the Community level - WE WANT CHANGE!

CHANGE knows no Party. CHANGE is simply a frustration with the status quo. CHANGE is the people performing the democratic responsibility and reclaiming their rights.

If you care about your community...If you want to be involved with your community...If you think you have something to contribute to the development of your community, then:

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Vote #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine for Commissioner, ANC 6A02!

CHANGE Is Comming!

We are almost there! We are on our way! We can sense that CHANGE is coming! Not just to America as a whole, but to Our Neighborhood...to Your Block.

Don't let all of the signs fool you. There is only one candidate in this race who has personally knocked on every door in the neighborhood (well, except my opponent's). And, at an overwhelming majority of those doors no one had ever met my opponent. This is precisely the CHANGE we Need for our neighborhood.

Think about it: who will do a better job representing you...the person who for 6 years didn't take the time to get to know you, or the one has is running on a platform of "restoring a sense of community?" Who will better represent your views?

As I've walked the neighborhood, I've seen many things. I've seen sidewalks in disrepair, streetlights that need to be replaced, and nonstop loitering among other things. But, these are things that are easily solved - if you know the people involved. And, this is the CHANGE you need.

You need an ANC Commissioner who will work hard to ensure that your block is safe. You need an ANC Commissioner that will host regular meetings with his constituents. There have been meetings for ANC 6A. But, have you ever heard of a meeting specifically to address the issues of ANC 6A02?

If you elect me as your ANC Commissioner, I will continue to ensure that all of 6A progresses. But, I will give great attention to the needs of ANC 6A02 - the people who will elect me. And, I want to involve you in the process...

I met a young lady in this district. She lives in an apartment building - blocks away from our current ANC Commissioner. She told me that she has problems with loitering in front of her building. She's called the police, but all they can do is move the loiterers along until they return.

I met a young man who lives in this district. He is a medical doctor and works a hectic schedule. Often times, he gets home late and his young wife is home by herself. He's concerned about the lighting on their block and the potential dangers presented by those dark pockets.

Or, the elderly lady I met just today. She was navigating the sidewalks in front of the Capitol Towers (assisted living). These sidewalks are horrible! Bricks missing...asphalt mixed with bricks...warped and poorly laid bricks. This beautiful lady (and others who live with her) was forced to lift her walker over these poorly laid bricks.

Several months ago, I met a few single women, who live on blocks without zoned parking. They tell me how many tickets they get for having to park in other areas when there's no parking on their blocks. These young ladies told me of their worries in coming home late at night and, being forced to park several blocks from their homes, having to navigate dark streets and alleys by themselves.

This is why we need CHANGE! This is why I'm running for ANC Commissioner! This is why I need your vote and your support!


Tomorrow: Vote #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine - for Accomplishments and Goals that are Specific to Your Neighborhood.

These things are not complicated. For instance, I took the story of those single women to Councilman Tommy Wells. After we spoke, I took around petitions to all of the residents on the block. Many had to be pursuaded to sign. But, after two month these young ladies and others are happy to now live on a zoned street!

My hope is to do the same across 6A02. Tell me what you need, and I'll go get it for you! But, I need your support. I need you to knock on some doors and talk to your neighbors. And, most of all, I Need Your VOTE. If you will do these things, then we can CHANGE this neighborhood and make it a better reflection of You!

Vote #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine for ANC 6A02

Fun At Holloween

I had the pleasure of being invited to a Halloween Block Party in 6A02. It was great! They actually played Thriller! Do you remember Thriller?

Well, ghouls and goblins were dancing in the streets!



Of course, I only had my phone camera...but you get the idea, right?! :)

These are the things that restore a sense of community. When neighbors get together and simply enjoy themselves, it builds rapport that allows for collective problem solving. When you know your neighbors, you are more inclined to be concerned for their well-being. When you know your neighbors, you are more inclined to look out for them and their property.

This event was a refreshing change. Well-organized, mutually agreed events can serve to tighten the chords the bind a community together. Let's do that for our entire neighborhood!

On Tuesday - Novemeber 4th - VOTE for CHANGE!

