Bates Area Civic Association

My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are extended to the families and friends of the victims that were tragically murdered during Monday’s senseless rampage at the Washington Navy Yard facility. This was an awful tragedy, but let’s give thanks that many lives were spared. Also, let us be thankful for our First Responders who continue to work every day for the protection of us all.

The Navy Yard shootings brings home for many the importance for gun control in American society. That the attack occurred on one of our nation’s military installations is appalling, and the fact that guns are easily assessable to persons with mental illness must be addressed before more havoc, pain and death spread across America.

May the fallen at the Navy Yard rest in peace.

Michael Arnold, 59— Martin Bodrog, 54, — Sylvia Frasier, 53, — Kathy Gaarde, 62, — John Roger Johnson, 73— Frank Kohler, 50— Mary Francis Knight, 51— Kenneth Bernard Proctor, 46— Vishnu Pandit, 61— Gerald L. Read, 58— Richard Michael Ridgell, 52, — and District of Columbia Ward 7 resident, husband, father, and grandfather Arthur Daniels, 51.

As always, I can be reached at abonds@dccouncil.us or by phone at 202-724-8064.

Sincerely,

Anita

COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS SUPPORTS DC WORKERS

At-large Councilmember Anita Bonds releases the following statement.

“When I supported the Large Retailers Accountability Act (LRAA), it was the right and only thing to do. It was the only vehicle to address stagnant wages in a city that has seen the cost of living dramatically increased since the D.C. Council last increased wages in 2006.”

“Since my first vote on LRAA, I’ve had many conversations with residents and it was clear that they were very eager for me to support increased wages for all DC employees. Without a doubt, the issue of fairness remained- what would be done for the thousands of workers in the banks, cleaners, sandwich shops, and corner stores as well as those employed by large retailers.”

“At Tuesday’s Legislative meeting, we introduced new and more just tools for uplifting all workers in the District of Columbia. I am proud to have co-introduced the “The Living Wage for All Act,” with Councilmember Tommy Wells and others. This legislation increases the minimum wage rate and creates an annual increase using the Consumer Price Index. I also co-introduced the “Earned Sick and Safe Leave Amendment Act of 2013” with Councilmember Marion Barry, Chairman Phil Mendelson and others.”

“Now it is clear the Council is committed to raising the minimum wage rates. This is a sound solution for providing a fair wage for a fair days work. I look forward to increasing the wages for all employees regardless of their place of employment.”

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS MPD FAMILY FIELD DAY Last Sunday, Councilmember Anita Bonds joined Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier, law enforcement officers and their families at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Family Field Day at the Fort McNair. The picnic included volleyball, softball, basketball, a BBQ competition, a kid’s activities area, K-9 demonstration, music, and plenty of food. Councilmember Bonds stopped by to show appreciation for the work they do in keeping our city safe, caring about our neighborhoods, and  working with citizens to make the District of Columbia a  great community to live, work, and play. Photo- Chief Cathy L. Lanier taken from MPDC.GOV website.

100 FATHERS INC. HONORS RGII Councilmember Anita Bonds and Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie joined the 100 Fathers Inc. event to honor those who uplift and empower men to be positive role models in their children’s lives. Recognizing the importance of a father’s presence in a child’s life, founder Franklyn Malone informed the guest that 100 Fathers Inc. is planning to establish chapters across the nation and internationally. At the event, the organization recognized “Father of the Year” Robert Griffin II, father of RGIII for inspiring and challenging his children to educational attainment and success. We salute these outstanding individuals who were also honored, Hon. Henry “Hank” Johnson, Delegate Jill Carter, Esq., Brian Gullens, Daryl Barnes, Hon. Marion Barry, Carlos Duran, Phillip Jackson, Robert Fairchild, Pastor Lawrence Barbour, Theodore Jones, and Guy Lambert. Photo- Robert Griffin II (center) after being awarded.

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS WEEK Kicking off Congressional Black Caucus Week, on Wednesday, Councilmember Anita Bonds joined the National Organization of Black County Officials and the National Association of African American Chambers in honoring native Washingtonians Rock Newman and Dr. Willie Jolley for their lifetime service. Rock Newman has made an indelible impact across the globe through his involvement in media, sports, politics, and civil rights. Dr. Willie Jolley, a best-selling author is ranked as “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” by Toastmasters International. On Thursday, she joined Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Chairman Phil Mendelson and colleagues in welcoming caucus participants to the Nation’s Capital. She also joined young professionals at the Woman’s National Democratic Club in honoring women elected to office. Photo- DC Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director Nicholas A. Majett, Councilmember Anita Bonds, Honoree Rock Newman, Event Business Committee Chair GiGi Ransom.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS INTRODUCES REQUIRED SUBCONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION LEGISLATION

On September 17, at the first legislative meeting following recess, At-large Councilmember Anita Bonds introduced legislation requiring contractors that undergo Council review to include summary information on the firms they will subcontract with.

The “Criteria for Council Review of Contracts Subcontractor Requirement Amendment Act of 2013,” will require general contractors “to submit summary information regarding the subcontractor’s name, subcontract amount, and subcontract term and type.”

Currently, businesses only submit a subcontracting plan that is not binding and may be altered. With the new requirements, contracts will become more open and transparent and government officials will be more informed to make their decisions.

