Where I Stand

No Taxation Without Representation. DC does not have a vote in Congress and, therefore, residents should not pay federal income taxes. Other districts and territories (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands) do not pay federal income taxes, and DC should not either.

This will put more money into the pockets of every DC resident right away, and this can be accomplished quickly.

Following the Revolutionary War, a group of unpaid soldiers descended upon Congress

and demanded payment for services provided. Congress asked the "governor" (then called the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania) to send the militia for their protection. However, he declined, leaving the congressmen to flee and fend for themselves. 

When Congress reconvened years later to draft the Constitution, the founding fathers realized that the federal government could never safely rely on any individual state for its safety and security and thus established a "district" as the capital, or seat of government, for the new Nation.

The Founders realized that if the capital city were located within a state, Congress would always be at the mercy of that state's governor and National Guard for physical protection. Thus, DC cannot become a state under the Constitution as it is currently written. For DC to become a state, Congress would have to amend the Constitution. To amend the Constitution, 2/3 of the vote is necessary in the House and Senate. 

In keeping with the precedent of other districts and territories, DC should not be subject to federal income taxes.

DC has an abundance of empty places that can easily be converted into living spaces. If you increase the supply of housing, it will reduce demand, making housing more affordable.  I will advocate for new development and less bureaucracy ASAP. DC will attract private investors to build, build, build!

The District should continue to work with and coordinate efforts with federal law enforcement if, and when, necessary. Data shows that crime went down as a result of federal law enforcement presence.

As a resident and homeowner in DC, I noticed a stark contrast in my community before and after the presence. Many DC residents, including myself, feel safer now and would continue to welcome federal law enforcement for a safer DC.

There was an interim Report prepared by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Majority Staff where DC Precinct Commanders were interviewed and they believed there was a reduction in crime due to coordinated efforts between local and federal law enforcement and that they would continue to welcome their help as it alleviated strain from their precincts.

Read the House Oversight Committee Interim Report (PDF)

View the MPD Crime Statistics Document Request (PDF)