neighborhood news
O
ELECTI N COVERAGE
Candidates for Ward 7 and Ward 8 Council Seats
Trayon White Faces Multiple Challengers in Ward 8 Race
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by Elizabeth O’Gorek
he council seats for both Ward 7 and Ward 8 are on the ballot this November. Three candidates are challenging the incumbent Ward 8 councilmember for the seat. Meanwhile, the current Councilmember is the only registered candidate on the ballot for Ward 7. Here are thumbnail sketches of the candidates: Candidates are listed alphabetically, with incumbents appearing at the end of the list.
Ward 7
There is only one registered candidate on the ballot in the contest to represent Ward 7 on DC Council. Incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray was elected to represent the residents of Ward 7 in 2004 and 2016. He served as Chairman of the Council of DC from 2007 to 2011 and as the seventh mayor of the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2015. Gray graduated from Dunbar High School and George Washington Uni-
versity and has held political office for nearly 20 years. As Councilmember, Gray has prioritized issues including healthcare, grocery access and early childhood education. He has advocated for increased access to healthcare for residents of Wards 7 and 8, including the establishment of a new hospital. He has pushed to end the food deserts in the east end of the city by encouraging the establishment of grocery stores and holding those in operation accountable to residents. Finally, he is working to fund early childhood education for kids from birth to age three across the District. In addition to representing the residents of Ward 7, Gray currently serves as Chair of the Council Committee on Health. vincegray2020.com | Twitter: @VinceGray2020 Instagram: @VinceGray2020 | vincegray2020@gmail.com
Incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray
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E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Ward 8
Christopher M. Cole is a native Washingtonian who attended Frank W. Ballou Senior High School and is now a certified paralegal working as Human Resources Manager for electrical contractor A. Wash & Associates. In the past, Cole has advocated for Returning Citizens, partnered with the DC Department of Employment Services (DCOES) and Wheeler Creek Community Development Corporation to facilitate the Project Empowerment Program and was the Founder of the Young Male Achiever Program in partnership with the FH Faunteroy Community Enrichment Center. Cole said he is committed to enhancements in mental health, crime and safety, education, workforce development. In terms of safety, he said it is imperative to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. He wants to create a Parent Rearing Accountability Program to provide mandatory classes to those parents who are a part of the intake/release and parole and probation process of youth offenders age 12 to 21. He plans to use his experience working alongside non-profits and politicians to promote positive change and collab-