Tell your friends and neighbors to elect Jabriel S. Ballentine (#2) for ANC 6A02

Oh - and you have to see this. My oldest son decided to draw on his pumpkin, rather than carve it (note the eyelashes!):

The Need for CHANGE is Clear

Today, there was a community forum for the residents of Capitol Towers (900 G St NE). My opponent and I were both present. And, something interesting happened...once he spoke, everyone had questions. Not about his candidacy...the residents had questions about the myriad developments and initiatives underway in ANC 6A02 and the surrounding community.

As I sat and listened, I witnessed the perplexed looks on the faces of the residents. No one had ever come to explain these initiatives to the residents. No one had ever come to ask the input of the residents on these initiatives.

All of this to say: the need for CHANGE is clear. Today, several people asked to have meetings with their ANC Commissioner. The seniors living in Capitol Towers should not have to wait for an election season community forum before their ANC representative comes to see them.

You shouldn't have to wait until an election season before you hear from your ANC Commissioner!

We must begin "creating a new community." By now, I have personally knocked on most of the doors in the neighborhood. By the time you go to vote on Tuesday (unless you've voted early), I will have personally knocked on every door - and made contacts in every apartment building - within ANC 6A02.

I knock on your door because I want you to know me. I knock on your door because I want to know you. In response to the question, "what is CHANGE for our neighborhood" I say the change is that you will have a say in the development of your neighborhood.

YOU shouldn't have to wait for election season for your representative to pay you a visit. You should not have to wait for an election to hear a report on the initiatives of the ANC. It shouldn't take an election for you to have the opportunity to voice your concerns.

My goal is to "keep it simple." And, my pledge is that I will engage you in the development of the neighborhood. That's why my campaign literature has a phone number and an email. That's why I've set up this blog and the Google Group. That is why I have begun hosting a monthly meetup. I want to provide you with ample ways to get involved in the development of your neighborhood.

Most of you have told me that you do not know who my opponent is. Most of you have said that you have never met your ANC Commissioner. You have met me. You will continue to see me. You know how to reach me.

As we come close to the end of the campaign, I want you to think about who would be better at representing the specific issues that matter to your block. Ask yourself, you is better suited to serve your interests: someone who never took the time to know you, or someone who's primary purpose is to know you?

We are all caught in the winds of CHANGE...not a figurative change, but a fundamental change in the way politicians do business. In this era of involvement and an egaged constituency, we cannot continue to support those who do not engage the people.

GET INVOLVED!!! Join a group...and,

On November 4th, Vote for CHANGE. Vote #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine for ANC 6A02 Commissioner. I look forward to serving you.

Creating a New Community

A funny thing happens when you try to create something better. Time and again, when people try to look out for their own interests and become involved in their community, we find that those in power wish to stop those efforts in order to hold on to power. Why must people stifle democracy in order to maintain their positions?

We must have CHANGE for Our Neighborhood!

To create a truly strong neighborhood, you must have the help of your neighbors. How can the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner create a better community if he is not known in the community?

Would you trust someone you do not know? Would you follow someone you do not trust? Should you have a leader who you do not trust to follow?

It's been said: A leader no one follows is just taking a walk.

This may be my first campaign, but I don't plan on just taking a walk. I want to build your trust. I want to build a stronger neighborhood and I understand that I need the help of my neighbors. I want the community to know me...I want to know the community.

That is CHANGE for your neighborhood! That is why I have knocked on your doors to meet you. That is why my campaign literature has my contact information. I want you to know me...I want you to contact me. Together, I want us to create a new community.

Underhanded campaign tactics do nothing to improve the lighting on your block. Tearing down campaign signs does not build a strong community. Big time endorsements from people who do not live in our neighborhood mean nothing to the parking problems on your block. Quotes from newspapers neither make your neighborhood safer nor alleviate problems with loitering.

You need accomplishments and goals that are specific to YOUR neighborhood.

In this season of CHANGE, we cannot go back to the way things were. Neighborhood politics should definitely be "hands on." ANC 6A02 is only 12 square blocks. There is no reason why your ANC Commissioner has not knocked on your door at least once. We cannot return to the politics of cronyism. We cannot return to the time when government is conducted without our input.

Especially in DC - where we have no vote (voice) at the Federal level - we must do all we can to ensure that we at least have a voice on the local level. How can we exercise that voice if our "representative" is unknown? How can we hold him accountable if we do not know his agenda? How can we support an agenda that we have had no hand in developing?

As Dr. King would say, this is "Why We Can't Wait:" six years is long enough.

