Revealing My Priority Issues

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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!

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My Bio

Being the son of a former Attorney General and Chief Deputy U.S. Marshall, Jabriel S. Ballentine grew up in a home where civic responsibility was a given and serving the community was always expected. Mr. Ballentine is a former Special Assistant for Communications and Grassroots Liaison for Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. In this post, Jabriel was responsible for overseeing communications and constituent outreach, as well as assisting community organizations attain services and navigate government processes. Currently, Jabriel Ballentine runs a consulting firm where he develops strategies for governments, community groups and small businesses to better structure their organizations and progress towards their goals.

Jabriel S. Ballentine is running for ANC Commissioner in Single Member District (SMD) 6A02. ANC stands for Advisory Neighborhood Commission. 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.

Jabriel believes that if you do not know your ANC Commissioner there is a problem. How can this individual ensure that your input is heard if he/she doesn't know you? How can your ANC Commissioner know you if that individual is not present in the community?

The ANC is more than flash. It is grassroots representation. Jabriel is running because of his passion to serve his community. Mr. Ballentine’s goal is to be a familiar and trusted face in his SMD. As such, his philosophy is grassroots and will take advantage of current & future technologies to enhance “old-fashioned representation.” Jabriel believes that if you know the people, they can tell you what’s best. In America, the people are sovereign – not some elected official. In the District of Columbia it is no different. You elect a representative, not a monarch.

Being raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (a U.S. Territory), Jabriel Ballentine is familiar with being subject to laws and regulations without any input. And, he has a vested interest in seeing full constitutional rights accorded to all American Citizens. He has directly petitioned the President on full citizenship right for all Americans, and regularly speaks with Members of Congress as well as Democratic and Republican Party leaders to advance that purpose. As such, he sees no excuse that justifies relegating DC residents to second-class citizenship. He will let no one tell him otherwise. All Americans are entitled to full representation, regardless of statehood.

CHANGE Your Neighborhood - ANC 6A02 Community Blog

Wednesday, September 24, 2008