Sins of the past

[From Joe Martin, ANC 4C09 commissioner-elect]

I have noticed that opponents of Domku have claimed that the police have not been responsive when called to trouble spots on Upshur Street, that the health department has not been responsive to health code-related trash problems, that the DC government has not been responsive about street-light repair.

My own experience in my immediate neighborhood (4th and Varnum) has been to the contrary on every count. I have found the mayor's call center line (727-1000) especially responsive, for example, with street lights getting repaired in EVERY case within three business days. In the past year, the MPD has IMMEDIATELY responded when I've called (car accident in one case, suspicious activity in my alley in another). At one point, I had a problem having my recyclables picked up regularly. That problem was solved quickly thanks to the mayor's call line and councilmember Adrian Fenty. As an ANC commissioner-elect, I would like to know the specifics of any cases where people think the city or police have been unresponsive.

It is unfortunate that these claims are being made in an effort to stop a prospective business owner from setting up shop here. The sins of the past have nothing to do with Kera Carpenter or Domku. The assertions, if true, point to a failure in the delivery of city services. That is where the protestors' focus should be.

Joe Martin
[email protected]