WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau is defending her work following the latest recall effort she is facing over the rising crime in the District.
"I understand people's concerns about crime," Nadeau told WUSA9 just hours after a Columbia Heights business owner filed the paperwork with the DC Board of Elections to create the recall committee.
Nadeau who has been in office since 2015 says public safety is her top priority.
"I work closely with the police and all of our police commanders and made significant investments in homeless services and support for substance abuse disorders," she added.
Diana Alvarez, who owns Lit City Smoke Shop on Park Road Northwest, cited public safety concerns as the reason she wants Nadeau out. She says her business, located in Ward 1, has been violently robbed four times, leaving her with astronomical security costs and her employees terrorized.
Alvarez, who chairs The Committee to Recall Brianne Nadeau was not available for an interview on Wednesday, but a spokesperson told WUSA9:
"Brianne's record on crime and public safety is abysmal. While crime soared, she voted to defund the police and reduce penalties on violent criminals. Nobody can point to a single thing she has accomplished to meaningfully make Washingtonians more safe, and that is why we have launched this effort to remove her from office."
The spokesperson told WUSA9 that their group is made up of, "a handful of supportive residents and small businesses."
A closer look into police data in Ward 1 shows that last year crime rose by 33% compared to 2022. During the same period, homicides doubled with 28 killings.
Nadeau says she currently has three bills before the Council that will help address public safety concerns.
"One that would actually close homicides more quickly, another that would help fix our 911 call center, and actually a third that would recruit officers to our cadet program."
The effort to oust the Ward 1 Councilmember comes just days after the DC Board of Elections issued a petition for the recall effort against her colleague Charles Allen. The Ward 6 Councilmember also faces scrutiny over the violence in the District.
In the streets of Columbia Heights, opinions about the recall were not black and white. One resident called crime a complicated, "Multifaceted. A lot of layers to it. So hard to discern, even in a vacuum, what the best approach is let alone ousting leadership. I feel like I have to do more research."
Another resident named Ursula told WUSA9 she is open to a recall because now she fears even going to the grocery store.
"It wasn't like this. It's getting worse. We are thinking seriously of moving. This is not okay," she said.
Another long-time Ward 1 resident said she supports Nadeau but admitted she is also concerned with the crime in the area.
"She's doing a pretty good job but so many complain," she added.
The Nadeau Recall Committee says they will spend the next weeks raising awareness and funds before filing a notice of intent to recall. At that point, they will have 180 days to collect the signatures of 10% of the registered voters in Ward 1. If they are able to get the signatures, then the District of Columbia Board of Elections can certify the recall for a special election.
In the meantime, Nadeau says she has an open door for residents and business owners who want to voice their public safety concerns, including those who are a part of the recall committee.
"I will focus on doing the work that I was sent here to do by Ward 1 voters, and I will keep doing that regardless of any recall efforts," Nadeau said.
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