“I hope to end the confusion regarding the identity of subcontractors and encourage general contractors to partner with reputable District owned businesses,” stated Councilmember Anita Bonds. Adding, “Further, the intent will also clarify information about which companies are doing business with the DC Government.”

The proposed legislation was co-introduced by Councilmembers Vincent B. Orange, Sr., Jim Graham, Muriel Bowser, Yvette Alexander, and Marion Barry.

At Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meeting, Councilwoman Anita Bonds introduced:

• Criteria of the Council Review of Contracts Act of 2013.  This bill would ensure that there is consistency in the plans presented to the Council for subcontracts (as opposed to just standard contracts).  These changes will make the government’s contracting process more open and transparent by requiring detailed information on the subcontractors.

Councilmember Anita Bonds co-introduced the following legislation:

• District Real Property Tax Sale Act of 2013  This bill would 1) freeze any tax sale of real property when the resident is a senior citizen, veteran, or disabled individual, 2) establish a $2,000 threshold of taxes owed for any real property to go to tax sale, 3) require the District to pay the owner of a record prior to the tax sale any amount received by the District at the tax sale in excess of the amount of taxes due, and 4) cap attorney’s fees for tax sales at $1,500.
• Title IX Athletic Equity Act of 2013.  This bill would require the Mayor to 1) develop five-year athletic equity strategic plans and 2) issue regulations establishing grievance procedures.  It would also establish regular reporting protocol for schools to report Title IX compliance.
• Living Wage for All Act of 2013.  This bill would provide a “living wage” for all workers in the District of Columbia by raising the minimum wage to $10.25/hour in $1/year increments.  It would also increase the standard deduction for District taxpayers to keep more of the income they earn, and establish a small business property tax credit to reduce costs to employers.
• First-Time Sale to Minors Penalty Revision Act of 2013.  This bill would enhance the penalties for the prohibited sale of alcohol to minors or intoxicated persons.
• Earned Sick and Safe Leave Amendment Act of 2013.  This bill would expand the definition of employees protected by the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act of 2008 to include restaurant workers, and provide all protected employees with stronger remedies and procedures. 

Councilmember Anita Bonds also voted in support of the following emergency legislation.

• School Transit Subsidy Temporary Amendment Act of 2013. This bill would amend (on a temporary basis) the School Transit Subsidy Act of 1978 to clarify the fares charged (if any) to students to travel to and from school.  The bill passed.
• Tax Lien Compensation and Relief Reporting Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2013. This bill would require (on an emergency basis) the Office of the Chief Financial Officer to review all residential real property tax liens sold between 09/01/2003 and 09/01/2013.  It would also investigate potential excusable neglect or other equitable circumstances warranting relief, and identify the amount of funds needed to compensate persons for whom an equitable remedy would provide substantial justice.  (A report on all of the above to the Council would be required by 12/01/2013.)  The bill passed.

Councilmember Anita Bonds voted in support of the final reading of the following legislation.

• Livery Class Regulation and Ride-Sharing Emergency Declaration Resolution & Amendment Act of 2013, This bill would 1) amend (on an emergency basis) the vehicle requirements for livery class for-hire vehicles, and 2) implement a Taxicab Commission industry panel to recommend rules and modifications to established rules regarding for-hire and ride-sharing vehicles.  The bill passed, and a hearing with the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission will be held on October 16th.

THIS WEEKEND CHEVY CHASE DAY 2013 Saturday, Sept 21st 1pm- 4pm The Chevy Chase Citizens Association and the Chevy Chase Community Center will be co-sponsoring core activities, including free ice cream and free music, at the Chevy Chase Commons outside the Community Center (5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW). Many businesses and volunteers will provide entertainment and activities. New this year is a scavenger hunt involving CCCA business members. Beginning at 1:00 pm, scavenger hunt forms will be available at the CCCA’s membership table on the Chevy Chase Commons. To complete the forms, participants will need to visit various CCCA business members. All those returning completed forms to the membership table by 4:00 pm will be eligible for a raffle for gift certificates provided by CCCA business members. Rain or shine (activities move indoors in case of rain.)

H STREET FESTIVAL – September 21, 2013 Be sure to enjoy the fun and festivities at this Sunday’s H Street Festival. The annual event grows larger with every year. The 2012 Festival hosted nearly 10,000 attendees. This year the event will expand from 4th to 14th Streets NE and feature several stages of musical performances, activities for children and beer gardens for the adults.

42nd FIESTA DC PARADE AND FESTIVAL Sunday, Sept 22nd 11am- 7pm SUNDAY- JOIN COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS AND MARCH WITH HER IN THE FIESTA DC PARADE! Meet at the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro Station, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW at 10:30AM! As we celebrate National Hispanic Month, one of the District of Columbia’s most cherished festivals is back! Fiesta DC will celebrate the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. If you attended the Palisades Fourth of July Parade and recall the colorfully attired dress, well, it was just a taste of what you will experience at this Sunday’s Fiesta DC Celebration. Location: Parade: 11:00AM, starts at 7th Street & Constitution Avenue NW; Finishes at 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW. Festival: On Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 9th Street NW and 14th Street NW. Many thanks to President Maria Patricia Corrales and the Board of Directors of Fiesta DC.

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