The Capital News Endorses Veda Rasheed

The Capital News proudly endorses Veda Rasheed for Ward 7 DC Council

By: Jacqueline Walker

The Capital News Team

Veda Rasheed is the change Ward 7 needs.

The Capital News recognizes Miss Rasheed as an authentic voice from a community tired of politics as usual, and we proudly endorse her for the Ward 7 seat on the DC Council.

Born and raised in River Terrace, Democrat Veda Rasheed is a mom of two, an accomplished attorney, and a community advocate who has served in every branch of the DC government. Leadership in the nation’s capital requires a heart for the diverse culture of DC residents. After coming in second in the 2020 Ward 7 race, Miss Rasheed has continued to fight for the community that raised her.

Veda is ready for the next step in servant leadership. She will continue to stand up, speak out, and fight for the future of Ward 7 by creating a safe community, putting education first, advocating for affordable housing, and working to expand economic development and constituent services as the next Ward 7 councilmember.

Veda Rasheed continues to demonstrate that she moves with the heartbeat of Ward 7 and fights alongside her neighbors to cre- ate the community that Ward 7 deserves.

Rasheed has expressed, “This community has poured a lot into me. I will always work for Ward 7. Certain communities, particularly those East of the River, are too often forgotten. I will not let that happen as your councilmember.” Ward 7 is in Veda’s blood and her experience and upbringing make her uniquely positioned to serve as the next councilmember representing Ward 7 on the DC Council.

Rasheed has also demonstrated a commitment to strengthening education standards and building community schools as former Chair of the Ward 7 Young Democrats, Ward 7 Parent Leader for My School D.C. Advisory Council, and a Ward 7 PAVE Parent

Representative. Partnering with networks such as the Catholic University of America Law (CUA Law) Pro Bono Program, she coordinated back-to-school supply collection and delivery to Ward 7 schools such as Anne Beers, Kimball, DC Scholars, and Randle Highlands. On the state of education in DC, Rasheed says, “Our focus must be comprehensive, addressing the infrastructure, curriculum, and the holistic development of our children. Education is not just about the classroom, it’s about creating lifelong learners who are well-equipped to navigate the world and contribute to society in a meaningful way.”

She is committed to representing every neighborhood in Ward 7, regardless of income.

Miss Rasheed suggests that change is need- ed in Ward 7. “The old ways aren’t working,” she says. “We have an opportunity to chart a new course in Ward 7. We are on the cusp of something great here, and I have the lived and professional experience that makes me ready to lead and bring the change we need to Ward 7.”

D.C. Voters are encouraged to vote for the change Ward 7 needs by supporting Veda Rasheed as Ward 7’s next councilmember. Early voting begins May 23, 2024, and runs through June 3, 2024. You can also vote in person on June 4, 2024.

D.C. voters must request a mail-in absentee ballot by May 20th. To request the ballot, go to the D.C. Board of Elections (BOE) webpage at dcboe.org or call 202-741-5283. To have your vote counted, mail your ballot by June 4, 2024. Postage is free.

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Veda Rasheed for Ward 7 DC Council On the Issues

Public Safety

Investments in public safety are key to ensuring the vitality and vibrancy of any community. As a lifelong resident of Ward 7 and a mother whose children have seen firsthand the effects of violent crime, I have always been acutely aware of how necessary it is to approach crime holistically. Ward 7 requires tailored solutions that address not just the symptoms, but the root causes of crime. We must focus on investments in our workforce, education, mental health resources, and substance abuse prevention. We must also take a smart approach to policing. Focusing on training, transparency, and community integration can help prevent a vicious cycle of crime and generational trauma. In supporting our youth, we must establish intervention and mentorship programs before they see crime as an option. Additionally, by creating stable housing options to curb homelessness and investing in rehabilitation pro- grams with a focus on community service, we can take crucial steps toward achieving our public safety goals. I believe that emphasizing prevention rather than relying solely on punishment can help us build a safer and brighter future.

Education

At the heart of every thriving community is a robust education system that sets high standards and provides unwavering support for all students. Ward 7 deserves nothing less. Our schools reflect our commitment to education, and maintaining and improving them is crucial for creating an environment conducive to academic achievement. Classrooms should be equipped with up-to-date materials and technology, ensuring students and teachers have all the tools necessary to succeed. We are long overdue on investing in inclusive education systems that promote student literacy, as well as establishing incentives and opportunities for our educators. Our schools should serve as community hub zones that encourage collaborative environments built on transparency and open communication, ensuring trust and accountability in our schools. As a mother, I know that the well-being of our students is a priority. Every student should feel safe in our schools. That’s why we must boost the Safe Passage program and invest in mental health support to ensure disruption-free classrooms and happier and healthier environments for our students.

Affordable Housing

Housing isn’t just a structure; it’s a foundation for security, community, and prosperity. While Washington, DC may position itself as a beacon of opportunity for all, Ward 7 residents are experiencing soaring housing costs and an ever-increasing affordability gap. Addressing housing affordability isn’t just about economics; it’s about preserving the fabric and diversity of our communities. I am committed to expanding affordable housing units by incentivizing new developers and offering grants to existing property owners to maintain and renovate older buildings in an effort to provide additional affordable units in Ward 7. To maintain this approach, we must implement and enforce strict rent control policies and establish tenant rights to protect our residents. Expanding homeowner pro- grams, Community Land Trusts, and property tax systems built on a sliding scale will allow new and lifelong residents to remain in their generational homes, or purchase their first homes in Ward 7. Additionally, we must enhance our housing voucher programs and create innovative housing solutions that provide sustainable and affordable alternatives to ensure that housing is guaranteed for all DC residents.

Economic Empowerment

Ward7 is not just a place on a map. It’s a tapestry of dreams, hopes, and untapped potential, standing at the cusp of dynamic transformation. However, to ensure that the winds of change bring prosperity to all, we must redefine our approach to economic development. As Ward 7 falls behind in economic development, it is necessary to create a foundation where every individual has the opportunity to flourish, which is the cornerstone of amplifying equitable growth. We must build entrepreneurship programs, especially for residents from marginalized communities, to provide training, mentor- ship, and access to resources that allow new and existing business owners to succeed in Ward 7.

I will also advocate for a sustainable living wage that can benefit employees and employers, ensuring that no family lives pay- check to paycheck and can build generation- al wealth. By creating investments toward financial literacy and legacy programs, we can help boost job creation and wealth retention within our community. As a business owner, I know that at the root of every thriving business is sturdy infrastructure and connectivity. I will make it my priority to improve our transportation links, digital infrastructure, and skill training to reach our goals toward positive economic progress.

Constituent Services

Constituent services are essential for building trust, ensuring accountability, and addressing the daily challenges and concerns of the residents of Ward 7. As the next Ward 7 councilmember, I will pioneer a new era of proactive and responsive constituent services. We will work to build specialized and well-trained teams to respond to the issues Ward 7 residents bring to my office. As your councilmember, I pledge to have open lines of communication, including weekly office hours, regular Ward Walks, and online portals that allow community members to connect with me on the issues they face every day. Finally, I know that our local organizations have a lot to offer. That’s why I am committed to collaborating with them to enhance our community services and build educational opportunities that provide avenues of support and opportunity across Ward 7.