We cannot wait to bring CHANGE to Our Neighborhood. We cannot wait to improve our community. We cannot wait for street lights to be replaced. We cannot wait for better trash and recycling services. We cannot wait to make this neighborhood safer for our children and ourselves.

This is why you must VOTE FOR CHANGE! This is why I have knocked on your door. This is why I continue to knock on doors. This is why I will always knock on doors. This is why I am running for ANC Commissioner in 6A02.

On November 4th, VOTE #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine for ANC 6A02!

Building a Foundation for the Future

After seniors, young professionals are the second largest demographic in our neighborhood. As a member of that demographic, I consider myself a partner in your efforts to build a strong foundation for yourself and your family.

As you launch careers, solidify your foundations and build a future for your families, it's great to know that your representative knows the concerns of todays young professionals. Issues of tax rates, rent regulations, safety concerns and etc. have a different impact on you. Don't you think it's an advantage to have a representative who shares your concerns?

If elected to represent you, my goal would be to see a neighborhood that helps young professionals and budding families plant strong roots. Without forsaking our Seniors, we need to cultivate the chords of community amongst young professionals...these will be the families that support our neighborhood for the future.

Join the Campaign! Together we can CHANGE the shape of our neighborhood!

On November 4th, vote #2 - Jabriel S. Ballentine for ANC 6A02

Join us For Happy Hour - Free Wine Tasting!

This Wednesday, we'll take our movement for Change to Napa 1015 (1015 H ST NE).  We'll get there at 5:30pm.  This will be a great occasion because on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm, Napa offers free wine tastings, where you can sample four wines and help them shape their wine list.  It will be a great time!  Please come and join us.  You can RSVP through the Meetup Badge to the right (<==).

Come be the CHANGE you want to see for the neighborhood!

So, What is the ANC?

As I knock on doors around our neighborhood, I'm repeatedly asked this question: "So, what is the ANC?"

The fact that many people don't know is a direct reflection on the need for CHANGE. What would you say about your City Councilmember, if you did not know what the Council did? What kind of impression would that leave on the Councilmember's effectiveness to serve you?

ANC stands for Advisory Neighborhood Commission. According to the DC Government website:

The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consider a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and the District's annual budget.

In each of these areas, the intent of the ANC legislation is to ensure input from an advisory board that is made up of the residents of the neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action. The ANCs are the body of government with the closest official ties to the people in a neighborhood.

The ANCs present their positions and recommendations on issues to various District government agencies, the Executive Branch, and the Council. They also present testimony to independent agencies, boards, and commissions, usually under the rules of procedure specific to those entities. By law, the ANCs may also present their positions to Federal agencies.

To me, the ANC is the last line of defense between the Government and the neighborhood. And, it is the front line on the effort to secure the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for residents of the neighborhood. It will be my purpose to fend off unwanted initiatives and to ensure that fundamental needs are met.

In this neighborhood - with the rises in crime - that especially means protecting peoples personal property (and their person). That entails better street lighting, resolving parking issues, ensuring sidewalks are paved and other factors that make it more difficult for ciminals to take advantage of residents.

The ANC defends the community. And, the ANC Commissioner is your Neighborhood Defender. I would like to defend you!

Be the CHANGE you want to see for the neighborhood! On November 4th, vote for me - Jabriel S. Ballentine.

Come Help CHANGE Your Neighborhood!

In the sidebar to the left ( <==) you'll see a link to join our Google Group. The purpose of this group is to form a cadre of neighbors who will help to identify the issues faced by our neighborhood and develop solutions to those issues. Please become a member of this group.

I cannot do this alone. I would be a fool to try. I hope for your support.

Come be the CHANGE you want to see!

Keeping It Simple

When canvassing the neighborhood, I meet with neighbors and spend time talking with them. As we start talking about the campaign, the question always comes up: what are you going to do for the neighborhood?

My answer is basic: keep it simple.

But, what does that mean? I do not endeavor to have much flash. My hope is to take care of the simple things: getting sidewalks relaid, getting streetlights replaced, cleaning up the parking situation, bringing in some speed bumps and etc.

As your ANC Commissioner, my purpose would be to ensure that these little things are done. Just imagine how much safer our neighborhood would be if streetlights are replaced and our blocks have no dark spots! Just imagine much safer our neighborhood would be if everyone were able to park on his/her block - or at least near that block! With the growing amount of young families in our neighborhood, just imagine how much safer the neighborhood would be for our children if speed bumps were in place!

