Invitation: Exploring an ANC Candidacy for SMD 1A06

[Patrick Flynn]

Dear Neighbors,

I am considering a candidacy for the open Advisory Neighborhood Commission seat for Single Member District 1A06 in Columbia Heights. I'd like to hear what is on your mind regarding issues you'd want to see the next ANC Commissioner prioritize over a two year term. 

JOIN ME FOR A VIRTUAL ZOOM CONVERSATION SATURDAY 6/27/20 @ 10am

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If you don't have Zoom and would like to participate you can do so by telephone instead, just email me for the details.

Please feel free to forward the invitation to any neighbors. 

Background

For those who don't know me: my name is Patrick Flynn. I moved to Columbia Heights in 2010 and I served as the ANC Commissioner for 1A06 from 2013-2015, before resigning to open my 11th Street small business, Patrick's Pet Care. I have a bachelor's degree in Government from Georgetown University and a master's degree in Public Administration from George Washington University. 

Issues

I'd like any candidacy to reflect the priorities of my neighbors, but I know I'd like to:

1) Increase Community Participation and Communication in Public Safety 

I imagine researching the various hyper local civil participation organization models including but not limited to PODs, orange hat patrols, and neighborhood watches. Then I'd research the various communication platforms like telephone chains, nextdoor.com, as well as email groups (such as the google groups I set up during my last term and am using to email you now).  Then I'd like to focus on getting us engaged in a conversation about how we can work together to make our neighborhood safe, clean, and welcoming to all those who live, work, and visit. And then do it.

2) Enhance the Harriet Tubman Elementary School Mentorship Program

I'd like to put a little bit more shape and support behind the informal mentorship program that currently exists at Harriet Tubman. In my studies of public policy I've learned that one of the most successful ways to create community is to provide an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to come together and invest in one another through a mentorship program. We have a great diversity of talented individuals who live in our neighborhood, and I'd love to see some of that talent invested in the young minds of Harriet Tubman. I'd plan to work with the Parent Teacher Association as well as the faculty and school administration to see how we could set up a more robust program that would benefit the kids and the community as a whole. 

3) 11th Street Bounce Forward 

11th street has all the potential to be a jewel of thriving business, community, cultural exchange, and fun! I'd like to work with the 11th Street neighbors, business owners, and the main street program District Bridges, to capitalize on that potential and make it thrive, inclusive of seeing the outgoing Commissioner's work on the 11th and Park street dog park brought to fruition. 

4) Your ideas? 

Please join me on Saturday June 27th at 10am to share your ideas.

When: Jun 27, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvce-oqDkqGNXzs4hyXEF7U0IyAp8nQxc_

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Sincerely,

Patrick Flynn

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[Patrick Flynn]

All,

Thank you for the positive feedback and for those who took the time to join me on Saturday to talk. We have a great neighborhood, but there is so much work to do! There always is.

I am happy to say that one of our neighbors, Judson Wood, has expressed a strong interest in being the ANC Commissioner for 1A06.

I am a reluctant candidate. The last term really took it out of me and I was only interested in running again if I had to. I do have a business to run after all.

Please reach out to Judson at jud...@judsonwood.com; he's very excited about the position and has some great experience and background to bring to it and that's exactly what the ANC position needs.

Best,

Patrick