We can make this neighborhood better, if we just keep it simple.

Let's be the CHANGE we want to see!

On November 4, vote Jabriel S. Ballentine for ANC 6A02!

What is CHANGE for Our Neighborhood...

First...I can only say what my idea of change is. As I say and believe, it will not be my role as your Commissioner to dictate the agenda for our neighborhood. My role will be to sit with you and develop an agenda - TOGETHER. Then I - as your Commissioner - will execute the agenda that we have set.

That said, therein lies the definition of CHANGE as I see it. Change happens when you know your Commissioner and have a complete understanding of what the Commission does and what I will do as your Commissioner. Change comes around, with a Commissioner who is present in the Community - someone who knows where you live and knocks on your door regularly. Change comes when you don't have to seek out your Commissioner to address your concerns, because your Commissioner is seeking you out to learn from you.

Many of you have told me that you don't know who your ANC Commissioner is. Some of you don't even know what the ANC is. So many of you have asked me if there are regular meetings. To me, these questions indicate a lack of communication between the ANC and the Community that's supposedly being served.

Truly, It's Time for CHANGE!

As ANC Commissioner for 6A02, I hope to be an agent of that change. I hope to be a part of what will be a vibrant and active community of NEIGHBORS. Like a Good Neighbor (and like State Farm), I will be there!

So, I'd like for you to answer this question:

What defines a "good neighbor" to you?

Revealing My Priority Issues

In officially launching my campaign today, I wanted to take the time to list my top priority matters.

Having spent countless hours with neighbors across our Single Member District (SMD), I have come to find a recurring theme. It is this theme that defines me, my political outlook, and my hopes in serving you.

First - and foremost, I believe in old fashioned - personal - relationships. Not negating the advantage of technology, I feel that the only way to truly be a representative is to know the people your represent. My commitment is that you will know me.

In my canvassing of the neighborhood, the recurring theme is: "I don't know my Commissioner." That should not be the case. And so, I pledge to you: YOU WILL KNOW WHO I AM.

That being said, I have three priorities for my campaign. In the coming weeks, I will continue to expound my perspective on how these issues will benefit our neighborhood. Yet, for now I would like to list those issues for your thoughts and feedback:

• Restore Sense of Community
• Build a Safer Neighborhood
• Bolster Economic Development
  

I believe that if we focus on these three things, we will be able to thoroughly enjoy our neighborhood and each other. And, from that - I believe - we will be able to CHANGE this neighborhood and create something even more beautiful!

So, please join this effort; no one person can do this alone. This is YOUR neighborhood...this is Our time! Be the CHANGE you want to see!

Check Out My Interview with the Rabbi of the National Synagogue

Last week, I was interviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue. He has a Sunday morning radio program: Shmoozin' with Shmuel.

Check out the clip and please, let me know what you think...

Shmoozin with Shmuel is hosted by Shmuel Herzfeld, Rabbi of Ohev Sholom—The National Synagogue. (www.ostns.org and www.rabbishmuel.com)

The show features inspiring people in the community and encourages its listeners to perform altruistic acts in an effort to bring the light of God into the world.

Prominent figures who have been interviewed include (but are not limited to):

Albert Abramson, Vivian Bass, Stuart Bernstein, Muriel Bowser, Mona Charen, Mel Cohen, William Cohen, Janet Langhart Cohen, Danielle Crittenden, David Frum, Mort Funger, Joseph Gildenhorn, Rachel Goslins, Howard Gutman, Israel Heller, Walter Isaacson, Avivah Kempner, Barbara Ledeen, Alan Leshner, Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Abbe Lowell, Max Kampelman, Samuel Lewis, David Mayberg, Alford Mcmichael, Ruth Messinger, Jack Olender, Sally Quinn, Avraham Rappaport, David Rubenstein, Sally Satel, David Schoen, Mark Shriver, Tim Shriver, Jacob Stein, Paul Taskier, Steve Trachtenberg, Ben Wattenberg, and Robert Weiner.

The show is broadcast every Sunday morning at 9 am on WUST 1120 AM.

The show is pre-taped (to meet a convenient time of the guest) during the week in the Shmoozin Studio at The National Synagogue located at 1600 Jonquil St. NW Washington DC 20012.